Coldwell Banker Realty
Debbie Goldberg, Coldwell Banker RealtyPhone: (203) 506-5846
Email: [email protected]

The Easy Way to Clean Grout

by Debbie Goldberg 03/05/2023

If you have tile in your kitchen or bathroom, you’ve likely had to contend with stained or dirty grout. While tile itself is easy to clean, the space between the tiles requires more effort. However, you don’t need expensive chemicals or cleaning services to make the grout look brand new again. Here is how to clean grout with household items.

Supplies You’ll Need

Dish soap
Baking soda
White vinegar
Warm water
Stiff scrub brush or toothbrush
Sponge
Cup or small bucket
Spray bottle
Grout sealer (optional)

Step by Step Grout-Cleaning

This DIY grout cleaning strategy has multiple steps to maximize the effectiveness of your tools. Here’s what to do:

  1. Fill a cup or small bucket with warm tap water and a few drops of dish soap.

  2. Add a tablespoon or more of the baking soda and mix thoroughly.

  3. Fill your spray bottle with vinegar for easy application. Then, wet the grout lines by spraying the vinegar. This will give you just the right amount of vinegar without covering the entire floor and causing a hazard.

  4. Take your soap and baking soda mixture and carefully pour it onto the grout lines where you added vinegar.

  5. With a scrub brush or hard-bristled toothbrush, scrub the combination of ingredients into the grout. Begin by working in a small area to determine the effectiveness of the mixture with your grout’s level of staining. This will help you figure out whether you need to opt for a stronger commercial cleaning agent instead of your DIY mixture early on, before you attempt to clean the entire room or wall.

  6. After giving the grout lines a good scrubbing, let everything sit for 5 minutes.

  7. Scrub the grout a second time after you’ve waited for the mixture to work its magic. You should hopefully already notice some of the staining coming up from the grout.

  8. Use a sponge to wipe up and absorb any excess vinegar and water. Try to get the surface as dry as you can.

  9. If you have grout sealer, you can apply it along your freshly cleaned grout lines once everything has dried. You’ll need to let the sealer dry for another few hours—consult the included instructions for specifics.

  10. To get rid of any leftover vinegar scent, do a light cleaning of the tile with your normal household cleaning products or with warm water. Now you should have fresh-looking grout lines in your wall, backsplash or floor without need for harsh chemicals.

As with all DIY cleaning projects, your success depends on many factors. Try this strategy first and move on to stronger solutions if you need the extra help.

About the Author
Author

Debbie Goldberg

I'm a full time Realtor with over 30 years of experience yet young enough to embrace today's ever-changing scope of marketing and technology. Having grown up in Connecticut and moved many times (too many to count!) I can empathize with today's buyers and sellers. Strictly maintaining ethical standards and being a fierce advocate on behalf of my clients are things I take very seriously. As a buyer, you can expect me to listen to and evaluate your real estate wants and needs. I can assist in explaining relevant forms, agreements, and closing procedures. I will guide you through the process of finding the right home, negotiating your offer, adhering to all contract dates and terms as well as final walk through and closing procedures. As a seller, I will listen to and evaluate your goals, needs, and timing in order to properly price your home to get the maximum exposure needed to attract the right buyers. In addition to negotiating on your behalf, I will make sure we communicate throughout the entire process as we navigate the contract terms, finance and inspection contingencies, as well as all closing procedures. I was born in Japan, grew up in Hamden and lived in New York, Ohio and Southern California before settling down in New Haven county to raise two kids, two dogs and a cat. I'm passionate about good food and love to bake. Some of my free time has been spent volunteering at Temple Beth Sholom, a synagogue where my family has been members for over 40 years. I also spend time at Tower One/Tower East, an assisted living center in New Haven where my mother-in-law now resides. 30 years of helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals has given me the peace of mind to know that what I do everyday matters. If you are thinking of buying or selling please keep me in mind.