Whether the grout is between the tiles of your kitchen backsplash, shower walls, or tile floor, it’s bound to get dirty. If you feel like you’re constantly battling to keep grout clean, we’ve put together some methods to help. While we can’t promise that you’ll never have to scrub grout again, these cleaning methods, if used regularly, will reduce your scrubbing time.

Steam Cleaner

The best non-scrubbing method for cleaning grout is steam cleaning. Steam cleaners heat water to more than 200°F. Most have a nozzle with a brush so you can direct blasts of steam onto the grout and easily brush away grime.

• Following the manufacturer’s directions, attach the brush nozzle to the cleaner.
• Fill the steam cleaner with water and turn on the unit.
• Turn on the steam and direct it onto the grout, brushing with back-and-forth strokes.
• Clean a small section at a time. As each area is finished, use a cloth, sponge, or mop to absorb the dirty water before it settles back into the grout.

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Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are a good team for cleaning grout. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent and baking soda works as a gentle abrasive.

• Mix 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid, 1/2 cup baking soda, and 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide in a bowl or squeeze bottle.
• Apply the mixture to the grout lines and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Use an old toothbrush with soft bristles to scrub the grout is clean.
• Rinse the area with a mop dipped in cool water and dry with an old towel.

Oxygen Bleach and Warm Water

Powdered oxygen bleach will help brighten and whiten grout. Use warm or hot water so the powder will dissolve well.

• Make a paste of 1/2 cup of oxygen bleach powder and 1/4 cup of very warm water.
• Spread the paste on the grout with a sponge or cloth. Let it work for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Scrub grout lightly with an old toothbrush to loosen the soil.
• Rinse the area with a damp mop and dry with an old towel.

Commercial Grout Cleaner

When selecting a commercial grout cleaner, look for one that contains oleic acid and potassium hydroxide as active ingredients. These ingredients work together to help loosen dirt and grime from surfaces while protecting them. Follow the label directions for using the product.

Alkaline Cleaners

An alkaline cleaner like washing soda works well to clean greasy residue in grout on kitchen backsplashes or floors. Always wear gloves when cleaning with washing soda as it can cause skin irritation.

• Make a paste of 1/2 cup of washing soda and 1/4 cup of hot water.
• Spread the paste on the grout with a sponge or cloth. Let it work for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Scrub the grout with a soft-bristled nylon brush to loosen soil.
• Rinse the area with a mop and cool water and dry with an old towel.

How to Keep Tile Grout Clean for Longer

Once you have the grout clean, you’ll want it to stay that way for as long as possible. One tip is to remove moisture from grout, especially in the bathroom, as quickly as possible. Use a towel to dry the floor after a shower and turn on a ventilation fan to help prohibit mold growth.

The best way to keep the grout clean is to apply a sealant. Most will last between six months and a year depending on how much traffic the floor receives. Sealers can be penetrating or topical. Both fill in the pores in the grout to prevent dirt and grime embedding. Always wait at least 24 hours between cleaning the grout and applying the sealant to be sure the grout is dry.