Are your tiles top-notch, but your bathroom still looks tired? Don't blame the ceramic, but those few millimeters of space between them. Grouts are a silent traitor to hygiene, but with our tricks you'll get rid of them faster than you would if you were renovating.
Let's be honest: joints are probably the most thankless element of your home. They're porous, slightly dented, and a magnet for everything you don't want in your life—from soap scum and limescale to that suspicious mold that appears overnight. Even if you wash your floors religiously every Saturday, dirty grout creates an optical illusion of uncleanliness. They're like that one wrinkle on a shirt that ruins the entire look, except we're talking about the space where you're supposed to feel the cleanest. And no, it's not just an aesthetic problem; darkened grout is often a sign that moisture has penetrated the structure, which is just one step away from peeling tiles.
But before you panic and call a tiler or start searching for a bathroom renovation loan, take a deep breath. Grouting is one of those rare DIY projects that offers instant gratification with minimal investment. You don’t need a chemistry degree, just a little strategy. We’ve rounded up ten methods—from grandma’s pantry to heavy-duty tools and genius social media hacks—that actually work. Forget scrubbing until you’re exhausted; the goal is to work smarter, not harder, and give your bathroom that “just moved in” smell and look.
10 proven methods for cleaning grout (from natural to “nuclear”)
1. Homemade volcano: Baking soda and alcohol vinegar
This isn't just a Pinterest myth, it's chemistry in action. The key isn't in the mixing itself, but in the order.
Process: Mix baking soda and water in a ratio of 3:1 to make a thick paste (not a liquid!). Apply this paste to the grout with your fingers or a spatula. Only then spray the alcohol vinegar over it.
Why it works: The reaction (foaming) mechanically lifts the dirt from the pores of the grout. Leave it on until the foaming stops, then rub it in. The grout will not only be clean, but also degreased.
2. Chlorine-free bleaching: Hydrogen peroxide
If your grout is white but has turned yellowish or brownish, this is your chance. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that is safe for most tiles.
Process: Use 3% hydrogen peroxide (available at the drugstore). You can use it alone or mix it with baking soda for an abrasive effect.
Key tip: Leave on for at least 15 minutes. Peroxide needs time to oxidize organic stains. Ideal for those who cannot tolerate the aggressive smell of bleach.
3. Mediterranean Refreshment: Lemon and Borax
Borax is an often overlooked mineral, but when combined with acid, it is extremely effective against mold.
Process: Mix a cup of borax with freshly squeezed lemon juice to make a paste. Apply and rub in.
Bonus: Citric acid breaks down limescale, which often accumulates on shower grout, and lemon essential oils ensure that the bathroom doesn't smell "clean" but rather fresh.
4. Heatstroke: Steam cleaner
If you have a steam cleaner at home and only use it for floors, you're making a mistake. This is the most hygienic way to clean.
Why is it a superior method?: Steam under pressure (over 100 °C) literally shoots dirt out of the micropores of the grout, while at the same time thermally destroying mold spores and bacteria.
Warning: No chemicals, no residue. Just wipe away the dirty water that comes out. Just be careful with the silicone seals so that the heat doesn't deform them.
5. Oxidizing power: Oxygen bleach
Forget chlorine. Oxygen bleach (often found in powders like OxiClean or Vanish) is the secret weapon of the pros.
Process: Dissolve the powder in hot water (hot water activates the release of oxygen). Apply to the joints and leave for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Advantage: Unlike chlorine, which eventually "eats" grout and makes it brittle, oxygen bleach is safe and does not destroy the structure, and it is also safe for colored grout.
6. Heavy-duty cleaners: When nature fails
Sometimes the dirt is simply too stubborn for baking soda. If you're dealing with deep-seated black mold, reach for a dedicated grout cleaner (usually chlorine- or acid-based).
Rule: Always ventilate the room. These cleaners are effective but aggressive. Apply, leave for 10 minutes, rinse. Do not mix with other cleaners!
7. In every kitchen: Dishwashing detergent (degreasing)
Kitchen joints are often dirty due to grease fumes from cooking, which attract dust.
Solution: Toothbrush + concentrated dish detergent.
Trick: Use warm water. Dish detergents are formulated to break down lipids (fats), which vinegar can't do as effectively. Great for kitchen backsplashes.
8. Mechanical superiority: Drill bit
Why scrub by hand and risk tennis elbow? You can buy a set of brushes that attach to a cordless drill online (Amazon, AliExpress) or in better-stocked hardware stores.
Process: Apply the cleaner, turn the drill on low speed, and let the rotation do the work. This is by far the fastest method for larger areas, such as a hallway floor or an entire bathroom.
9. Prevention is the law: Impregnation of joints
Have you cleaned the grout? Great. Now for the most important step that 90 % people skip: protection.
What to do: Once the joints are completely dry, coat them with a joint sealant. This creates a water-repellent film that prevents dirty water from soaking into the joints. This means that subsequent cleaning will only require a simple wipe with a cloth.
10. Cosmetic fix: Grout marker
Are the grout lines clean, but have persistent stains that won't go away? Don't give up.
Solution: Grout marker is actually paint with an antimicrobial agent. Simply “paint” the grout.
Effect: The bathroom will look as if it was grouted yesterday. It is a quick, cheap and extremely effective solution if you are selling your apartment or expecting important visits.
Joints are a mirror of your discipline (and style)
Don't let dirty lines get in between tiles steal the spotlight from your designer ceramics. Cleaning grout doesn't have to be a day-long chore; with the right chemicals (or steam) and a little patience to let the products do their job, it can be surprisingly quick. And that feeling when you walk into a bathroom that shines like a five-star hotel? Priceless.
