Dirty grout is an eyesore — here’s how experts recommend cleaning it
To clean even the dirtiest grout, you should look to tools like cleaning sprays and scrub brushes.
NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown and I both tried out this grout cleaning solution from Zep and while the bleach smell is quite strong, we found that it works extremely well in cleaning and lightening the grout in our bathrooms. Since this is a liquid and not a spray, a little goes a long way With that said, I recommend using it with a scrub brush to get a more thorough clean and a pair of rubber cleaning gloves to prevent it from splashing on your hands. Also, since the scent is powerful, be sure to open a window and/or have a fan going while you clean to help it filter out more quickly.
Experts I spoke to also recommend using a grout sealant to give your grout a fresh start. As opposed to cleaning grout itself, this pen works similarly to White-Out, essentially sealing older soiled grout with a fresh strip of bright white coverage. It also dries quickly, doesn’t have a strong smell, according to the brand, and it’s simple to use — all you have to do is press down on the tip repeatedly to start using it. The pen also has a 4-star average rating from 38,088 reviews on Amazon.
This spray, which has a 4.4-star average rating from 5,577 reviews on Amazon, is ideal for cleaning grout and grime, including mold, mildew and soap scum, which often start to accumulate around your shower and bathtub. It’s safe to use on porcelain, ceramic tiles, natural stone like granite and fiberglass, according to the brand. The brand recommends spraying it directly on the surface and letting it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge and doing a rinse after.
To use several of the products above to their fullest extent, you’ll need a good tool to get your grout clean, so it’s smart to start with a slender brush with stiff bristles. Grout is a porous material, so you have to use an abrasive tool to thoroughly clean it and get rid of dirt and grime. This set has two slim brushes — one large one and another small one for cleaning grout of different widths. With a 4.7-star average rating from 32,618 reviews on Amazon, this set is ideal for clearing out grout, but the small brush also has a wiper blade on the end for cleaning small crevices around your sink and tub.
This popular multipurpose tool from Bissell works miracles on bathroom surfaces, especially dirty grout. It’s a steam cleaner that has a long pointy end to it so you can aim a powerful flow of steam directly onto your grout to lift up the dirt and grime. While it’s important to use a device like this with caution — the steam gets very hot and can lead to burns — it’s also extremely satisfying to see it in action. A newer version of the brand’s previous Steam Shot (which NBC Select staff members Rosalie Sparaco and Zoe Malin love), this new model is safe to use in family households, according to the brand, and it comes with multiple attachments including a scrub brush and an angled applicator.
There are a few different ways to clean grout. Our experts recommend using the following step-by-step guide:
Grout is a type of mortar made of cement used to fill between tiles and bricks. This includes tile floors, walls and backsplashes. When it comes to tile floors, such as the one in a bathroom, grout often becomes dirty for several reasons, according to Jennifer Rodriguez, chief hygiene officer at ProHouskeepers. “Dirty grout is mainly caused by the buildup of dirt, grime and mildew, often exacerbated in high-traffic or damp areas,” she says. “Regular foot traffic can grind dirt into the grout, and moisture can lead to mold or mildew.” Grout is typically white, but over time, dirt and grime cause it to appear gray or brown.
Aside from manually cleaning grout, it’s also a good idea to take steps to defend against dirt and grime in the future, according to Melissa Maker, founder of cleaning site Clean My Space. “Prevention involves regularly cleaning and sealing grout with a grout sealer to reduce its porosity,” she says. “Think of sealing grout like putting a ‘top coat’ on nail polish.” You can also prevent your grout from getting dirty by regularly using a squeegee to clean up excess moisture on the walls of the shower and any glass.
A grout sealant comes in the form of a paste or thick liquid that you can apply with a squeeze bottle or other applicators. It can drastically improve the appearance of grout and make it look cleaner. “Applying a high-quality grout sealer once a year helps to prevent potential contaminants and detritus from getting into the porous surface of your grout, making it far more resistant to water and stains,” says Courtney Walsh, a cleaning expert at Homeaglow. “ Typically, you can get away with re-sealing once every two years but annually is often best, especially in homes where bathrooms have high usage, poor ventilation or hard water.”
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select, who regularly reports on cleaning related content and interviews cleaning experts. I’ve covered topics such as how to clean a mattress and window air conditioner.
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