Tile and grout surfaces are ideal for high moisture areas of the home such as kitchens and bathrooms and the amount of tile styles and colors available allow for many unique options.  Over time the tiles and grout accumulate dirt and mildew and because the grout is porous, it is more likely to stain which makes grout cleaning an important part of your regular house cleaning tasks.  Cleaning the grout lines can be a challenging part of your kitchen and bathroom cleaning as many homeowners do not know how to clean grout.  These grout cleaning tips will help you effectively clean your grout lines to improve the appearance of your tile and grout surfaces.

Grout Cleaning Tips for Kitchens and Bathrooms

There are several effective grout cleaning methods commonly used by homeowners to remove dirt and stains.  The severity of the stains should help you determine which method to use as they each require different cleaning products that vary in strength.  The first step of each of these grout cleaning methods is to wash or mop your tile surfaces using plain water or a typical household cleaning product and a brush with stiff bristles.  Use the brush to scrub the grout lines in a circular motion and let it dry before proceeding with one of the following methods.

How to Clean Grout with Vinegar and Ammonia

• Make Cleaning Solution: The first step of this grout cleaning method is to make the cleaning solution.  Get either a large bowl or bucket and mix 7 cups of warm water with ½ cup of baking soda, 1/3 cup of ammonia, and ¼ cup of white vinegar.  Mix these ingredients together until the baking soda dissolves completely.
• Spray Bottle: Once the cleaning solution is made, put it in an empty spray bottle and shake well.
• Applying the Solution: Dampen the grout lines by spraying the solution over them and let it sit on the grout for about 3 to 5 minutes.


How to clean grout

• Scrubbing: Use a stiff bristled brush or toothbrush to really scrub the dirt and stains from the grout lines.  Repeat the application and scrubbing process on every dark spot and stain.
• Clean Excess Liquid: During this process, the dirty cleaning solution may gather on your tiles so make sure to have a separate cloth to wipe it up.
• Final Cleaning: Once you have finished the grout cleaning, wipe down the surface once more with water or a generic cleaning product.

How to Clean Grout with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

When the above grout cleaning method with vinegar and ammonia is not enough to remove dirt and stains from the grout, try cleaning it with this hydrogen peroxide baking soda mixture.

• The Solution: Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together in a bowl to create a thick paste.  The concentrations of each can vary according to your preference.
• Application: Spread a thick layer of paste over the grout using your hand or a small brush and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Scrubbing: After letting the paste set in, scrub the grout lines firmly using a small brush.  If the dirt and stains are not lifted right away, add more paste and continue scrubbing.
• Final Cleaning: Clean up the remaining paste with a damp rag and clean the entire tile and grout surface with water or a conventional cleaner.

How to Clean Grout with Oxygen Bleach

If the previous two grout cleaning methods fail to completely remove the dirt and stains, using oxygen bleach will remove the toughest stains from the grout.  Oxygen bleach is commonly available in powder form and it can dissolve dirt and bacteria that gathers in the grout lines.

• The Solution: Create a mixture of equal parts warm water and oxygen bleach and let the bleach dissolve.
• Application: Pour the solution over the tile and grout surface and make sure the grout is entirely covered.  The solution should be left on the grout for about 15 to 20 minutes.  You can let the bleach set in for up to an hour for tougher stains.
• Scrubbing: After the solution has been allowed to set in, scrub the grout with a small brush and add more of the solution if necessary to help speed up the process.
• Clean Excess Solution: Keep a separate towel handy to wipe up the excess solution after scrubbing.
•  Final Cleaning: Clean the tile and grout surface one last time using water or a generic household cleaner.

Grout Maintenance Tips

The best way to prevent the grout from accumulating dirt and major stains is by practicing good maintenance.  These maintenance tips should become a regular part of your house cleaning routine, especially when it comes to bathroom and kitchen cleaning.

• Immediately clean up all spills including dry spills.
• Clean up small stains regularly using white toothpaste or a baking soda and water mixture.
• Make sure high moisture areas such as the kitchen and bathroom are well ventilated.
• Applying grout sealer once a year can help keep the grout protected from mildew.

Grout Cleaning Cost

Typical costs:
• Professional cleaning services frequently offer specialized tile and grout cleaning. Most costs are calculated based on square footage. Typically, grout and tile cleaning costs $1-$3 per square foot, with many companies requiring a $100-$200 minimum. Cleaning a typical bathroom of 9’x11′ could cost $100-$300. Master bathrooms, which are typically 10’x15′, would cost $150-$450. For an average kitchen of 300 square feet, cleaning a tile floor and grout costs $300-$900.
• Basic grout cleaning can be done by hand with a brush and cleaning solution. Cleaning solutions typically cost $7-$12 per bottle and brushes cost $1-$20 apiece, depending on size.


Average Grout Cleaning Costs, photo by home.costhelper.com

Tile and grout is the preferred surface type for kitchens and bathrooms because of their resistance to moisture and tiles come in a variety of colors and styles to create a range of different looks.  When the grout lines become stained or dirty, it can diminish the look of the tile surface.  Following these grout cleaning tips will help you keep your grout clean and avoid mold or mildew growth in your kitchen or bathroom.  If you are still unsure of how to clean grout, you can contact a grout cleaning service for more information or to set up an appointment.