Grout is porous, so it holds onto soap scum, mildew and dirt that a sponge slides right over. The fix is a stiff, narrow brush, the right cleaner, and a little patience. Here is a simple routine that works on most ceramic and porcelain tile floors and shower walls.
What you need
- A narrow bristle brush. A small flat or pointed head on a cordless spin scrubber works well, and so does an old toothbrush for small areas.
- A cleaner: a paste of baking soda and water for routine cleaning, or a store-bought grout cleaner for heavier buildup.
- A spray bottle of warm water and a microfiber cloth.
Step by step
- Test first. Try your cleaner and brush on a small, hidden spot. Colored or sealed grout and natural stone can react to acidic or harsh cleaners.
- Wet the area. Spray the grout lines with warm water so the cleaner spreads evenly.
- Apply the cleaner. Spread baking soda paste along the lines, or follow the directions on your grout cleaner. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Scrub along the line. Work in short sections, running the brush along each grout line rather than across the tile. With a spin scrubber, use the low speed first and let the bristles do the work instead of pressing hard.
- Rinse and wipe. Spray with clean water and wipe the loosened grime away with a microfiber cloth. Repeat on any stubborn spots.
- Dry it. A dry surface slows mildew from coming back. Run the bathroom fan or open a window.
Safety note
Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaners, as the combination can release harmful fumes. Use one product at a time, rinse between products, and keep the room ventilated.
Keep it clean longer
- Squeegee or wipe shower walls after use.
- Give grout a quick scrub every week or two so buildup never gets heavy.
- Once grout is clean and fully dry, consider a grout sealer to make future cleaning easier.
The tool we sell for this
Our Cordless Electric Spin Scrubber (made by Leebein) comes with eight heads, including small flat and pointed heads sized for grout lines, and a handle that extends to 51.2 inches so you can reach floor grout standing up. It is $64.99 with free US shipping and 30-day returns.