How to Clean Floor Grout: From Light Maintenance to Deep Stain Removal

Grout is the most neglected part of any tiled floor — and the part that makes the biggest visual difference when it's clean. Porous and prone to staining, grout lines trap dirt, mold, and mildew that regular mopping can't reach. This guide covers how to clean floor grout effectively, from routine maintenance to tackling years of built-up staining.

What You'll Need

• Clean-eez Grout Cleaner with Stand-Up Brush (2-Pack, 32 oz) — heavy-duty grout cleaner with a purpose-built stand-up scrubbing brush; no kneeling required
• Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (24-pack) — for wiping and rinsing
• MEXERRIS Spray Mop with Washable Microfiber Pads — for rinsing the floor after grout cleaning
• Baking soda and white vinegar (for DIY method)
• Hydrogen peroxide (for stubborn stains)
• Old toothbrush or stiff grout brush
• Warm water

Why Grout Gets So Dirty

Grout is made of cement-based material that is naturally porous. It absorbs dirt, oils, cleaning product residue, and moisture. In bathrooms, it also absorbs soap scum and develops mold and mildew. Regular mopping pushes dirty water into the grout lines rather than cleaning them — which is why grout requires dedicated scrubbing.

Method 1: Clean-eez Grout Cleaner (Best for Deep Cleaning)

The Clean-eez Grout Cleaner is specifically formulated for ceramic, porcelain, and tile grout. The flip-top cap and stand-up brush attachment mean you can clean grout without kneeling on the floor.

1. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose debris
2. Apply Clean-eez Grout Cleaner directly along the grout lines
3. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to penetrate and loosen the staining
4. Scrub along the grout lines with the stand-up brush using firm back-and-forth strokes
5. Rinse the floor thoroughly with warm water using the MEXERRIS Spray Mop
6. Buff dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots on the tile

Method 2: Baking Soda + Vinegar (DIY Method)

A classic combination that works well for moderately stained grout.

1. Sprinkle baking soda generously along the grout lines
2. Spray white vinegar over the baking soda — it will fizz and bubble
3. Let the reaction work for 5–10 minutes
4. Scrub with a stiff brush or old toothbrush along the grout lines
5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and mop clean

Important: Do not use vinegar on natural stone tile (marble, travertine) — the acid etches the stone surface.

Method 3: Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide (For Stubborn Stains)

For heavily stained or discolored grout, hydrogen peroxide is more powerful than vinegar.

1. Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration) to form a thick paste
2. Apply the paste along the grout lines with an old toothbrush
3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes
4. Scrub firmly along the grout lines
5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water

This method is safe for ceramic and porcelain tile. Test on a hidden area first for colored grout, as hydrogen peroxide can lighten grout color.

Method 4: Steam Cleaning (For Mold and Mildew)

A handheld steam cleaner is highly effective for grout with mold or mildew. The high-temperature steam kills mold spores and loosens embedded grime without chemicals. Direct the steam nozzle along the grout lines and scrub with a brush attachment. Rinse and dry afterward.

Tackling Mold and Mildew in Grout

Black or green discoloration in grout is usually mold or mildew. To treat it:

1. Apply undiluted white vinegar to the affected grout and let sit 30 minutes
2. Scrub with a stiff brush
3. For severe mold, apply a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and let sit 15 minutes before scrubbing
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry the area completely
5. Improve ventilation in the room to prevent recurrence

Sealing Grout After Cleaning

After deep cleaning, apply a grout sealer to protect the clean grout from future staining. Sealer fills the pores in the grout, making it much more resistant to dirt, moisture, and staining. Reapply annually in high-traffic or wet areas.

How Often Should You Clean Grout?

• Weekly: Regular mopping prevents surface dirt from penetrating grout
• Monthly: Scrub grout lines in high-traffic areas with a brush and cleaning solution
• Every 3–6 months: Deep clean with a dedicated grout cleaner
• Annually: Deep clean and re-seal

Pro Tips

• Always work in small sections — apply cleaner, scrub, and rinse before moving on
• A stand-up grout brush (like the one included with Clean-eez) saves your knees and makes the job much faster
• Rinse thoroughly after any grout cleaning — cleaner residue left in grout attracts more dirt
• Dry the floor completely after cleaning — moisture left in grout encourages mold growth
• Light-colored grout shows staining more visibly — seal it more frequently

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bleach to clean grout?

Diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) can whiten severely stained white grout, but it can discolor colored grout and damage natural stone tile. It also doesn't address the root cause of staining. A dedicated grout cleaner or hydrogen peroxide paste is safer and more effective for most situations.

How do I get black grout lines white again?

Black grout lines are usually caused by mold, mildew, or deeply embedded dirt. Apply Clean-eez Grout Cleaner or a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste, let sit 15 minutes, scrub firmly, and rinse. Multiple treatments may be needed for severe discoloration. After cleaning, seal the grout to prevent recurrence.

Why does my grout get dirty so fast after cleaning?

Unsealed grout is highly porous and absorbs dirt quickly. After deep cleaning, apply a grout sealer — this dramatically slows re-soiling by filling the pores. Also check that you're rinsing thoroughly after mopping, as soap residue in grout lines attracts dirt.

Is it worth re-grouting instead of cleaning?

If grout is cracked, crumbling, or so deeply stained that cleaning doesn't restore it, re-grouting is worth considering. But for most staining, even severe cases, a dedicated grout cleaner with proper technique can restore grout to near-original condition.