5 simple ways to clean tile grout

Stained, yellowed and even mouldy tile grout is commonly found in our homes. Dirty tile grout makes the whole bathroom feel unclean and old. Before you go all out and start thinking about renovations to freshen up your bathroom, there are simpler and above all cheaper ways to give the bathroom a lift.

Here you will find 5 simple ways to clean tile grout and make your bathroom look like new again. And the best part? It takes no more than 30 minutes of your valuable time!

1. A simple way to clean tile grout with bicarbonate of soda and water

Do you have bicarbonate of soda at home? How about skipping the bread baking this time and instead using it to remove grease, dirt and limescale that likes to stick in tile grout?

You need:

1 dl bicarbonate of soda

0.5 dl water

1 old toothbrush

Do this:

Mix bicarbonate of soda with water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the tile grout and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then take the toothbrush and scrub thoroughly in each tile grout line. Even better if you have an old electric toothbrush you can use for that purpose. When you have worked through all the grout, you can wipe them clean with a cloth. Done!

If you have some bicarbonate of soda (and energy!) left after cleaning the grout, it can actually be used to clean the whole home. Everything from carpets and mattresses to walls and floors. Read more in our post about environmentally friendly cleaning with bicarbonate of soda.

2. Great tips for cleaning tile grout that is white

It may be worth mentioning that this method should only be used on tile grout that has at least once been white. This is because hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent.

You need:

1 dl hydrogen peroxide

1 dl water

1 spray bottle

1 old toothbrush

1 pair of rubber gloves

Do this:

Since this method uses hydrogen peroxide, we recommend that you wear rubber gloves throughout the process. Pour hydrogen peroxide and water into the spray bottle. Then spray thoroughly on your white tile grout, let it sit for 10 minutes and scrub with a toothbrush as usual. Then rinse clean with warm water and wipe with a cloth.

3. How you can clean tile grout with white wine vinegar

You need:

2 dl white wine vinegar

1 dl warm water

1 spray bottle

1 scrubbing brush or sponge

Do this:

Pour white wine vinegar and water into a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray the mixture on the tile grout, let it sit for 15 minutes and then scrub thoroughly with a scrubbing brush or sponge. Then rinse clean with warm water and wipe with a cloth. White wine vinegar has antibacterial and bleaching properties, so besides cleaning tile grout, you also fight mould and make the bathroom smell fresh and clean.

4. Ground-in dirt? Use bleach to clean tile grout with stubborn stains

Many of us have lived in unclean rental apartments that probably haven't seen a scouring sponge in years. But don't despair! For ground-in dirt on tile grout, it may be worth using stronger agents, such as bleach.

You need:

5 dl warm water

3 tbsp bleach

1 spray bottle

1 scrubbing brush

1 pair of rubber gloves

Do this:

Since bleach is a bleaching agent, we recommend that you wear rubber gloves throughout the process. Pour bleach and water into the spray bottle. Then spray thoroughly on the tile grout to be cleaned, let it sit for 10 minutes and scrub with a scrubbing brush. Then rinse clean with warm water and wipe with a cloth.

If, against expectations, bleach is not enough to remove dirt from the grout, it may be a good idea to invest in a grout pen which you then use to paint on the grout.

5. Apple cider vinegar – your kitchen friend that can also help you clean tile grout

Apple cider vinegar is a very good thing to have at home. It has many health benefits, is often used in recipes and can also remove grease, dust and other dirt from your tile grout! Talk about a miracle remedy!

You need:

1 dl apple cider vinegar

1 dl warm water

1 spray bottle

1 scrubbing brush or sponge

Do this:

Pour apple cider vinegar and water into a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray the mixture on the tile grout, let it sit for 10 minutes and then scrub thoroughly with a scrubbing brush or sponge. Then rinse clean with warm water and wipe with a cloth.

Bonus tip: To prevent dirt, dust and mould in the tile grout, you can impregnate the grout with an ordinary white wax candle. A simple way to avoid cleaning tile grout constantly!

Would you rather do something more enjoyable in your free time than cleaning tile grout?

At Städade Hem we have cleaned tile grout for many years and know how to make them look like new.

Feel free to contact us if you want help getting your bathroom clean or if there are other cleaning projects in your home you don't have the energy to tackle. We are happy to help you with both regular home cleaning and deep cleaning in Stockholm.