gloved hand cleaning tile floor with sponge
It's best to use mild solutions when cleaning grout.
CameronAynSmith/Getty Images
  • In high traffic areas like the kitchen, grout requires cleaning every two to three months.
  • Harsh chemical cleaners and coarse scrubbers can break down grout and decrease its lifespan.
  • A mixture of hydrogren peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap will degrease and brighten grout.
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Cleaning grout is one of the most laborious household chores. Home stager Tara Melhus – whose first task when getting homes ready for showing is a thorough deep clean – says you have to do “it on your hands and knees, and if you’re not doing it like that, there’s no point.” 

The more you keep up with your cleaning routine, however, the less straining it is, says Melhus. Before you start scrubbing, know what tools you’ll need and the steps to take that’ll produce the best results.

How often should you clean grout?

In a highly-frequented area like the kitchen, Melhus recommends cleaning the grout every two to three months. Depending on how often your bathroom is used, you may want to adopt a similar cleaning schedule since substances tend to build up faster there.  "Products like makeup, powders, and blushes get into your grout." 

You'll know it's time to scrub once you notice the grout changing color. "If you're unsure about what color your grout is, look behind your toilet because that toilet section would never have foot traffic," she says.

When homemade solutions don't work

If stains remain stubborn after using a homemade solution, it's okay to turn to higher grade cleaning products with more chemicals in them.

"The only thing I would be cautious of is not stripping the grout," Melhus says, so use chemicals sparingly. She also says to avoid grout pens, which can do more harm than good. Instead of cleaning grout, the paint from the pen simply covers up stains, making it even more difficult to eventually clean with this extra layer.

Insider's takeaway

While it definitely requires elbow grease, cleaning grout can be a simple and fairly inexpensive process. Mopping your floors regularly and giving grout a deep clean every few months will make it less time-consuming in the long run.

Ultimately, creating a homemade cleaning solution is cost-effective and yields the best results. "It's abrasive enough without damaging tile," Melhus says.

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