Dark grout lines between tiles spoil even the best-kept bathroom. Over time, damp, limescale and soap leave those grey or black lines that no mop will shift. If you're wondering how to clean tile grout and restore its original colour, the good news is that you don't need expensive products: with bicarbonate of soda and a bit of patience, most stains come out. In this guide we show you how to clean bathroom tile grout step by step and how to stop it getting dirty again.
Why tile grout gets dirty
Grout is a porous material, so it soaks up everything that lands on it: soap residue, grease in the kitchen, limescale from the water and, above all, damp. In the bathroom, that constant moisture encourages mould, which is what gives grout that ugly blackish tone. In the kitchen, the problem is usually grease mixed with dust. Knowing which kind of stain you're dealing with helps you pick the right method.
How to clean bathroom tile grout step by step
You don't need much to clean bathroom tile grout. Follow these steps:
- Ventilate the bathroom and protect your hands with gloves.
- Wet the grout with warm water to soften the dirt.
- Apply your chosen product and leave it to work for a few minutes.
- Scrub with an old toothbrush or a stiff-bristled brush, always along the line of the grout.
- Rinse with plenty of water and dry thoroughly with a cloth.
The key is scrubbing steadily, without rushing, and not leaving any moisture behind afterwards.
The bicarbonate of soda trick that works best
The most effective and cheapest method is cleaning tile grout with bicarbonate of soda. Mix three parts bicarbonate to one part water until you have a thick paste. Spread it over the grout, leave it for ten minutes and scrub with the brush. If the dirt holds on, add a little white vinegar on top: the foaming reaction helps lift the grime away. Rinse well when you're done. This trick is ideal for white grout that has turned grey.
Other home remedies worth trying
Besides bicarbonate of soda, you have a few more options to hand:
- Neat white vinegar in a spray bottle, very useful against limescale, but don't use it on grout next to marble or natural stone.
- Hydrogen peroxide applied with cotton wool to the most stubborn mould stains.
- Bicarbonate paste with a few drops of lemon to whiten and leave a fresh smell.
- A diluted bleach cleaner only in extreme cases and in a well-ventilated bathroom, never mixed with vinegar.
Always test on a hidden corner first to make sure it doesn't damage the glaze.
How to stop grout getting dirty again
Once it's clean, keeping it that way takes very little. After showering, run a squeegee or a cloth over the walls to remove the water and ventilate the bathroom so it dries as quickly as possible. A couple of times a month, spray the grout with water and a few drops of vinegar to hold mould back. And if the grout is badly damaged or crumbling, it may be time to redo it with fresh filler. Having brushes, a good spray bottle and gloves within reach makes cleaning much more bearable; in our selection of homeware you'll find practical tools to get your bathroom and kitchen spotless.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Some habits ruin grout instead of caring for it. Don't use metal scourers or blades, as they scratch the tile and wear the grout away. Avoid mixing products, especially bleach and vinegar, since they give off toxic fumes. It's also a bad idea to leave bicarbonate paste drying for hours: it loses its effect and becomes harder to rinse off. And remember that scrubbing harder is no substitute for letting the product do its work.
In summary
Now you know how to clean tile grout without complicating things: identify the stain, apply bicarbonate of soda or vinegar depending on the case, scrub with a brush and keep the bathroom dry and ventilated. With a simple routine, those lines will look pale and clean again and your bathroom will gain years. If you'd like to get your home in order, take a look at the Velia Select shop and pick up what you need to keep everything clean and tidy.