Grout cleaning

What It Means

Grout cleaning is scrubbing the thin lines of grout that fill the gaps between tiles. Arm & Hammer describes grout as porous, and dirt, soap filmSoap scumThe dull, gray-white film that forms on tubs, tile and shower doors when soap reacts with the calcium in hard water. See more and mildew stainsMildewA flat, usually gray or white mold that grows on damp surfaces such as shower grout, curtains and fabric left wet. See more show up in it. The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) recommends a brush and an all-purpose or tub, tile and sink cleaner for everyday dirt, and a mildew stain remover or a measured bleachChlorine bleachHousehold bleach made with sodium hypochlorite that whitens, removes stains and disinfects, but can fade colors and damage some fibers. See more solution for grout that's badly stained or mildewed.

How It Sounds at Home

• "The grout in the shower is turning black."
• "Grab the old toothbrush for the grout lines."
• "Scrub the tile floor, grout and all."

The Breakdown

How often (American Cleaning Institute)

The method

1. Apply an all-purpose or tub, tile and sink cleaner, following its label.
2. Scrub along each line with a brush.
3. Rinse as the label directs.
4. For mildew or deep stains, use a mildew stain remover, or the ACI's solution of 3/4 cup chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water, on its own.

Make it last between cleanings. Let the shower dry out after each use, as the ACI suggests. EPA notes that in most cases moldMoldA fungus that grows indoors wherever moisture lingers. EPA says fix the water problem, then scrub it off hard surfaces with detergent and water. See more won't grow on damp areas dried within 24 to 48 hours. Arm & Hammer also notes that baking soda's mild abrasion helps scrub porous grout.

Good to Know

CDC says household bleach should never be mixed with any other cleaner or disinfectant, so a bleach solution goes on by itself. Buhata's own suggestion: rinse off any earlier product first, and test a cleaner on a hidden patch of colored grout. A grout sealerGrout sealingBrushing or rolling a sealer onto grout lines so they soak up less water and fewer stains. Makers suggest resealing about every year or two. See more maker's data sheet says sealer goes on grout joints that are clean and dry, so a good cleaning is also the first step of sealing.

Related Terms and Categories

• Grout sealing

  Brushing or rolling a sealer onto grout lines so they soak up less water and fewer stains. Makers suggest resealing about every year or two.

• Mildew

  A flat, usually gray or white mold that grows on damp surfaces such as shower grout, curtains and fabric left wet.

• Soap scum

  The dull, gray-white film that forms on tubs, tile and shower doors when soap reacts with the calcium in hard water.

• Bathroom deep clean

  A top-to-bottom bathroom cleaning that reaches grout, tub, toilet, floor and fixtures. The ACI's routine puts it every two weeks.

• Baking soda cleaning

  Using baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as a mild, alkaline scrub and deodorizer on sinks, tubs, grout, trash cans and carpets.

• Grout vs caulk

  Grout fills the joints between tiles on one flat surface; caulk, a flexible sealant, goes where surfaces meet at an angle or can move, like a tub edge.

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