Quick answerMake a paste of baking soda + water, scrub into grout lines with an old toothbrush, spray with vinegar, wait 10 minutes, scrub again and rinse. For mold, use hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach on colored grout.
What you'll need
- Baking soda
- White vinegar in a spray bottle
- Old toothbrush or grout brush ($5)
- Hydrogen peroxide (for mold/mildew)
- Old towels
Step-by-step
- Sweep/vacuum the tile first — grit scratches tile while scrubbing.
- Mix the paste: 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Thick, like toothpaste.
- Apply along grout lines with your finger or brush. Be generous.
- Spray vinegar over the paste — it'll fizz.
- Wait 10 minutes, then scrub in small circles with the toothbrush.
- Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
- For mold spots: dab hydrogen peroxide directly, wait 10 minutes, scrub.
What NOT to do
- Bleach on colored grout — can bleach the color out permanently. Test hidden spot first.
- Steel wool or wire brushes — scratch tile glaze.
- Soaking unsealed grout — it absorbs water; work in sections and dry as you go.
<div class="safety"> <strong>🛑 Stop and call a pro if:</strong> <ul> <li>Grout is crumbling out in chunks (needs regrouting, not cleaning)</li> <li>Black mold covers large areas behind tiles (possible water damage)</li> <li>Tiles are loose or hollow-sounding</li> </ul> </div>
DIY vs pro cost
| Option | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| DIY | $0–$10 |
| Professional grout cleaning | $0.75–$2 per sq ft ($150–$400 per room) |
| Regrouting (if needed) | $10–$25 per sq ft |
Printable checklist
- [ ] Tile swept/vacuumed
- [ ] Baking soda paste mixed
- [ ] Paste applied to grout lines
- [ ] Vinegar sprayed, 10-min wait
- [ ] Scrubbed + rinsed
- [ ] Mold spots treated with peroxide
Frequently asked questions
What is the best homemade grout cleaner?
Baking soda paste + vinegar spray — cheap, effective, and safe for most grout.
Can I use bleach on grout?
On white grout, diluted bleach is fine. On colored grout, it can permanently discolor — use hydrogen peroxide instead.
How often should I clean grout?
Deep clean every 3–6 months; wipe spills promptly to prevent staining.
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