Due to its beauty, durability, and waterproof quality, tile is a great flooring choice for your home—especially in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry area, and mudrooms.

Another nice thing about tile is that it’s super easy to clean. But over time, the porous grout in between the tiles can take on a dirty appearance, gathering cooking stains, dirt and grime, or even mildew. So how do you return your grout to its original, white brilliance? Follow these tips to learn how.

1. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub. An old toothbrush or fingernail brush may do the trick, depending on how serious the stains are. But if you want something more specialized, you can find brushes specifically for cleaning grout at any hardware store. To start, try scrubbing with warm water only. If you find you need something stronger, continue on to the next step.
2. Try a vinegar and water solution. Mix white vinegar and warm water in a 1:1 solution, then spray on the stained grout and let stand for a few minutes, then scrub.
3. Add baking soda. To enhance the effectiveness of the above method, try spreading a paste of baking soda and water onto the stained area before spraying with vinegar. This will produce a foaming, bubbling chemical reaction that can help to loosen and lift the stain. When the foaming ceases, scrub the grout and rinse.
4. Apply hydrogen peroxide. If none of the above solutions work to get rid of the grout stains, you can try spraying or pouring 3% hydrogen peroxide (the same kind you get at the drug store) directly onto the stains. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then scrub.

Most grout stains can be addressed through one of the four methods above. But if you find yourself struggling with stubborn stains, you might need to escalate the problem to a professional. If you live in the Asheville, NC area, Five Step can help! Give us a call at 828.237.3237 or drop us a line today.