How do you clean grout and keep it clean?
Short answer: For routine cleaning of cement grout, use a pH-neutral cleaner such as diluted dishwashing soap, scrub with a white nylon pad, then rinse with clean water and dry. Grout makers warn against routine vinegar, bleach, or ammonia, because acids weaken cement grout. A sealer helps it resist stains; reapply it when water stops beading.
What is the best way to clean grout?
Many tile floors and showers use cement-based grout. Grout maker TEC says to use a pH-neutral cleaner, such as diluted dishwashing soap, for everyday cleaning. It also says to test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first.
A simple routine that follows that guidance:
- Sweep or vacuum floors so grit does not grind into the joints.
- Apply warm water with a little dish soap to the grout lines.
- Scrub the joints with a white nylon scrub pad or a soft brush.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Dry the area with a towel or squeegee.
TEC stresses rinsing and drying so loosened dirt does not settle back into the joints.
Can you use vinegar or bleach on grout?
Not for routine cleaning of cement grout. TEC’s bulletin says not to use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or general-purpose cleaners containing lemon, lime, or other acids. Routine use can degrade the grout.
The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) explains why. Cement grout is naturally high in pH. Acids lower that pH, which weakens the grout and makes it more porous. Porous grout then traps dirt faster, so it looks dirty sooner.
| Cleaner | Routine use on cement grout? | Notes from the sources |
|---|---|---|
| Diluted dish soap or pH-neutral tile cleaner | Yes | TEC’s recommended everyday cleaner |
| Vinegar, lemon, other acids | No | Weakens and etches cement grout |
| Chlorine bleach | No | Listed by TEC as a product to avoid |
| Ammonia | No | Listed by TEC as a product to avoid |
| Enzymatic cleaners | No | TEC says not to use them on cement grout |
| Acid-based grout cleaner | Occasionally, for mineral deposits | Not on natural stone or acid-sensitive tile |
| Alkaline heavy-duty cleaner | Occasionally, for grease | CTEF: use briefly, rinse well, then return to neutral cleaner |
There is one exception. For hard water deposits and other inorganic stains, TEC says to use an acid-based cleaner. Use a product made for grout, follow its label, and rinse well. Never use acid cleaners on marble, limestone, or other natural stone. For mineral scale on shower doors, see how to remove hard water stains from shower glass.
What about baking soda or oxygen bleach?
The grout-maker sources used here do not address these home remedies. If you try one, test a hidden spot first, rinse thoroughly, and choose products labeled safe for grout and your tile.
Avoid heavy scrubbing machines for regular use. TEC says they can damage grout over time.
Is it safe to mix grout cleaners?
No. Never mix cleaning products. France’s health agency ANSES warns that mixing bleach with an acid such as vinegar releases toxic chlorine gas. Bleach and ammonia also react to form toxic chloramine gases. Use one product at a time, rinse between products, and keep the room ventilated.
If someone breathes fumes or swallows a cleaner, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. HRSA lists this number for the U.S. poison center network.
How do you keep grout clean after cleaning?
Sealing is the main step. A grout sealer helps cement grout resist water- and oil-based stains. It does not make grout stain-proof. Custom Building Products notes that sealers will not prevent wear or etching from acids or caustic chemicals.
Their Aqua Mix Grout Sealer data sheet gives these steps:
| Step | Guidance from the data sheet |
|---|---|
| New grout | Let it dry 48 hours before sealing |
| Excess sealer | Wipe the tile dry within 5 minutes |
| Check coverage | After 2 hours, put drops of water on the grout |
| Water absorbs | Apply another coat, wait 2 hours, retest |
| Cure time | 24 hours |
| Expected life | Up to 5 years, depending on wear |
Other sealers have different times, so follow your product’s label.
How often should you seal grout?
The Aqua Mix data sheet lists expected wear of up to 5 years and says the sealer may be reapplied as needed to clean grout joints. The water-drop test tells you when. If water beads on the grout, the sealer is still working. If the grout darkens and soaks it up, clean the joints, let them dry, and reseal.
Daily habits help too:
- Squeegee or towel-dry shower walls after use.
- Run the bath fan to dry the room. See bathroom ceiling mold for moisture tips.
- Wipe up juice, wine, and other acidic spills promptly. TEC says these can etch grout.
- Clean with your pH-neutral cleaner on a regular schedule, not only when the grout looks bad.
Quick answers
What is the best homemade grout cleaner? TEC recommends diluted dishwashing soap for everyday cleaning. Scrub with a white nylon pad, rinse, and dry.
Can I use bleach on grout? TEC lists bleach among products not to use on cement grout. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners.
How long does grout sealer last? One maker’s data sheet lists up to 5 years of expected wear. Retest with water drops and reseal when the grout absorbs water.