Grout lines are one of the first places to show dirt, but also one of the hardest to clean. Store-bought cleaners can be hit or miss, and most of them are full of harsh ingredients you probably do not need. I like to keep it simple and use hydrogen peroxide. It is affordable, easy to find, and works surprisingly well at lifting grime without a lot of scrubbing. Here is exactly how I use it to clean grout and what to do if you are dealing with tougher stains.
What You’ll Need
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Spray bottle
- Old toothbrush or grout brush
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Bowl of warm water
Before You Start
Hydrogen peroxide is safe for most grout, but you’ll still want to be proactive in checking a few things first. If your grout is colored, test a small spot first to make sure it does not lighten the finish. It usually is not an issue, but you always want to be safe rather than sorry with any cleaning task.
Additionally, do not use this method on sealed grout unless you know it is due for a re-seal. The peroxide can break down old sealant over time. And if your grout is crumbling or cracked, skip the cleaning and repair it first so you do not make the damage worse.
4 Steps to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Grout
Follow these simple steps to clean the grout in your home using only hydrogen peroxide.
Wipe the Area Down
Before you start cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, make sure to remove any loose dirt, dust, or hair. You do not want to be scrubbing with that stuff in the way. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe everything clean. If you are working on grout along the floor, a quick pass with the vacuum works even better.
Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
Once the area is free of debris, it is time to apply the hydrogen peroxide. You want to cover the grout lines evenly, but that can be tricky using the original bottle, especially if you are working on vertical surfaces like shower walls. I find putting the peroxide into a spray bottle works best. You can also buy it prepackaged in a spray version if you prefer.
Spray the hydrogen peroxide directly onto the grout and let it sit for five to ten minutes so it has time to break down any grime or stains, then move to the next step.
Scrub the Grout Lines
Once the hydrogen peroxide has had a chance to sit in, grab your old toothbrush or grout brush, and start scrubbing the grout in small circular motions. You should see the dirt start to lift as you scrub, and the grout looking cleaner. If the hydrogen peroxide starts to dry, simply spray a bit more while you keep scrubbing. You’ll know it’s dry if the foaming stops.
Rinse and Wipe Clean
Once the grout looks clean, rinse everything with warm water and wipe it down with a clean cloth or sponge. Make sure you remove any leftover hydrogen peroxide and loosened grime so it doesn’t stick. If the grout you cleaned is on a tile floor, let it dry fully before walking on it.
Try Baking Soda for Tougher Stains
If your grout is still looking dirty after just hydrogen peroxide, then you might need to mix in a little baking soda. Simply mix a little peroxide and baking soda in a small bowl until it forms a thick paste, then spread it directly on the grout lines. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Once the paste has had time to work, scrub the area with your toothbrush or grout brush again, the rinse and wipe. The baking soda adds a little extra grit, without being too abrasive.
That’s all there is to it to clean grout with hydrogen peroxide. No need for harsh chemicals or expensive cleaners.
