How to Clean Grout and Tiles Until They Look New

Tiles can look spotless while the grout between them turns grey and grubby, dragging down the whole room. Because grout is porous, it soaks up grease, soap scum and dirt over time. With the right approach you can bring both tiles and grout back to almost new, without replacing anything.

Why grout gets dirty

Grout is a porous cement, so it absorbs everything that lands on it: cooking grease in the kitchen, soap and body oils in the bathroom, and general dirt underfoot. In damp rooms it also grows mould, which shows as black or pink specks. Sealing helps, but most grout still needs a regular scrub.

What you will need

• A stiff brush, or an old toothbrush for edges and corners
• Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar
• Washing-up liquid and warm water
• A household mould remover or diluted bleach for mould
• Rubber gloves and a clean cloth

Step by step

1. Start with a general clean

Sweep or vacuum the floor, or wipe down wall tiles, to remove loose dirt. Wash the whole area with warm water and a squirt of washing-up liquid. This alone lifts surface grime and shows you which grout lines need more work.

2. Make a bicarbonate paste

Mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water into a thick paste. Spread it along the dirty grout lines with an old toothbrush. For a stronger clean, spray white vinegar over the paste and let it fizz for a few minutes.

3. Scrub the lines

Work along each grout line with the brush, using small, firm strokes. Do a section at a time so the paste does not dry out. You will see the lines lighten as the dirt lifts.

4. Rinse and dry

Wipe away the paste with a clean, damp cloth and rinse well. Dry the area with a towel so no residue is left to attract fresh dirt.

Whitening badly discoloured grout

For grout that is still grey, an oxygen bleach paste works well. Oxygen bleach, sold as a powder, is gentler than chlorine bleach and safe on coloured grout. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, scrub, then rinse. A grout pen can then refresh the colour on wall tiles.

Tackling mould in bathroom grout

Black spots are usually mould from constant damp. Apply a mould remover, or a solution of one part bleach to four parts water, leave for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Always open a window, and never mix bleach with other cleaners.

Keep grout looking new

• Wipe shower tiles with a squeegee after use to cut down soap scum and damp.
• Ventilate bathrooms well to stop mould returning.
• Reseal grout once a year so it absorbs less dirt.

A full tile and grout clean is hard work on your knees. You can book a GlowSpark cleaner from £19 an hour, or from £16 for members, to get it sparkling for you.