For Goodness’ Sake, How Do I Clean My Grout Lines?!
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re fed up with dirty grout lines that never seem to stay clean. One day they look fine, and the next—bam—they’re grimy again.
Why Does It Get So Dirty?
Maintaining clean grout is essential to a tidy home.
Grout gets dirty simply from everyday wear and tear. Dirt, moisture, and grime naturally make their way into the porous surface of grout. In high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, it’s even more noticeable.
- In bathrooms, you’ll often see stains from soap scum, rust, and even mold or mildew.
- In kitchens, grease, food spills, and cleaning products can all take a toll.
And here’s the kicker: it’s porous. If it’s not sealed properly—or if the seal has worn off—it’s like an open sponge, soaking in everything from dirty water to soap residue.
Is It Sealed?
A key question: is your grout sealed or unsealed?
If your grout absorbs water when you splash some on it, it likely needs sealing. Cement-based grout (which is the most common type) is highly absorbent and should always be sealed to protect it.
Now, if you have epoxy grout, you’re in luck! Epoxy grout is non-porous and stain-resistant by design. No sealing needed.
Why Does It Get Dirty Again So Fast?
Ironically, sometimes after you clean, it can seem like it gets dirty even faster. That’s because during cleaning, the pores may temporarily open up. If it isn’t resealed afterward, it’s vulnerable to new dirt setting in before the pores naturally “close” again.
Bottom line: lines will get dirty over time—it’s completely normal. But knowing how to clean and protect them makes all the difference.
How to Clean (and Keep It That Way)
Everyday DIY Cleaning
For light buildup and everyday dirt, you can make your own cleaner at home:
- Vinegar + Baking Soda – A fizzy combo great for mild stains (note: not recommended for natural stone!).
- OxiClean + Water – Apply with a stiff brush (or a drill attachment for extra power) and wipe dry.
Check out this great demo: - YouTube video
- Bleach (sparingly) – Works well for white grout but use with caution, especially around colored grout or sensitive surfaces.
- Important: Never use vinegar or acidic cleaners on natural stone like marble or travertine—they can cause etching and permanent damage.
Heavy-Duty Cleaners (When DIY Just Isn’t Cutting It)
If your grout still looks stained or dingy, it might be time to bring out the big guns. Here are some professional-grade cleaners we recommend:
- Heavy Duty Cleaner
PS87 by Fila Solutions - Neutral Cleaner (great for most surfaces)
CleanALL - Stone-Friendly Neutral Cleaner (for marble, travertine, etc.)
StoneClean - Grout & Tile Deep Cleaner
GroutRenew
Pro tip: Always check compatibility with your flooring type before using any cleaner to avoid damage.
You can find all of these at our store in Englewood!
Want to Let a Pro Handle It?
Sometimes it’s just easier (and more effective) to bring in the pros. We highly recommend our friend Derrick Schiffner at All Floors Clean. His team does top-notch work and will have your floors looking brand new.
(941) 676-0359
allfloorscleanllc.com
Tell him Mann Tile sent you!
Thinking It Might Be Time for an Upgrade?
If you’ve tried everything and your grout still looks tired or permanently stained, it might be time for a tile refresh. The good news? Grout technology has come a long way, and modern options like stain-resistant grout or larger tiles with thinner joints can make maintenance much easier.
We’re here to help with that too—just give us a call and book a free measure. Let’s get your space looking fresh again!
Final Thoughts
It is one of those things that doesn’t get much attention—until it starts looking bad. But with the right knowledge (and maybe a little help), keeping it clean is totally doable.
Need advice? Supplies? A whole new tile floor? We’ve got you covered.
Choosing the right products can help maintain the clean look of your grout.
Also, check out our DIY Shower kit if you’re ready for an upgrade! We’re here to help!