Grout — the filler between your tiles — plays an important role in both the appearance and durability of your tiled surfaces. However, over time, it can turn from bright white or grey to grimy brown or black due to dirt, mold, and mildew buildup.

Whether it’s your kitchen floor, bathroom wall, or office lobby tiles, cleaning grout doesn’t have to be a frustrating task — if you use the right method. In this guide, we’ll explore the best way to clean grout, the tools and products you’ll need, and how to keep grout cleaner for longer.

🧱 Why Grout Gets So Dirty

Grout is porous, meaning it absorbs:

• Water

• Grease

• Soapy residue

• Mildew and mold spores

• Dirt tracked in from shoes or pets

This makes it a magnet for stains, especially in high-moisture or high-traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and commercial spaces.

🛠️ Tools You’ll Need

Before diving into cleaning, gather the right tools:

• Grout brush or old toothbrush

• Spray bottle

• Bucket

• Microfiber mop or rag

• Rubber gloves

• Scraper or plastic brush (for tough grime)

Optional:

• Steam cleaner (if you want a deep clean)

• Grout sealer (for after cleaning)

🧪 Best Grout Cleaning Methods

Here are the top methods, from household remedies to commercial-strength solutions.

1. Baking Soda & Vinegar (Natural DIY Method)

Best For: Light dirt, regular maintenance

How-To:

1. Make a paste using baking soda and a little water.

2. Apply the paste to the grout lines.

3. Spray white vinegar over the paste.

4. Let it fizz for 5–10 minutes.

5. Scrub with a grout brush.

6. Wipe clean with a damp cloth or mop.

✔️ Eco-friendly and effective for lightly soiled grout.

⚠️ Avoid vinegar on natural stone tiles — it can etch the surface.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda (Tough Stains)

Best For: Mid-level grime and mold

How-To:

1. Mix ½ cup baking soda with ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide.

2. Apply to grout and let sit for 10 minutes.

3. Scrub and rinse with warm water.

✔️ Removes discoloration and kills bacteria and mildew.

⚠️ Use gloves and ventilate the room.

3. Commercial Grout Cleaners (For Deep Cleaning)

Best For: Stubborn dirt, commercial tiles, or neglected grout

Some excellent commercial grout cleaners available in Kenya include:

• Sanos Tile and Grout Cleaner – Penetrates deep to lift stains.

• Harpic Bathroom Cleaner (Multi-Purpose) – Acidic formulation for soap scum and mildew.

• Cif Cream Cleaner – Good for vertical tiled walls.

• Domestos Thick Bleach – Use diluted for mold and bacteria removal.

How-To:

1. Apply cleaner directly to grout.

2. Let sit per instructions (usually 5–10 mins).

3. Scrub with a stiff brush.

4. Rinse thoroughly.

✔️ Strong and fast-acting.

⚠️ Always wear gloves and follow safety instructions.

4. Steam Cleaning Grout

Best For: Large areas, deep-set stains, or tile professionals

Steam cleaning works by loosening grime with high-pressure heat.

Pros:

• Chemical-free

• Kills bacteria and mold

• Effective even on textured tiles

Cons:

• Equipment cost (but rentable)

• Not ideal for unsealed or fragile grout

✔️ Perfect for tiled restaurants, hospitals, or hotels in Kenya.

🧽 Aftercare: How to Keep Grout Clean Longer

Once your grout is sparkling, protect it to prevent future discoloration.

✅ Apply Grout Sealer

This protective coating repels moisture, dirt, and stains.

• Reapply every 6–12 months for best results.

• Sealing is especially important for bathroom and kitchen grout.

✅ Regular Mopping with Gentle Cleaners

Use tile-safe cleaners like:

• Cif Floor Cleaner

• Jik Tile & Surface Cleaner

• Astonish Floor Cleaner

• Mr. Muscle Floor Cleaner

Avoid harsh acids or bleaches for daily use — they wear down grout over time.

🧼 Bonus Tips for Grout Maintenance

• Clean up spills immediately (especially oil, juice, or wine).

• Use doormats to reduce dirt tracked inside.

• Ventilate bathrooms to reduce moisture and mold.

• Scrub lightly once a week to avoid build-up.

🏠 Local Solutions for Kenyan Homes & Businesses

In Kenya’s climate — especially in areas like Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu — grout can harbor mold due to humidity. For Kenyan households and commercial spaces, consider investing in:

• A spray mop for frequent, gentle cleaning.

• Microfiber cloths to avoid scratching tiles.

• Surface cleaners from Kejani Cleaning for budget-friendly solutions.

🏁 Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Way to Clean Grout?

Here’s a quick summary based on the condition of your grout:

By following the right cleaning method and maintaining a schedule, your grout will stay bright, healthy, and mold-free for years.

Need quality grout cleaners or brushes?
Visit 👉 Kejani Cleaning Supplies for affordable, effective grout cleaners.