Domakihub How to Clean Tile Grout So It Looks New Again
A simple, no-nonsense method to lift years of grime from floor and wall grout.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
Dirty grout is the fastest way to make a clean room still look grubby, whether it is a family bathroom in Athens or a guest shower in a holiday rental on the islands. The video above shows the technique in action with a simple homemade cleaner, and this guide breaks it into the exact steps and materials you need. Everything here uses inexpensive products you can buy in any Greek supermarket or hardware shop.
Why grout gets dirty in the first place
Grout is porous, so it soaks up soap scum, body oils, dust, and the fine limescale that hard Greek tap water leaves behind. In coastal and high-humidity areas it also traps mildew, which is what turns light grout grey or black over time.
Because the staining sits inside the surface rather than on top of it, a quick wipe never fixes it. You need a mild abrasive plus a little dwell time so the cleaner can work into the pores and lift the dirt out.
What you will need
For most jobs a paste of baking soda and water, a stiff nylon brush (an old toothbrush works for corners), and white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide is enough. Keep a bucket of warm water and a microfibre cloth nearby for rinsing.
For tougher mildew in rental showers and hotel bathrooms, oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) dissolved in warm water is gentler on coloured grout than chlorine bleach and rinses cleaner. Always open a window and wear gloves.
Step-by-step: cleaning tile grout
- 1
Clear and dry-sweep the area
Remove bath mats, bottles, and rugs, then sweep or vacuum the tiles so loose grit does not turn into mud once it gets wet. Starting on dry, dust-free grout lets the cleaner reach the stain instead of the surface dirt.
- 2
Make and apply a baking soda paste
Mix baking soda with a little water until it forms a thick paste, then spread it along the grout lines with an old toothbrush or your fingers (gloves on). Cover every line you want to brighten and do not rush this part.
- 3
Spray with vinegar or peroxide and let it dwell
Lightly spray white vinegar (or hydrogen peroxide for white grout) over the paste. It will fizz as it reacts, which helps loosen the embedded grime. Leave it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the cleaner can penetrate the pores.
- 4
Scrub the grout lines
Work along each line with a stiff nylon brush using short back-and-forth strokes. Use a toothbrush for corners, edges, and around fixtures. Re-apply paste to any stubborn dark spots and scrub those a second time rather than pressing harder.
- 5
Rinse, dry, and seal
Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water and a microfibre cloth so no residue is left to attract dirt, then dry the area. On floors and showers, applying a grout sealer once everything is fully dry keeps the lines cleaner for far longer.
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FAQ
- Can I use chlorine bleach on tile grout?
- You can on white grout for heavy mildew, but use it sparingly and ventilate well. On coloured or sanded grout it can fade and weaken the lines, so oxygen bleach or a baking soda and peroxide paste is safer. Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia, as it creates toxic fumes.
- How often should I clean grout in a rental or hotel bathroom?
- A quick spray-and-wipe weekly keeps buildup down, with a full scrub every one to three months depending on use. High-turnover holiday rentals and hotel showers benefit from a deeper clean between guest stays, plus resealing once or twice a year.
- What if the grout still looks stained after cleaning?
- If scrubbing does not restore it, the grout may be permanently discoloured, cracked, or growing mildew below the surface. In that case a grout pen or re-grouting refreshes the look, and for large or mouldy areas it is worth booking a professional cleaning or tiling service.