Cleaning a floor may seem like a simple household task, but grout lines can be much more difficult to maintain. Over time, dirt, grease, soap residue, dust, and moisture can settle into the porous grout between tiles, gradually making it look gray, brown, or even black.
This discoloration is especially noticeable when the tiles and grout are light-colored. Fortunately, you do not always need an aggressive commercial cleaner to improve the appearance of dirty grout. Several common household products can help loosen accumulated grime and make routine cleaning easier.
Before cleaning an entire floor, always test any method on a small, inconspicuous area first. Different types of tile, grout, natural stone, sealants, and finishes can react differently to cleaning products.
1. Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which makes it useful for loosening surface dirt without requiring extremely aggressive scrubbing. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that can remain on the grout long enough to soften accumulated grime.
