How to Clean Grout without Scrubbing
Whether you’re working on your bathroom floor or shower walls, knowing how to clean grout without scrubbing can save your back and protect your time.
We’ve tried numerous grout cleaners – store-bought and homemade- and can report which are worth trying.
Here’s how to clean grout with scrubbing.
The Best Way to Clean Grout without Scrubbing
Sealing your grout and cleaning it once every week or two will prevent dirt build-up and mold formation. But if you’ve found yourself needing to deep clean and don’t want to scrub, we’ve got you covered.
Finding a product that does the heavy lifting for you is the key.
Clean Dirty Grout without Scrubbing: Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner
Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner is a non-acid formula safe for most types of tile and all grout colors. When we tested grout cleaners, this one stood out. It removes layers of dirt in three minutes and is the easiest way to clean grout without scrubbing.
Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner comes in a spray bottle. Spray it on grout lines, wait three minutes, and then agitate it with a scrub brush. (For an easy-on-the-back method, use a long-handled shower scrub brush.)
After agitating the grout, rinse with water.
You can use this cleaner to remove yellow and brown dirt build-up from grout lines, but it doesn’t kill mold or mildew. If you have white or light grout, this cleaner will make your grout lines look new again.
Clean Moldy Grout without Scrubbing: Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Cleaner
If you have black spots on your grout lines, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with mold. When left unsealed, grout is porous and absorbs moisture, leading to mold and mildew.
You can use a no-scrub grout cleaner like Clorox Tilex to remove the dark spots in your grout.
While bleach is excellent at removing mold stains, it’s not safe for all flooring. Only use this method for glazed ceramic tiles.
- Ventilate the room
- Spray the Clorox Tilex on your grout lines
- Wait until the stains disappear
- Rinse with water
Be careful not to spray area rugs, towels, or other fabrics since this cleaner contains grout bleach.
Deep Clean Grout without Scrubbing: Homemade Vinegar Cleaner
Because of vinegar’s acidity, it’s not a suitable daily grout cleaner. With frequent use, it can erode your grout or wear down your sealant. But you can use it on occasion for deep cleaning without scrubbing.
To deep clean your grout with vinegar, fill a spray bottle with half water and half white distilled vinegar. Spray on your grout lines. Use a grout brush on stained areas. After 10 minutes, rinse with water.
Note: Do not use vinegar to clean natural stone tiles – it can etch the surface.
Remove Stains without Scrubbing: Oxiclean Grout Cleaner
Depending on the severity of the stains, Oxiclean may be able to remove them without much effort on your part.
Start by filling a bucket with one gallon of water. Then fill your Oxiclean scoop to line four and add to the bucket. Next, apply the solution to the grout lines. After 5-10 minutes, rinse with cold water.
How to Keep Your Bathroom Grout Clean
After deep cleaning and removing stains, keep your grout clean by mopping your bathroom floors once per week. If you have porcelain or ceramic floors, use a steam mop to loosen and absorb dirt.
For shower grout, spray with a tub and tile cleaner once per week and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Seal your grout about every six months to repel water. Always run the bathroom exhaust fan when showering, so humidity and excess moisture are funneled out of the room. Failure to do so can lead to mold issues in your grout lines.