Rejuvenate your grout with these household tricks

Over time, the once-pristine white grout between your tiles can become discolored and dingy, a sign that dirt, residue, and mildew have seeped into its porous surface. Cleaning alone may not fully restore grout to its original color, but applying a grout colorant often does the trick.

Diy grout cleaning methods

If you're not ready to invest in grout colorant, these household ingredients can help clean and whiten your grout:

A mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water, with a few drops of dish soap, can be scrubbed into the grout with a nylon-bristled brush or toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.

Baking soda and vinegar can also work together as a gentle abrasive and acid to break down grime. Mix the two until it forms a paste, apply to the grout, and scrub with a soft brush or toothbrush. Avoid over-scrubbing and be cautious not to use vinegar on marble or natural stone, as it can etch the surface.

Toothpaste can be used as an abrasive to scour grime from tile grout, but this method is more expensive and doesn't work well for deep cleaning. Gently scrub the grout with a toothbrush and rinse with warm water.

Grout pens: a simple solution?

Grout pens are felt-tipped markers filled with liquid grout colorant. They come in a range of colors, from bright white to black, and can be used to easily color grout lines. Pros include ease of use, no mixing required, and better control for tracking straight lines. However, grout pens are a more expensive option that may require multiple passes and can peel over time.

Before using a grout pen, test for sealant by applying water to the grout. If it beads up, the grout is sealed and needs to be stripped. Then, clean the grout thoroughly, let it dry, and apply the first coat of colorant, following the pen's instructions.