How to Clean Floor Grout without Scrubbing

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how to clean floor grout without scrubbing

You install tile and grout in your bathroom, forget to seal it, and notice that it’s becoming discolored only a short time later.

Unfortunately, this is a pretty typical scenario.

If you’re getting sick of scrubbing your grout every week or month to keep it clean, there is a less back-breaking option. 

What is the Easiest Way to Clean Floor Grout without Scrubbing?

Steam mopping your tile floor is the easiest way to clean grout. Steam cleaning is safe for grout and most types of tile. The steam loosens the dirt while the pad on the mop wipes it away. If you don’t have a steam mop, baking soda and peroxide is the next best way to clean your grout lines.

Top Ways to Clean Grout without Scrubbing

top ways to clean grout without scrubbing

Steam Clean the Grout

Steam cleaning is one of the fastest and easiest ways to clean grout. And luckily, steam mops are safe for grout, porcelain, and ceramic tiles. (If your tile is a natural stone, unfortunately, steam mopping isn’t the best solution.)

Steam mops work by turning water into steam and then forcing it onto the floor. The steam breaks down stuck-on dirt, and the mop pads wipe it away. You can steam mop your tile floor once per week to keep the grout looking fresh and clean.

Baking Soda, Peroxide, and Dishsoap

Another great way to clean grout that doesn’t require scrubbing is using baking soda and peroxide. Here’s what to do:

  • In an empty squeeze bottle, add ½ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of white distilled vinegar, and one teaspoon of dish soap
  • Squirt the mixture on your grout lines
  • Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes and then wipe away
  • Mop your floors with water to thoroughly rinse
This mixture is very effective at lifting stains. However, it’s possible it will lighten your grout, so do a spot check before treating the entire floor.

Vinegar

Let’s be upfront – vinegar is not a cleaner you want to use on grout very often. This is because vinegar is highly acidic and can slowly eat away at the grout. However, if you’re going to use vinegar occasionally to deep clean your grout lines, you shouldn’t run into any problems.

Here’s what to do:

  • Put half vinegar and half water in a spray bottle
  • Spray the grout lines
  • Allow the mixture to sit for up to ten minutes
  • Wipe away

GooGone

GooGone has a tile and grout cleaner that’s very powerful for lifting old stains. To use it, you simply spray the grout lines, let them sit for two minutes and then wipe away.

Set-in stains may require a little bit of scrubbing.

Use a Heavy Duty Grout Cleaner

If none of these methods work for you, turn to a heavy-duty grout cleaner. These cleaners have formulations to lift dirt from grout without causing damage or requiring scrubbing.

You can try Krud-Kutter or head to your local home improvement store and pick up another heavy-duty cleaner.

Should You Apply a Sealer to Your Grout?

If you haven’t sealed your grout, doing so can help prevent dirt build-up and make cleaning easier. You should seal your floor grout about every three years and seal the grout in your shower yearly. 

Sealing your grout will strengthen it, protect against mold and mildew, and better repel stains.

Frequently Asked Questions

faq how to clean floor grout without scrubbing

What’s the easiest way to clean grout in the shower?

To clean grout in your shower, fill a squirt bottle with ½ cup baking soda, ¼ cup of vinegar, and one teaspoon dish soap. Apply this mixture to the grout lines and allow it to sit for ten minutes. Afterward, rinse it off. Your grout should look brighter and much cleaner.

Is bleach harmful to grout?

Bleach is bad for grout. This is because bleach is corrosive, so it will eventually wear down your grout lines if used often.

Can vinegar ruin your grout?

Vinegar can ruin your grout. It’s okay to use it every once in a while or at a highly diluted ratio, but if you use full-strength vinegar often, its acidity can eat at your grout. It can also wear down your sealant.

Conclusion

If you’re wondering how to clean floor grout without scrubbing, your best bet is using a steam mop. Steam mops are safe for grout and lift stuck-on dirt very well. If you don’t have a steam cleaner try a commercial product or make your own grout cleaner.

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AUTHOR

Katie Barton lives with her husband and three daughters in an 1800’s style log cabin in southern Ohio. She thinks cleaning is relaxing and is considered the organizing go-to person by her family and friends. She runs the blog Cabin Lane where she shares about cleaning, decluttering, and minimalism. See full biography here.

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