Clean With Me: 7 Tricks for Removing Stubborn Grout Stains

Using a natural cleaner like vinegar to remove stubborn stains from grout is a great idea, especially if you are elbow-deep in the grout in the kitchen or bathroom. The trusty cleaning concoction of one-part vinegar and four-part water has proven to be an effective way to dissolve difficult-to-clean spots for both tile and stone. Give the surface a thorough scrub with vinegar and water, and rinse to achieve a stain-free grout.  

Baking soda's unique properties make it a great choice for cleaning tough stains from grout. One of the easiest stains to remove is scuff marks left by sink stoppers because they are composed of abrasive particles that can scratch and scrape the grout. Make a thick paste of two parts baking soda and one water and apply it to the grout. Just as cleaning out a drain, the abrasive particles will loosen the grime and make it easy to wipe away.  

If you do not have any of the above remedies readily available, your best bet is to try using something usually found in a bathroom. That something is non-abrasive bleaches, like the toilet bowl cleaner brands. This cleaner will eat through the tough stain on the surface, leaving you with bright and clean grout again. Keep in mind that chlorine and bleach will affect the color of the grout, so be careful not to use too much by following the manufacturer's instructions.  

You can try using a hot water spray or steam cleaner to remove stubborn grout stains. The high heat from the water will help loosen the grime, and the steam will help break down dirt and mineral build-ups. You can also use a pressure sprayer with a nozzle to direct the hot water on the grout stains. Remember to reseal the grout after spritzing it with water to protect it from mildew using a professional-grade sealer.  

A paint thinner or paint remover potent with mineral spirits works well on cleaning the surface of the grout, especially on those unsightly oil-based stains. Although eliminating hard-water buildup is important, this method is not a permanent fix. The deposit will continue to grow with continued water exposure and excess detergents. Nevertheless, you can use isopropyl alcohol or remover made for latex paint in conjunction with warm water to address the dried and fresh paint issue.  

You can use sandpaper to eliminate solid grout stains from concrete. The abrasive action of this material will also remove the top layer of hardened grout dust. However, be careful not to leave scratch marks on your walls and floors, and ensure you don't use a coarse grade that may easily damage your surface. You may want to invest in a grout knife and polishing compound for your grouting project.