> [!tip] Quick answer: Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide into a thick paste, apply directly to grout lines with an old toothbrush, let it sit for 30 minutes, scrub, then rinse. For heavily stained grout, repeat or use an oxygen bleach. Reseal annually to prevent re-staining. ## How to clean grout in 2026 Grout is the unsung hero of tile work and the first thing people notice when it's dirty. Within a year of installation, white grout turns grey, coloured grout darkens, and bathroom grout often shows mildew streaks. The good news: most grout looks 90% new after one proper deep clean, and a sealer applied afterward keeps it that way for 1 to 2 years. This guide covers floor grout, shower and tub grout, and kitchen backsplash grout. Each has slightly different methods. ### What you should plan for - Time: 30 to 60 minutes per room - Tools: Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, stiff grout brush or toothbrush - Cost: Under $15 for supplies; $20 to $40 for grout sealer - Frequency: Deep clean twice a year; seal annually - Caveat: Test on a hidden area first if you have coloured grout ## The baking soda + peroxide method 1. Vacuum or sweep the area to remove loose dirt and grit. 1. Mix the paste. 1/2 cup baking soda + 1/4 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide (add slowly until you get a thick paste). 1. Apply with an old toothbrush directly onto the grout lines. Cover all the stained areas. 1. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap to keep it moist if you can. 1. Scrub with the toothbrush or a stiff grout brush. Use small circular motions; work in 1-square-foot sections. 1. Rinse with warm water. A mop or damp sponge for floors; a handheld shower for bathroom tile. 1. Dry thoroughly with a clean microfibre. 1. Seal the grout once dry (see below). ## When the standard method isn't enough For grout that's been ignored for years: 1. Use oxygen bleach (OxiClean) mixed to a paste with warm water. Apply, cover with plastic wrap, let sit 30 to 60 minutes. 1. For mildew specifically, use straight 3% hydrogen peroxide. Scrub with a stiff brush after 15 minutes. 1. For grease in kitchen grout, add dish soap to the baking soda paste. The surfactant cuts grease. 1. For deeply discoloured grout that won't come clean, consider a grout colour-seal product. Available at Tile Shop Canada and Home Hardware; runs $30 to $50 and refreshes colour while sealing. ## What you'll need ## Sealing grout (this is what makes the clean last) After deep cleaning and full drying (24 hours): 1. Apply a penetrating grout sealer with a small brush, foam applicator, or special sealer pen. Aquamix and Miracle Sealants both make good Canadian-available options. 1. Wipe excess sealer off the tile face within 5 minutes; it can leave a haze. 1. Let it cure 24 to 48 hours before getting the grout wet again. Reseal every 1 to 2 years in showers and entryways, every 3 to 5 years in low-use spaces. ## Common mistakes 1. Using bleach. Bleach lightens stains but weakens grout over time and discolours coloured grout permanently. Peroxide does the same job without the damage. 1. Cleaning grout wet repeatedly without sealing. Wet grout absorbs new stains immediately. Always seal after deep cleaning. 1. Using a wire brush. Strips grout away. Stiff nylon bristles are the right tool. 1. Skipping the rinse. Cleaner residue attracts new dirt within days. Always rinse thoroughly. 1. Cleaning natural stone grout with vinegar. Vinegar etches stone tile and can damage some natural-stone grouts. Test first. ## When to regrout instead of clean - Grout has cracked, fallen out, or has visible holes - Mould keeps returning within days of cleaning - Grout is so old it's powdery to the touch - Tiles have come loose because of failed grout Regrouting a small shower or backsplash runs $400 to $1,200 if professionally done. DIY regrouting is a weekend project with $40 in supplies if you're comfortable with it. ## FAQs about cleaning grout How do I get white grout white again? Will bleach damage grout? How often should grout be sealed? Can I steam-clean grout? What's the difference between sanded and unsanded grout for cleaning?