Scrubbing bathroom grout isn’t high on anyone’s list of enjoyable tasks, but it’s something that can’t be avoided. Constant exposure to moisture, soap residue, and poor ventilation allows mould and bacteria to thrive, quickly discolouring the grout and making your bathroom look dingy. The good news? It doesn’t have to be a nightmare to clean.
After extensive testing, the GHI has discovered a simple three-step method to restore grout to its former glory. We’ve also listed some of the best grout-cleaning products to make the process more efficient. Here’s how to clean grout effortlessly.
Step 1: Apply a bicarbonate of soda paste
Combine two parts bicarbonate of soda with one part water to create a thick paste. Apply the mixture to the stained grout using an old toothbrush for targeted scrubbing.
If you have an electric toothbrush lying around with a spare or worn-out head, it can give excellent results with minimal effort.
Step 2: Spray with white vinegar
Pour distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle and generously spritz it over the bicarb paste.
Don’t worry if it fizzes – this reaction helps lift grime and dirt from the grout. Let it bubble away until the reaction stops. If needed, spray on more vinegar to keep it working.
Step 3: Scrub and rinse thoroughly
Scrub away the loosened dirt using your toothbrush or a dedicated grout cleaning brush with stiff bristles. Once clean, rinse with water and wipe dry using a microfibre cloth.
To keep grout cleaner for longer, consider applying a grout sealer such as Polar Tile & Grout Clear Sealer Spray.
The products we love...
Grout eraser
A grout eraser is an alternative to scrubbing with an old toothbrush. We like the JML Doktor Power Magic Eraser. It’s more expensive than the bicarb method, but depending on how grimy your grout is, it might save you some scrubbing.
These sponges wear down quickly, though, so you’ll need a few if you have a whole bathroom to tackle. We recommend cutting them to a convenient size before wiping over your grout.
For a ready-made alternative to bicarb, coat your grout in Stardrops The Pink Stuff paste, which is great for lifting grime.
Mould removers
Got mouldy grout? Try HG Mould Spray, a highly effective solution that removes mould stains and helps prevent regrowth. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
If deep stains persist even after cleaning, you can refresh the look of your grout with a grout pen like the Unibond Grout Reviver Pen. It applies a bright new white layer over existing grout, giving your tiles an instant facelift.
Vinegar spray
Mould and grime often cling to limescale, so regular maintenance is key. A spray made from distilled white vinegar is a great natural cleaner to use throughout the week.
Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of water and distilled vinegar. Mist over your tiles and shower walls a few times a week to reduce limescale buildup and keep surfaces gleaming.
(And no – malt vinegar from the cupboard won’t work here, so skip the chip-shop version!)
Electric cleaning brushes
For a faster, more efficient clean, consider an electric cleaning brush. These tools are perfect for tight areas like grout lines, tile edges and bathroom fixtures. Think of them as turbocharged electric toothbrushes made for cleaning.
Choose a model designed for fine detail, like the Bosch UniversalBrush (scoring 93/100 in GHI tests). It’s powerful, precise, and made quick work of stubborn grout stains and soap scum.
Grout cleaning kit
Stardrops UK Business Supplies Stardrops White Vinegar Spray (3 Bottles)
