Quick Answer

To clean grout between tiles, mix baking soda with a few drops of dish wash liquid until it forms a thick paste. Spread this paste over the grout lines with an old toothbrush, then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so it can loosen the dirt. After that, scrub gently and rinse it off with water. If the stains are old or dark, spray the grout with a vinegar and water mix first, then follow the same steps.

Why Does Grout Get Dirty So Fast?

Grout has tiny holes in it, and dirt, oil, and soap slip into these holes easily. That is why it gets dirty faster than the tiles around it.

In the kitchen, this happens even quicker. Cooking oil and food splashes land on the floor and sink straight into the grout over time.

In the bathroom, the problem looks a little different. You will usually see black spots, which are mold or soap scum, and they show up because bathroom grout stays wet for long stretches of the day.

This is also why plain water on its own does not fix the problem. Water can rinse the surface, but it cannot reach the dirt sitting deep inside the grout, so the stains stay behind even after a normal wipe.

What Do You Need to Clean Grout?

You don't need any special tools for this. Most of these things are probably already sitting in your kitchen or store room.

Things you need: 

• Baking soda

• Alclean Dish Wash Liquid

• Warm water

• Old toothbrush or a small brush

• Spray bottle

• Soft cloth

Extra things for hard stains: 

• White vinegar

• A soft scrubber, like the Alclean Stainless Steel Scrubber, for stuck-on dirt

The dish wash liquid you pick matters more than you might think. Alclean Dish Wash Liquid is made to cut through oil and grease fast, and that happens to be the exact kind of dirt that builds up in grout, especially in the kitchen.

How Do You Clean Grout Between Tiles Step by Step?

Once you have your supplies ready, the process itself is simple and only takes a few steps.

1. Sweep the floor first, so there is no loose dirt or dust sitting on the tiles.

2. Make the paste by mixing baking soda with a few drops of Alclean Dish Wash Liquid until it turns thick.

3. Spread the paste over the grout lines using your finger or an old toothbrush.

4. Wait 10 to 15 minutes, which gives the paste enough time to loosen the oil and dirt.

5. Scrub gently in small circles, and go easy if your grout is colored, since scrubbing too hard can wear it down.

6. Rinse with clean water until all the paste and loosened dirt are washed away.

7. Dry the tiles afterward, since a dry surface makes it much harder for mold to come back.

How Do You Clean Old or Hard Grout Stains?

If your grout hasn't been cleaned in a long time, it helps to add one extra step before you start the paste method above.

Start by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray it directly onto the grout. Give it about 5 minutes to sit, which is enough time for the vinegar to loosen the hard, old dirt.

Once that is done, go ahead and use the baking soda and Alclean Dish Wash paste from the steps above, scrubbing it the same way as before.

This combination works well because vinegar is acidic, so it breaks down tough, built-up dirt, while the dish wash liquid steps in afterward to lift out the oil. Together, the two cover both kinds of dirt in one go.

Is Kitchen Grout Different From Bathroom Grout?

Yes, it is, and that is because kitchen grout and bathroom grout get dirty for different reasons, so each one needs slightly different care.

How Do You Keep Grout Clean for Longer?

Once your grout is clean, a few small habits can help keep it that way for months, so you won't need to repeat a deep clean too often.

• Wipe your tiles once a week with a little Alclean Dish Wash Liquid mixed into water.

• Seal your grout once a year, since sealed grout stays cleaner for much longer.

• In the bathroom, wipe the walls and floor dry after every shower instead of letting them air dry.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Cleaning Grout?

A few common mistakes can undo all your hard work, so it helps to know what to avoid.

• Don't use bleach on colored grout, since it can fade the color over time.

• Don't leave your tiles wet, because damp grout brings mold back within just a few days.

• Don't use hard steel wool on shiny tiles, as it can leave scratch marks behind. A softer option, like the Alclean Stainless Steel Scrubber, gets the job done without scratching the surface.

FAQs

Can I use dish soap to clean grout?

 Yes. Dish soap cuts through oil well, and when mixed with baking soda, it forms a simple, strong paste for cleaning grout.

Does baking soda and dish soap really clean grout? 

Yes. Baking soda scrubs away dirt gently, while dish soap breaks down oil and grease, so together they handle most everyday grout stains.

How often should I clean grout?

 Wipe your grout once a week, and do a deeper clean with the paste method once a month, or more often if it's kitchen grout.

Is vinegar safe for grout? 

Yes, in most cases, since vinegar is safe on sealed grout. Avoid using it on natural stone tiles, though, as it can damage the stone.

What is the easiest way to clean grout at home?

 The easiest way is a paste made of baking soda and dish wash liquid. Spread it on, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse it off.

Can I use dish wash liquid to clean vegetables too?

 No. Dish wash liquid is made for dishes, not food, so it's better to use a proper fruit and vegetable cleaner for washing produce.