Whiten grimy stained grout in five minutes with two ingredients - and no vinegar

15 March 2024 , 18:30

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There's an easy way to clean stubborn stains from grout (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Without proper attention, grout can make any bathroom or kitchen look grubby no matter how much you clean it - but there's an easy way to get it sparkling again.

Grout is used to fill the gaps between tiles, but stubborn stains and discolouration can make it hard to keep it clean and, if it's not maintained properly, mould can grow on it. Fear not though, as there's one household product that can lift the stains and whiten the substance.

Cleaning guru Kerry Hale at Mira Showers revealed how easy it is to clean mouldy or discoloured grout and transform your bathroom quickly all with one handy product - baking soda.

The pro recommended using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to whiten the grout. Baking soda is a proven effective whitener and deodoriser as well as being a mild abrasive so it won't scratch your tiles in the process of whitening the grout. Hydrogen peroxide also has "amazing whitening properties" as reported by The Express, and like bleach, it will kill mould spores, but much safer to use.

To follow Kerry's tips, mix the two together in a bowl to create a thick paste and spread on the grout to completely cover the area that needs cleaning. She also recommended using an old toothbrush to ensure it's fully covered and let it soak for around five minutes.

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Once ready to clean off, she advised using a brush with firm bristles to scrub the grout and reapply if needed. Once happy with the outcome, use a damp cloth to wipe away the paste and spray cleaner over the whole tile area to wipe it clean.

To save yourself the hassle of having to regularly scrub your tiles, there are ways you can prevent the build-up of shampoo, body wash and general grime clinging onto your grout. Kerry said drying your tiles and grout after a bath or shower is one of the "easiest ways to keep grout looking brand new for longer".

She advised using an old towel or squeegee to wipe the tiles after use, and keeping your bathroom dry when possible as it will help "prevent mould and mildew from growing" and opening a window to help keep the bathroom ventilated after a bath or shower will also help.

Niamh Kirk