How to Clean Grout and Tile (and Keep It White)

Grout is porous, light-colored, and sits below the tile — basically a magnet for dirt, soap scum, and (thanks to Denver's hard water) mineral buildup. The good news: dingy grout almost always cleans up without replacing anything. Here's how we bring it back.

The Non-Toxic Method (Try This First)

• Make a thick paste of baking soda and water.
• Work it into the grout lines with an old toothbrush or a stiff grout brush.
• For extra lift, spritz with white vinegar and let it fizz for a few minutes.
• Scrub along the lines, then rinse with clean water and wipe dry.

One caution: if your tile is natural stone (marble, travertine, slate), skip the vinegar — the acid can etch it. Use baking soda and water alone, or a stone-safe cleaner.

For Stubborn, Stained Grout

When grime is really set in, reach for oxygen bleach (the powdered, color-safe kind, not chlorine). Mix with warm water, apply, let it dwell 10–15 minutes, and scrub. It's far gentler on your lungs than chlorine bleach and works remarkably well on years of buildup.

Then Seal It

Once your grout is clean and fully dry, apply a grout sealer. Sealing fills those pores so water, soap, and Denver's minerals can't soak in — meaning it stays cleaner far longer and wipes up more easily. Re-seal every year or two in wet areas.

Keeping It That Way

A quick weekly wipe and a squeegee on shower walls prevents most buildup. And because hard-water film loves tile and glass, our hard water guide pairs perfectly with this one. For grout that's beyond a quick scrub, our deep cleaning includes a detailed tile-and-grout scrub.