Grimy grout is one of the most common household cleaning challenges. Over time, dirt, soap scum, and spills settle deep into those narrow lines between your tiles, making the whole floor or wall look dull—even if the tiles themselves are spotless. While there are countless suggestions online for tackling grout, it can be tricky to know which methods actually work.
To save you the guesswork, I tested three different approaches: fresh lemon juice, Oxiclean, and a sulfamic acid cleaner (available at most home improvement stores). Below are my results and tips to help you find the best solution for your own home.
Important Prep Before Cleaning
Before diving into the methods, here are a few must-do steps:
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Ventilate the space: Open a window or run a fan for proper airflow.
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Protect your skin: Always wear rubber gloves when working with cleaning agents.
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Do a patch test: Try each cleaner on a small, hidden spot first to ensure it doesn’t react poorly with your tile or grout.
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Set realistic expectations: My grout is gray, so while it never looked bright white, it did appear much cleaner and refreshed.
Method 1: Fresh Lemon Juice
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Process: I sliced a fresh lemon and rubbed it directly onto the grout lines. After that, I scrubbed with a green Scotch-Brite pad.
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Results: The acidity of the lemon cut through surface grime quickly. I saw an immediate improvement.
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Cleanup: Rinsing with a damp paper towel removed most residue, though the leftover pulp was a bit messy.
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Verdict: Effective for light cleaning and natural-minded households.
Method 2: Oxiclean
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Process: I dissolved Oxiclean in warm water according to the instructions, applied it to the grout, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then I scrubbed with a stiff-bristled brush.
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Results: This method lifted deeper dirt that lemon juice didn’t touch. The grout looked noticeably brighter and cleaner.
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Cleanup: Easy to rinse away with clean water.
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Verdict: A great option for moderately dirty grout and regular upkeep.
Method 3: Sulfamic Acid Cleaner
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Process: Following the package directions, I mixed the powder into a solution and applied it carefully to the grout lines. After scrubbing with a brush, I rinsed thoroughly.
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Results: This gave the most dramatic improvement—especially on older, stubborn stains that had been set in for years.
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Cleanup: Required more care and multiple rinses to ensure all traces of acid were removed.
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Verdict: Best for heavily soiled grout, but should be used with caution.
Final Thoughts
All three methods worked, but with varying levels of effectiveness:
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Lemon Juice – Best for quick, natural cleaning and light grime.
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Oxiclean – Ideal for moderate buildup and routine maintenance.
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Sulfamic Acid Cleaner – The heavy hitter for deeply stained grout, though it requires the most caution.
If your grout only needs a refresh, start with the gentler methods before reaching for stronger cleaners. Regular upkeep will also make deep cleaning less of a hassle in the long run.
Tips for Keeping Grout Clean Longer
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Seal grout once a year to protect it from stains.
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Mop regularly with a mild cleaner to prevent buildup.
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Wipe up spills quickly to avoid long-term discoloration.
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Use a stiff brush for quick weekly touch-ups in high-traffic areas.
With the right method, your grout can look refreshed and your tiles can shine like new again.