Shopping Cart

×

Close

No products in the cart.

Need Help?
Chat With Us.

You are here: / Maintenance Tips
The Best Expert Tips on How to Clean Grout in Tiles Quickly & Easily

The Best Expert Tips on How to Clean Grout in Tiles Quickly & Easily

Expert Tips on How to Clean Grout:


Tiles can take your bathroom, kitchen or alfresco area from drab to designer…but it’s grout that holds the whole thing together. Literally.
Whether you’ve got stunning bathroom floor tiles or a splashback tile worthy of a spot in a reno mag …dingy grout can drag your whole look down.
Luckily, bringing grout back to its former glory doesn’t require a renovation budget. You just need a few expert tricks, the right tools, and a bit of elbow grease.
In this guide, we cover the best methods for how to clean grout in tiles, quickly, easily, and without damaging your tile surface.
Plus, we throw in tile-specific tips for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas to help you grout with confidence.

Highlights:

  • Grout gets dirty fast due to its porous surface, especially in wet or high-traffic areas.
  • Baking soda + vinegar: Great DIY for light stains. Avoid on natural stone.
  • Hydrogen peroxide paste: Tackles mould and heavy grime. Patch test first.
  • Grout cleaners: Easy and effective for regular use. Choose pH-neutral for delicate tiles.
  • Steam cleaning: Chemical-free option for sealed grout and textured tiles.
  • Bleach: Last resort for white grout only. Avoid on coloured or natural tiles.
  • Tile-specific care: Use gentle, non-acidic cleaners on marble, terrazzo, and Moroccan tiles.
  • Outdoor grout: Use neutral cleaners, low-pressure wash, and reseal every 6 months.
  • Keep grout cleaner: Wipe down daily, reseal often, use neutral mops, and consider darker grout shades.
  • Cheapestiles Tip: We stock grout, sealers, and cleaning products. Get in touch for personalised advice.

Why Is Grout So Hard to Keep Clean?

Grout is a porous material, which means it naturally soaks up moisture, dirt, and grime. Throw in daily foot traffic, soap scum, shampoo spills or food splatters, and it’s no surprise grout can go from wonder white to worn-out and woeful in no time.

It’s most noticeable between light-coloured tiles, such as marble look tiles, white Moroccan mosaics, or soft concrete tones. However, even with slip-resistant tiles and high-quality sealants, grout still requires some maintenance to stay looking fresh. That’s why regular grout cleaning isn’t just about appearances… It’s about protecting your tiles, your surfaces, and the overall feel of your space. A little upkeep goes a long way in keeping everything looking sharp, fresh, and clean.

Method 1: The Good Old Baking Soda & Vinegar Combo:

If you’re a fan of natural cleaning, this DIY trick is grout gold.

What you need:

  • Bicarbonate of soda
  • White vinegar
  • Old toothbrush or grout brush
  • Warm water

How to do it:

  1. Sprinkle baking soda along the grout lines.
  2. Spray or pour vinegar directly over the top – watch it fizz (and clean) on contact.
  3. Wait 5–10 minutes, then scrub gently with your brush.
  4. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry.

Best for: Bathroom floor tiles, mosaic tiles, and wall tiles with light to moderate staining.

Cheapestile Tip: Avoid using this method on unsealed natural stone or marble tiles — the acid in vinegar can damage the surface.

Sealing Grout
white subway tiles


Method 2: Hydrogen Peroxide Paste for Stubborn Stains

If your grout is well past the “light refresh” phase, it might need something more substantial.

What you need:

  • Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
  • Baking soda
  • Dishwashing liquid (optional)

How to do it:

  1. Mix into a paste, 1/2 cup baking soda + 1/4 cup peroxide. Add a dash of dish soap if you’re dealing with grease.
  2. Apply the grout and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Scrub and rinse well.

Best for: Bathroom wall tiles, kitchen splashbacks, or areas with mould or heavy discolouration.

Cheapestile Tip: Always patch test a small area first, especially on coloured grout or decorative tiles like terrazzo tiles, Moroccan tiles or mosaic tiles.


Method 3: Grout-Specific Cleaners 

Sometimes, the easiest route is to opt for a store-bought cleaner. 

Dedicated grout cleaners are formulated to lift tough stains without damaging tile surfaces. Look for pH-neutral options when cleaning around marble tiles, concrete-look tiles, or terrazzo tiles.

How to do it:

  1. Spray directly onto grout lines.
  2. Let it soak in for the time listed on the label.
  3. Scrub and rinse thoroughly.

Best for: Quick cleans, spot treatments, and regular tile maintenance.

Cheapest Tile Tip: Pair these with steam mops or tile scrubbing pads to cut the effort in half.

Method 4: Steam Cleaning Grout Without Chemicals

Do you have a steam cleaner or steam mop with a grout attachment? You’re already winning.

How to do it:

  1. Attach the grout nozzle and fire up the steam.
  2. Work section by section, wiping away residue as you go.
  3. Allow grout to dry completely before resealing or walking on floors.

Best for: Slip-proof tiles or floor tiles in wet areas, sealed concrete look tiles, and terrazzo bathroom floor tiles.

Cheapestile Tip: Don’t use steam on unsealed or damaged grout — it may worsen cracks or loosen tiles.

green subway tiles
white marble tiles


Method 5: Bleach (gloves and protective eyewear essential)

At Cheapestile, our tile care experts don’t recommend bleach as your first choice, but if all else fails and you’re determined to remove these stains, here are your ‘last resort’ steps.  

How to do it:

  1. Dilute 1 part bleach to 5 parts water.
  2. Apply carefully using a sponge or dropper along the grout lines.
  3. Ventilate the space well and rinse thoroughly after 5 minutes.

Cheapest Tile Tips: Use only on white grout and only if you’ve tried everything else. Avoid contact with coloured grout and delicate tile types, such as natural stone tiles, Moroccan tiles or mosaic tiles. 

Grout-Cleaning Tips for Specific Tile Styles

Different tile styles have different cleaning needs. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Marble Tiles: No vinegar, no bleach, no harsh scrubbing. Use pH-neutral cleaners only.
  • Terrazzo Tiles: Mild soap and water, plus soft brushes. Avoid abrasive powders.
  • Moroccan Tiles: Handcrafted means delicate. Stick to soft cloths and non-acidic sprays.
  • Concrete Look Tiles: A tough surface, often paired with light grout. Keep it clean with neutral solutions.
  • Slip Proof Tiles: The texture can trap dirt, so steam or use a firm-bristled grout brush to remove stains effectively.


Reseal Your Grout:

Cleaning is just half of grout maintenance. The other? Sealing.

To keep your grout looking fresh for longer, resealing it every 6–12 months is recommended, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.

Not sure if it’s time? Splash a bit of water on your grout:

  • If it beads up, you’re fine.
  • If it soaks in, it’s time to reseal.

Cheapestile Tip: Ask the Cheapestiles team about compatible sealers for your tiles to make sure your grout’s protected without compromising your tile surface.

Outdoor Grout Cleaning:

Yes, grout lives outside, too. It’s most commonly found in patios, alfresco kitchens, BBQ splashbacks and tiled pathways. Concrete-look and stone look tiles tend to hide grime well, but grout lines show the grime if left dirty.

Here’s Cheapest Tile’s  top three tips to keep it clean:

  1. Use a pressure cleaner on the lowest setting to avoid grout erosion.
  2. Stick to neutral tile cleaners to protect nearby plant life.
  3. Reseal every 6 months in high-traffic or exposed areas.

blue pattern tiles
terrazzo tiles


How to Keep Grout Cleaner for Longer

Once your grout’s back to white, grey, or whatever shade it’s meant to be, here’s how to keep it that way:

  • Wipe down wet areas daily – especially bathrooms
  • Use grout sealer regularly.
  • Mop with pH-neutral solutions.
  • Avoid bleach and strong acids unless absolutely necessary
  • Choose darker grout shades if you’re prone to mess (it hides the sins)

How Cheapestiles Makes Grout Cleaning Easy

At Cheapestiles, we don’t just stock beautiful tiles — we have a range of grouts, sealers, and cleaning products to help you grout it out the right way.

Whether you’re choosing grout colours, formulas, or need some advice on matching, we will help you select the right tile grout and cleaning products to suit your tile style. 


Call 02 9790 4273 or email info@cheapestiles.com.au, and we’ll guide you through it step by step.


TL;DR – Quick & Easy Grout Cleaning Guide

Grout holds tiles together but gets dirty fast due to its porous nature. Regular cleaning protects your tiles and keeps spaces looking fresh. For light stains, use baking soda and vinegar; for tough grime or mould, a hydrogen peroxide paste works well. Grout-specific cleaners are convenient, especially pH-neutral options for delicate tiles, while steam cleaning is effective for sealed or textured grout. Bleach is a last resort for white grout only. Always reseal grout every 6–12 months. Daily wiping, neutral mops, and darker grout shades help maintain cleanliness. Cheapestiles offers grouts, sealers, and expert advice for tile care.

Still not sure how many tiles you need?

Use our free tile calculator to get an instant estimate in square metres and then add a 10% buffer for offcuts, layout changes or sneaky mistakes. Got an oddly shaped room or complex layout? Give us a call. We’re happy to walk you through it. Call 02 9790 4273 or email info@cheapestiles.com.au and let’s get your tile project squared away.

How to Clean Tile - The Vinegar Solution
,

How to Clean Tile – The Vinegar Solution

TLDR:

You can clean bathroom tiles using a mix of vinegar and hot water for everyday shine. For stubborn stains, add baking soda and vinegar, a safe, eco-friendly way to keep tiles spotless.

Tiles are a popular choice for bathroom floors, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their durability and ease of maintenance. Proper care and cleaning can keep your bathroom tiles looking great for years to come. If you’ve noticed sticky residue on your tiles, which tends to collect dust and make your floor perpetually dirty, it may be time to consider a natural and cost-effective solution – vinegar. In this blog post, we’ll explore how a vinegar solution can effectively clean bathroom tiles and provide tips on dealing with stubborn stains without resorting to harsh chemicals.

The Power of Vinegar: Vinegar is a household staple with versatile cleaning properties. When used correctly, it can eliminate sticky residue and leave your tiles and grout looking cleaner than ever. The best part? It’s an eco-friendly and affordable cleaning solution.

person cleaning tiles using cloth and water

How to Clean Floor Tiles with Vinegar:

  1. Prepare the Solution: Mix a cup of white vinegar with every 4 litres of hot water. You’ll need about 2 cups of vinegar for a bucket that’s roughly 70% full. The hot water helps enhance the cleaning power of vinegar.
  2. Mop with the Solution: Mop your bathroom floor with the hot water and vinegar solution. Ensure you don’t oversaturate the floor, especially near any wooden skirting boards.
  3. Rinse with Clean Water: Once you’ve mopped the entire floor with the vinegar solution, go over it again with clean, warm water. This step helps remove any residual vinegar and leaves your tiles looking spotless.

Dealing with Stubborn Stains: For those pesky stains that won’t budge, especially on porcelain tiles, consider this effective method:

  1. Create a Paste: Make a paste using water and baking soda (bicarbonate of soda). Apply this paste to the stained area and let it sit overnight.
  2. Apply Vinegar: The next day, lightly spray some vinegar on the area covered with baking soda. You’ll notice bubbling and foaming, which is a sign that the solution is working. Use a brush to scrub the stain away. Opt for appropriate brushes that won’t damage the tiles.
  3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: It’s crucial to avoid harsh chemical cleaners on your tile floors. They can lead to fading and damage over time. The vinegar and baking soda combination provides an effective and gentle alternative.

Regular Maintenance:

To minimise the need for deep cleaning, make it a habit to sweep or vacuum your bathroom floors regularly. This will help prevent dust and dirt buildup, reducing the frequency of mopping.

Conclusion:

Maintaining your bathroom tiles doesn’t have to be a hassle or an expensive endeavor. The vinegar solution, along with the natural cleaning power of baking soda, offers a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way to keep your tiles looking pristine. By following these tips and techniques, you can enjoy clean, beautiful bathroom tiles for years to come. Say goodbye to sticky residue and hello to sparkling surfaces!

In Summary:

Bathroom tiles are durable and stylish, but can attract sticky residue and dirt. A natural, cost-effective cleaning method is using a vinegar and hot water solution for regular cleaning. For stubborn stains, a baking soda paste followed by vinegar works effectively. Avoid harsh chemicals, and maintain cleanliness with regular sweeping or vacuuming. This eco-friendly approach keeps tiles looking pristine and long-lasting.

Sealing Grout
,

Effective Methods for Grout Cleaning in Your Bathroom

Grout, the material filling the spaces between tiles, can easily accumulate mold and mildew in humid conditions, especially in the bathroom. To maintain a pristine surface, consider the following professional and effective methods for cleaning grout:

Hot Water and Stiff Bristle Brush:

Use a stiff-bristle brush with hot water to remove surface dirt, scum, and mould between tiles.

Baking Soda Paste:

Create a natural cleaning paste by mixing baking soda with water. Apply it between tiles and let it sit for a few minutes. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water, spraying it on the grout covered in baking soda. Allow it to sit for half an hour before scrubbing.

Lemon Oil and Borax:

Opt for a green cleaning method by mixing ½ teaspoon of lemon oil with ½ cup of borax and adding liquid soap. Use this paste to scrub the grout between tiles.

Bleach:

For stubborn discoloration, spray bleach on the grout, wait a few minutes, and scrub with a hard bristle brush. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid fumes.

Professional Cleaning Chemicals:

Explore commercially available chemical solutions designed for cleaning tiles and grout. Always test a small section first to check for discoloration or damage.

Tip: Bleach is best for spot cleaning; covering the entire tiled wall surface is generally unnecessary.

Sealing Grout for Protection:

Once the grout is clean, consider sealing it to protect against future dirt, stains, or discoloration. Choose between penetrating and coating sealers:

  • Penetrating Sealer: Small molecules of a penetrating sealer fill the smaller pores on the surface.
  • Coating Sealer: This type protects the surface by forming a thin film on top.

Before applying any sealer or cleaning solution, it’s crucial to test a small section to prevent potential discoloration or damage to the grout.

Explore our range of Cleaning & Sealing products here!

blank
,

How To Choose the Perfect Grout Colour For Your Tiles

TL’DR

Grout colour impacts the overall look of your tiles, whether you want a seamless blend or bold contrast. Match grout for a calm, modern feel or choose darker, contrasting tones for features or high-traffic areas. Tile finish affects how grout appears, and certain colour combos, like white on white, black on white, or grey with charcoal, consistently work well. Cheapestiles makes choosing the right grout easy with expert guidance and budget-friendly options.

Grout colour that sets the tone

Grout colour doesn’t just fill the gaps…it finishes the job. Whether you’re laying tiles on floors, walls or splashbacks, your grout colour choice is what ties the look together.

Pick the right one and your tiles shine. Pick the wrong one and… well, even your dog might judge you.

From barely-there tones to bold contrast lines, grout colour can make your bathroom feel brand new, elevate a kitchen reno or give your hallway floor some serious punch.

So if you fancy a change of shade or deciding what colour to piece it all together, here’s our Cheapest Tile tips for getting that colour correct. 

How to Choose the Perfect Grout Colour for Your Tiles

Grout colour can either blend in quietly or shout from the seams. Here’s how to pick one that makes your tiles shine.

If you want a seamless, modern look, go with grout that matches your tile colour. This combo keeps things clean and simple, letting the tile’s shape or layout do the talking.

Want contrast instead? That’s where grout really gets to flex. Contrasting grout is perfect for feature walls, splashbacks, or anywhere you want a bit of flair.

Black grout with white subway tiles? Instant statement. White grout with colourful tiles? A pop of personality.

Where to Use Different Grout Colours in Your Home

Grout colour isn’t just about looks… It’s about location, too.

Bathroom Grout: Match grout to your tile for a calm, spa-style finish. Or go for contrast behind the vanity or in the shower niche for a budget-friendly feature.

Kitchen Grout: Light grout can look fresh, but darker tones will hide sauce splatters better behind the stove.

Floor Grout: Darker grout is your friend in high-traffic spots. If your hallway, laundry or entry gets a workout, stick with greys or charcoal to hide the scuffs.

Does the Tile finish affect grout appearance?

Glossy or patterned tiles change how grout colour looks in real life. Always test a small patch if you’re unsure. 

Grout will usually dry lighter than it looks in the tub, and sealers might darken it slightly.

Common grout colour combos that work best

Try one of these no-fail picks:

  • White tiles with matching white grout (classic and timeless)
  • White tiles with black grout (crisp contrast)
  • Beige or stone-look tiles with light grey grout (low maintenance, still stylish)
  • Grey tiles with charcoal grout (modern, blends scuffs well)
  • Patterned tiles with grout that picks up one of the tones inside the pattern (ties it all together)
  • If you’re using multiple tile types or doing a big open space, stick with a neutral grout colour to tie it all together.

Why Cheapestiles makes picking grout less grout-ing

Choosing grout doesn’t have to be a headache.

At Cheapestiles, we make it simple… with friendly advice, a big range of grout colours, and tiles that match them beautifully.

Our outlet pricing means you can create the look you want without going over budget, whether it’s for your ensuite, kitchen splashback or a whole-house refresh.

If you’re stuck on shades or not sure what works with your tiles, just ask. We’ve helped thousands of Aussies grout smarter, not harder. 

Call 02 9790 4273 or email info@cheapestiles.com.au

Still deciding?

Let’s make it easier, chat with our experts now.