I know this can be a tedious task but the good news is that there is a super easy way to clean grout lines!
Here’s what you will need:
1. Bleach Pen
2. Sponge (these are the ones I use, they’re my favorite)
3. Cleaning gloves
4. Grout sealer (this is the same one that I used)
3. Cleaning gloves
4. Grout sealer (this is the same one that I used)
Step 1: Start by filing in your grout lines with the bleach pen. You don’t need a lot, just a fine line along the entire grout line.
Note: When I posted the original post on cleaning grout I had a lot of readers asking me if it is okay to use the bleach pen on colored grout. Yes it is! I’ve actually never had white grout, I’ve only used this trick on colored grout and it has never bleached the color from it.
Step 2: Next let the bleach sit on the grout for approximately 10 minutes. Let the bleach do all the hard work for you!
Step 3: Take a sponge and wipe the bleach from the grout. I like to smear it around and clean the entire tile surface with it so that I don’t have to go back and clean the tile separately. Rinse well.
Step 4: Let your grout and tile completely dry and then apply grout sealer according to the directions. There are lots of types of grout sealers but this is the one that I bought.
It’s easy to apply. Spray it on, let it set 5-10 minutes and then wipe the surface clean. Super easy!
Wasn’t that an easy task!? Now your counter tops, floors and showers will look sparkly clean and new for months to come!!!
To see one reader’s transformation of her grout, using this trick, click HERE.
Edit: After receiving this question from many readers I wanted to add this to the post. This tip works on any color of grout. The bleach pen will not turn colored grout white. In fact I have only ever used this trick on colored grout lines.
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Great post on sealing grout! Sealing grout is extremely important. I always advise my readers to seal grout regularly, like every 6 to 8 months. It helps keep the grout clean and not so easily stained. I like using Clorox Bleach Pen too to clean the grout before sealing. It makes everything a lot easier and faster. Another way to do it is with a grout steam cleaner, which uses pressurized steam to get rid of grout stains. Bleach pens and steam cleaners are my favorite tools for cleaning tile grout.
What do you recommend to clean hard water staining (the white-ish kind) off of colored grout? I can’t seem to find a common answer and I’m afraid to just try something in fear that it will ruin the color of the grout. I have brown grout between ceramic glazed tiles in my shower surround and on my vanity. Where the water doesn’t touch the grout, it’s nice and brown, but on the part where I wipe and most water would get on the vanity or the part in the shower that water hits, it’s lighter. I’m guessing it’s lime deposit, but I can’t use something like CLR or bleach apparently because it will discolor the grout. What do I do to make it look good again before resealing it?
I have always had tan grout (in both our houses) and I’ve always used the bleach pen without it fading the grout. I’ve never heard of the bleach pen fading grout so I would definitely try it. The only other thing I can suggest is to make a past of baking soda, wipe it on the grout lines, spray it with vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes and then scrub and rinse.
Can you recommend a natural way to clean grout without using commercial products? Just wondering… Thank You for your time 🙂 Jill
You can use straight hydrogen peroxide or on this post there’s another solution: https://askannamoseley.com/2013/05/budget-friendly-home-made-cleaners/ (it’s about 1/2 way down the page)
Does the grout sealer you used make your tile look glossy? That’s what I had to be careful of when I used a paint-on grout sealer–you had to be careful to only get it on the grout. Also, did you have to let it set for a certain number of hours before walking on it/getting it wet? I’d love one that’s easier to apply.
The sealer I used didn’t make my grout look glossy at all. That’s the only one I’ve ever used so I’m not sure about others. As far as letting it set, I followed the directions on the can, I think it was a handful of hours before it could get wet. We don’t live in that house anymore so it’s been awhile since I’ve done it. 🙂
Hi Anna,
Where can I purchase the pen.
Thanks & Regards
Katherine
You can buy them at any Target/Walmart type store.
They are usually found in the laundry area. Even most grocery stores carry them in the isle with detergents and bleach.
When we would re-seal the grout in our tiled shower, we used a product we purchased at Home Depot that you “paint” on with a small sponge paint pad. We re-sealed once a year, and never had problems with mildew or hard water stains. The only cleaner I used on the tile was Scrubbing Bubbles, and after 3 years the tile still looked new!
I just read your site and the comments. This is very cool. My question is how does the grout pen work on grout that is tan in color? Might just be my ignorance and the word “bleach”. I always believed that bleach will remove color. Hope you have an easy answer for the challenged one. Thank you
David-
This is Monique Anna’s assistant and I am helping her answer some of the comments. As she mentioned in the the post, she has only tried this trick on colored grout and she has never had a problem with it before. “Bleach” can be very intimidating but hopefully it will be more helpful this time around 😉 Hope this helps!
Thank you for letting me know it was broken! It’s all fixed now. 🙂
Hi,
Do you have any tips on getting off gunk from a mirror? I have a mirror above sink and a long mirror on my wall. The mirror on the wall gets gunk from me getting ready and when I spray hair spray it builds up on the mirror. I can’t get it off now! I think I ruin the whole mirror. Maybe you have a tip to share? TIA!
Hey Chantel,
This is Monique, Anna’s Assistant. Anna has written a great post about removing hairspray residue. You can find it here: https://askannamoseley.com/2011/10/getting-rid-of-hairspray-residue/. Hope that helps!
Why are telling people to use bleach? This the worst advice…Bleach is bad for your lungs, I have been cleaning for 30 years and the best way to clean grout is with oxy clean and hot water put it on wait 10 minutes and mop it up unless the grout is very dirty may want to use a scrub brush,. Hope you try my way and see how easy it is
Thank you.
Awesome Anna! Thank you!!! ?
This is a miracle! I tested it on my stained kitchen grout. Did a 2 foot by 2 foot area late at night just to see if it would work. I applied it to my grout line and waited 10 minutes and then went over the area with a scrub sponge and it actually worked!! Can’t wait to do the whole kitchen. It looks like it did when first installed! Thanks for the cleaning tip.
Awesome!! Glad I could help. 🙂