Why bleach fails on bathroom grout — and what to use instead for a sparkling finish
How to clean discolored bathroom grout permanently, without using household bleach.
Dark, dingy grout lines give a bathroom an untidy appearance and can be difficult to clean. Bleach is often used, but it fails to clean grout effectively. Grout is a mixture of cement and sand, which acts like a sponge that absorbs body oils, soap scum, and hard water minerals. Household bleach only whitens surface stains and cannot dissolve deep-seated buildup.
The solution is to create a paste using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap that can break down grease and dissolve grime. Baking soda is not recommended for natural stone tiles, which can be scratched. After applying the paste, use an old toothbrush or application brush to paint it onto the grout. For severe staining or vertical walls, you can use plastic wrap to trap moisture and enhance the cleaning process.
Once the paste is removed, the grout lines will be clean and bright. To maintain clean grout, seal it after drying for 24-48 hours, clean it with a squeegee after every shower, and use a grout sealer to prevent moisture penetration.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
