Experts Share How to Clean Grease Out of Grout

Are you tired of the grout in your shower looking gray and grimy? Have the spaces between your kitchen backsplash become sticky? Are you wondering how to clean grease out of grout? Then look no further!

Here are some of the easiest tips and tricks to remove stubborn stains and grease from the tile and grout in your home. However, if you’d rather leave it to the professionals, try  Tucson’s top-rated grout cleaning services from Steam Smart Pro.

What is Grout?

Grout reinforces tiles; it is essentially the “glue” that keeps individual tiles in place on your floor, shower, or countertop. Many homes have grout in kitchens, bathrooms, or any room with tiles in it. Over time, grout tends to become discolored. Grease builds up and also dirties the grout’s appearance.

Having stained grout can feel like a burden, especially if you’ve never tackled the situation before. However, we have three simple suggestions for how to clean grease out of grout at home with products widely available in stores.

With these options, you’ll be able to remove grease in no time! Stains will be gone, and your tile will look brand new!

Method #1: Grout Cleaners

Grout cleaners are available online and in stores. From eco-friendly to fragrance-free options, grout cleaners, such as Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner or Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser Liquid, provide a quick and easy solution for someone in a hurry.

The biggest drawback of this grout cleaning method is that grout cleaners often come with a hidden price. More often than not, store bought grout cleaners contain harsh chemicals not safe for children or pets. Choosing a product from the shelf requires both diligence and caution in order to remove the grease.

Method #2: Vinegar and Baking Soda

White vinegar and baking soda are two common household items that stand the test of time when it comes to cleaning. Due to its high acidity rate, vinegar wears down grease and grime quickly and efficiently.

Baking soda, on the other hand, acts as an abrasive. It dissolves the surface level of the grout in order to remove any dirt and sticky substances. When combined, white vinegar and baking soda provide an extremely effective option to clean the grout in your home.

Using equal parts vinegar and baking soda, mix the two ingredients into a paste before applying it to the grout. Leave it in place for at least ten minutes, then wipe clean. While the grout should be noticeably cleaner, sometimes it doesn’t grant the grout the appearance of being brand-new.

Method #3: White Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Lemon Juice

In addition to white vinegar, lemon juice also provides a natural source of acidity. The recipe for this mixture, though, differs slightly from the one above. Here, you will have to use the ratio of 1:1:2 – one part white vinegar to one part lemon juice to two parts baking soda.

This recipe also forms a chemical reaction and results in a bubbling, foamy texture. Continue adding baking soda until the concoction becomes a paste. Once it has reached the desired consistency, apply the paste over the stains and let it sit for at least ten minutes.

When the time is up, lightly scrub it with a toothbrush and then rinse with warm water. Using a toothbrush seems simple enough, but it is important to scrub gently and not too harshly. Doing the latter can result in damaging the grout or removing it entirely.

Boom! Your grout looks better than ever.

Method #4: Bleach and Water

Bleach and warm water should be used when all previous attempts have failed. Though the concoction will clean the grout, too much can negatively affect it and result in the grout breaking down. It’s best to mix this outside or in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling toxins. For additional safety, wear safety glasses in case of splashback from the bleach.

Gather a gallon or so of warm water and mix it in a large container with three-quarters of a cup of bleach. Stir the mixture gently, then use a toothbrush to scrub the stained grout area.

Once scrubbed, let the bleach and water mixture sit and absorb into the grout. After a minimum of 30 minutes have passed, use a mop to wipe up all of the bleach and water. This cleans the surrounding tiles while also removing the stains.

How to Clean Grease out of Grout

Though all four methods result in clean grout, each comes with its pros and cons. You may need to combine multiple methods or scrub your grout a few times to completely eliminate stains.

Grout cleaners offer an affordable price point and no hassle in having to mix ingredients yourself. However, you must thoroughly read the instructions and warnings, and they require caution when applying the substance to your grout. While it provides a quick solution, it also needs a careful eye on it at all times.

The water and bleach method also uses harsh chemicals. While it might produce the cleanest and whitest grout, the fumes can be toxic to your and your family’s lungs and harm your skin.

White vinegar and baking soda, though, lack the harsh chemicals and toxins found in the others but might not reach the desired whiteness of the grout.

Once you know how to clean grease out of grout, you then need to reseal the grout. Learn more about  sealing grout after cleaning here!

Bonus Method: Schedule Professional Grout Cleaning Services

Steam Smart Pro is available for all your in-house cleaning needs in the Tucson, AZ, area! We offer professional services such as mold removal, carpet cleaning and steaming, and duct assistance. Steam Smart Pro also specializes in cleaning your grout and giving it the appearance of being brand new – and all for a low cost and same-day help!

Contact us today at (520) 462-1183 to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals, or email us at info@steamsmartpro.com to receive an estimate!

Author Bio:

Eric Bullard

The owner of Steam Smart Pro in Tucson, AZ, brings over 20 years of invaluable experience in the field of carpet, tile, and air duct cleaning. With a strong dedication to quality and a deep understanding of effective cleaning techniques, Eric consistently delivers outstanding results to his satisfied residential and commercial clients.