Looking for more guidance? Take a look at our Maintenance overview.
OCT 14, 2025
How To Clean Stained Grout And Make Your Tiles Look New Again

OCT 14, 2025

Looking for more guidance? Take a look at our Maintenance overview.
There’s nothing quite like the crisp, clean look of freshly laid tile. But over time, the grout lines that frame those beautiful tiles can become a magnet for dirt, grime, and stains, making the entire surface look dull and unhygienic. Whether it’s musty dark spots in the shower, greasy splatters behind the stove, or just general dinginess in a high-traffic hallway, stained grout is a common headache for homeowners.
The good news is that you don’t have to live with it, nor do you have to rip out your tile and start over. Most grout issues, from simple stains to minor damage, are completely fixable with a little bit of know-how and the right approach. It’s one of those deeply satisfying DIY projects that can dramatically transform a room in an afternoon.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, just like a friendly expert on the phone. We’ll help you assess the condition of your grout, identify what’s causing the stains, and provide step-by-step instructions for cleaning, repairing, and protecting it for the future.

Before you reach for the nearest bottle of cleaner, let's play detective for a few minutes. Properly diagnosing the problem will save you time and ensure you use the right method, especially since certain cleaners can damage specific types of tile.
Here’s what to look for:
Check for Physical Damage: Look closely at the grout lines. Do you see any cracks, missing chunks, or sections that look sandy? Gently rub a small area with your fingertip. If it crumbles or feels powdery, the grout is failing and will need to be repaired, not just cleaned. We’ll cover how to handle that in a bit.
Identify the Stain Type:
Test Your Grout’s Sealant: Find a clean, unstained grout line and drip a few drops of water onto it. Watch it for about a minute. If the water beads up on the surface, your grout is sealed. If it soaks in immediately and darkens the grout, the sealant has worn off, leaving it porous and vulnerable to future stains. This is a crucial piece of information for the final step.
Once you’ve determined whether your grout needs repair or just a deep clean, you can move on to the fix.
If your assessment revealed crumbling, cracked, or missing grout, no amount of scrubbing will solve the problem. Damaged grout not only looks bad but can also allow water to seep behind your tiles, potentially leading to much bigger issues down the line.
DIY or Call a Pro?
For small, localized repairs, this is a very manageable DIY task. However, if the damage is widespread, you might want to call in a professional.
How to Replace a Small Section of Grout:
Tools & Materials:

Instructions:
If your grout is intact but stained, it’s time for a deep clean. Always remember to ensure good ventilation by opening a window or turning on an exhaust fan, and wear gloves to protect your hands.
Mildew is common in bathrooms, but the right cleaner depends on your tile type.
For Ceramic or Porcelain Tile:
For Natural Stone Tile (Marble, Travertine, Limestone):
Perfect for greasy kitchen backsplashes.
For all those everyday spills.
Remember that water bead test from the beginning? If water soaked into your grout, it’s unsealed and will quickly get stained again. Sealing your grout is the single best thing you can do to keep it looking clean.

After your grout is clean and completely dry (wait at least 24 hours), apply a good-quality penetrating grout sealer.
According to experts at The Spruce, you should reseal grout every one to two years, or more often in high-moisture areas like showers.
Bringing your tile back to life by cleaning or repairing the grout is a project that delivers instant gratification. It protects your home, improves hygiene, and restores the beauty of your floors and walls.
Want more easy-to-follow guides for taking care of your home? Download the Casa app today! Casa is your personal home management partner, filled with DIY tutorials, maintenance reminders (like when to reseal your grout!), and a direct line to trusted, vetted professionals for those jobs you’d rather leave to an expert. Take control of your home maintenance with Casa.