Tile and grout are porous and have a tendency to “lock in” dirt and bacteria, which is why they’re notoriously difficult to clean. Over time, the bacteria that the grout collects can turn it yellow or dingy, and can even cause the tile to smell.
If you have dirty-looking grout in your kitchen or bathroom, you have a few options to get it looking like new. To save money, first try getting the grout professionally cleaned. Your cleaning technician will pretreat the floor, then continue with a high-pressure clean and rinse. They’ll follow up with a deodorizer to eliminate any odors that the dirty grout may have trapped. That may be all you need to get your floor looking spotless.
If cleaning it worked and you like the results, consider adding a color sealant to the grout lines. This will rejuvenate your tile floors, providing a polished and uniform appearance, as well as help to repel dirt. You can even choose a new color to update your interiors!
However, if a deep clean didn’t remove the staining, you may want to replace the grout. It’s an inexpensive home repair that can really freshen up a floor’s appearance. Here’s how to do it.

  • Tools you’ll need:
    • A grinder or rotary tool
    • Vacuum or brush
    • Citrus-based cleaner
    • Margin float
    • Grout (below guidelines or choosing grout courtesy of Lowe’s)
      • If the width between the tiles is larger than 1/8″, use a sanded grout.
      • If the width is 1/8″ or smaller, or if you have marble tiles, use an unsanded or acrylic latex grout.
  • Adjust the rotary tool to the depth of the grout (most likely no more than ¼”), and be sure that the bit you’re using is not wider than the space between the tile.
  • Carefully remove the grout; work slowly in a 2’x2’ area at a time. If you’re working on a countertop, work from the back forward. If the dust is a different color than the grout, adjust the tool as you may be grinding away your tile.
  • Once the joints are cleaned out, vacuum or brush out the grout flakes. Then use an abrasive cleaner to remove any remaining residue.
  • Mix up a batch of new grout. The consistency should be between peanut butter and pancake batter.
  • Apply the grout to the floor using a grout or margin float.
  • Let the area dry for about ten minutes, and then remove the excess with a damp sponge. After removing the extra grout, wipe only the tile with a dry rag. The grout will set in about 20 minutes and be completely cured within 24 hours.
  • Clean the grout with a citrus-based cleaner. Using bleach will only discolor your new grout!
  • Call your technician to apply a color sealant, so you never have to worry about discolored grout again!