This Viral DIY Grout Hack Makes Tile Look New Again

If you've ever tried bringing your dirty grout back to like-new condition, it can be a real battle. But before you reach for the caustic commercial grout cleaners, look in your pantry. You already have everything you need to bring your grout back to pristine condition. This TikTok-famous hack is surprisingly simple and effective, using just three household staples: dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. 

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The Oxy-Sud Formula

• 1 cup of Baking Soda
• 3 tablespoons Hydrogen Peroxide
• 1/4 cup Blue Dawn Dish Soap. 

A Word of Caution. Only use this grout cleaning trick on ceramic or porcelain tile. Don’t use it on natural stone, such as marble, limestone, or travertine, as the oxygenation process caused by the peroxide can etch and dull these delicate surfaces. 

How to Execute the Hack

1. Application: Apply a line of cleaner over the dirty grout lines using a toothbrush. I like to put the mix in a squeeze bottle, so I can easily squeeze it over grout lines. If you go with a squeeze bottle, you’ll need to use it immediately as the bubbling action can cause pressure to build up inside the bottle if left for too long. 
2. Wait: Allow the mixture to work its way into the grout lines for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll see bubbles forming over the grout, which is the oxygen removing the grime. 
3. Scrub: Give the oxygenation process an assist by gently scrubbing the grout lines with an old toothbrush to break up grime.
4. Wipe away: Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove the cleaner and grime to expose the clean grout. 

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Why It Works

Most grout stains are the result of oils and minerals that absorb into the porous grout. The DIY mix is formulated to remove it:

• The Dish Soap: Works as a degreaser, breaking down the oils caught in the grout.
• The Baking Soda: Functions as a mild abrasive that helps scrub away the surface grime and mildew.
• The Hydrogen Peroxide: Acts as an oxidizer, reaching into the grout’s pores to lift dirt out with its bubbling action. 

It’s not just for Grout

You can use this simple DIY cleaner around the house. It’s especially good for:

• Oven doors: Breaking down the baked-on grease that coats the interior glass. 
• Toilets: Removing the dreaded toilet hard water ring.
• Dirty Caulk: Cleaning away surface mold and mildew around tubs.
• Rust stains: Lifting orange oxidation stains from tile and porcelain sinks.