The Easy, Budget-Friendly Way To Bring Dirty Grout Back To Life

Even though it is the material holding together the beautiful tile in your house, grout often gets overlooked, especially when it comes to cleaning. It's no wonder that after months or years of use that dirt, mildew, mineral deposits, and other gunk leave the lines between your tiles looking grungy and dull. And if you have already tried scrubbing the grout with standard cleaners to no avail, you might be tempted to call in a professional or give up the fight entirely. But what many folks don't know is that there is a simple, budget-friendly solution probably already hiding in your cleaning caddy: Bar Keepers Friend. This iconic product has long been a secret weapon for home cleaning, and is one of the easiest ways to clean grout.

Bar Keepers Friend, which first hit the market back in 1882, is popular thanks to its non-bleach, mildly abrasive cleanser, available in both powder and liquid forms. Its active ingredient, oxalic acid, is a natural organic compound that makes it super effective at removing rust, tarnish, hard water stains, and, most importantly, the buildup that dulls your grout. The oxalic acid works at a chemical level to break down the bonds of those stains, while a gentle mineral abrasive helps to lift the grime without causing damage like harsh scouring powders might. The combination easily cuts through mineral deposits and soap scum, making his potent yet gentle combination a fantastic choice for restoring white or light-colored grout. We should note, however, that it is not recommended for colored grout as its acidic nature can discolor it, so beware if you have colorful grout and tile combinations.

Using Bar Keepers Friend to clean up neglected grout is an easy process, and only requires a few tools. To start, you will need the cleaner (either form works here), a small bowl or cup, a stiff-bristled brush for use in small areas (think: an old toothbrush), and a clean sponge or rag. First, slightly dampen the area you plan to clean. If you are using the powder, shake a small amount into your bowl and add just enough water to create a thick, spreadable paste. If you are using the liquid version, just add a small amount directly onto the grout line.

Next, take your brush and gently scrub the paste or liquid into the grout. As you scrub, you should see the dirt start to break down and lift thanks to the oxalic acid. And a little bit of elbow grease will go a long way here, even if there are extra dirty or tough areas, reducing how often you should clean your grout. Just remember to not let the cleanser sit for a long time; you should rinse it thoroughly within one minute of your first application so it does not damage the surface.

You will be amazed at how quickly those dark, dirty lines brighten up, making your entire floor, shower, or backsplash look years newer. With just a little bit of time and your favorite form of Bar Keepers Friend, your grout will look like professionals just cleaned it even though you only spent a few bucks. Nothing is better than that!