If you have tile in your home, chances are you’ve spent some time cleaning grout.

It’s impossible not to end up with dirty grout. Everyday foot traffic and occasional spills leave behind stains that can be hard to clean.

And while there are several grout cleaning products on the market, you might have something in your home right now that works just as well — toilet bowl cleaner. 

That’s right — regular old toilet bowl cleaner that comes in a squeeze bottle can clean grout! Toilet bowl cleaner contains bleach, so it will not only lighten grout stains, but it will also kill any mold or mildew. The container’s small spout allows you to directly cover grout lines with a thick gel that won’t run all over your floor while it soaks.

Plus, toilet bowl cleaner is cheaper than grout cleaner.


Steps to Clean Grout With Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Just squeeze it directly into the grout joints. Because it has a gel consistency, it fills up the joint lines and stays put.  

Once the lines are saturated in toilet bowl cleaner, let it set for a good 30 to 40 minutes or so. Then, scrub them with a stiff-bristled. 

Want to use less elbow grease? Convert a standard hand scrub brush into a power attachment for your drill! Just watch How to Clean Tiles Faster Than Ever to learn how.

After you’re done scrubbing, wipe the surface clean with a microfiber cloth to absorb the cleaner. You can come back later with a little water to clean up the excess toilet bowl cleaner.

Once you’ve cleaned it to your liking, seal the grout lines to keep them cleaner for longer.


Further Reading

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

Learn More