Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by lindseymahoney
![How to whiten tile grout with this simple, homemade recipe | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/grout-cleaner-1-480x720.png.webp)
The most effective way to whiten your tile grout is with a DIY grout cleaner made of 4 ingredients. If your tile floors were installed with white grout, there is a good chance that it is stained with dirt.
Using common household items found in the kitchen, you can whiten your tile grout without any chemicals!
I first used this solution on the tile floors in the mudroom of our last Denver home and the transformation was epic.
![Simple homemade grout cleaner DIY to whiten yellowing grout | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DSC01965_preview-1-720x480.jpeg.webp)
I used this same solution to clean up the tar-stained original bathroom at our last flip house and the tiles look like new.
![How to whiten tile grout with this simple, homemade recipe | Building Bluebird
#cleaninghack #sustainable #bathroom #environmentallyfriendly](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2618-Drummond-Rd-Toledo-OH-43606-23-683x1024.jpg.webp)
Our new home has three retro bathrooms with the original tiles. I breathed new life into the master bathroom shower and floor tiles by whitening the grout with this baking soda and vinegar solution!
Master Bathroom Grout Before
Here is what the shower and floor looked like before the makeover began. You can see the white grout has turned yellow in many areas.
![Simple homemade grout cleaner DIY to whiten yellowing grout | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_1421-720x540.jpg.webp)
The grout between the floor tiles has been darkened with dirt.
![How to clean dirty, original tile floor grout with vinegar, baking soda and water | Building Bluebird #diy #bathroommakeover](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_3007-720x545.jpg.webp)
How to Make Your Own DIY Tile Grout Cleaner
[This blog post contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Building Bluebird!]
DIY Grout Cleaner Source List:
![Simple homemade grout cleaner DIY to whiten yellowing grout | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_1411-2-720x540.jpg.webp)
- Baking Soda
- White Vinegar
- Dawn dish soap (optional)
- Water
Additional Materials Used:
- Bowl for the paste
- Old toothbrush
- Spray bottle
- Rag
Step 1 | Make Grout Cleaner Paste
Pour baking soda into a bowl to begin making the homemade grout cleaner solution.
![Simple homemade grout cleaner DIY to whiten yellowing grout | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_1412-720x540.jpg.webp)
Slowly add water to create a paste-like consistency. I did not do any measurements, I just eyeballed it.
![Simple homemade grout cleaner DIY to whiten yellowing grout | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_1414-720x540.jpg.webp)
When the baking soda paste is finished, you have the option to add a few drops of Dawn dish soap for an extra kick. Mix it together with the baking soda paste.
![Simple homemade grout cleaner DIY to whiten yellowing grout | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_1415-720x540.jpg.webp)
Fill the spray bottle with vinegar. You don’t need to fill the entire bottle, just enough for the surface you are cleaning.
Step 2 | Spray Grout with Vinegar
Spray a section of the tiles and grout with vinegar and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
![Simple homemade grout cleaner DIY to whiten yellowing grout | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_1424-540x720.jpg.webp)
Step 3 | Scrub Grout with Baking Soda Paste
Dip your toothbrush into the baking soda paste and with a small scoop, begin scrubbing the grout on the vinegar-soaked section of the tiles.
I worked my way from the top to the bottom of the enclosure.
![Simple homemade grout cleaner DIY to whiten yellowing grout | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_1425-540x720.jpg.webp)
The same process will be used on the floor tile grout.
![Vinegar, baking soda and water solution to clean tile grout | Building Bluebird #bathroommakeover #vintagebathroom #diy](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_3009-674x720.jpg.webp)
Step 4 | Rinse Away the Solution
In the shower, I used a combination of the showerhead and cups of water to rinse the tile surround.
![Simple homemade grout cleaner DIY to whiten yellowing grout | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_1429-720x540.jpg.webp)
For the floors, take a damp rag and wipe up the dirt and baking soda remnants.
Repeat these steps until you have cleaned the entire surface. Here is the floor afterward. The image below shows the floors when they were still a little damp, the grout lightened up even more once it was completely dry.
![Simple homemade grout cleaner DIY to whiten yellowing grout | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_3015-720x540.jpg.webp)
Master Bathroom Grout After
It still amazes me how much of a difference this homemade grout cleaner makes in our bathroom! I love quick DIYs that have such a big impact once it is complete.
![Simple homemade grout cleaner DIY to whiten yellowing grout | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_2947-720x540.jpg.webp)
The grout between the floor tiles is so much brighter!
![Simple homemade grout cleaner DIY to whiten yellowing grout | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_3013-540x720.jpg.webp)
DIY grout cleaner is so easy to make and is incredibly effective when it comes to removing stains between your tiles.
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