Grout is porous and stains easily — and once it's discoloured or mouldy, it's one of the hardest things to restore in a rental property. Property managers check grout closely in showers, bathrooms, and kitchens. Here's how to approach it before your exit inspection.
Types of Grout Issues
Surface Dirt and Soap Scum
The most straightforward type — grime sitting on the surface of the grout. A stiff grout brush and a good bathroom cleaner (or diluted bleach solution) scrubbed into the lines, left for 5–10 minutes, then scrubbed again and rinsed will remove most of it.
Mould in Grout
Mould penetrates into porous grout. Surface wiping won't remove it — you need a mould treatment with dwell time. Apply a bleach-based mould spray, leave for 15–30 minutes, then scrub with a stiff grout brush. Multiple applications may be needed for deep mould. Good ventilation is essential when using bleach-based products.
Deep Staining
Grout that has darkened significantly over time may require a commercial grout cleaner with an acid-based formula. These are available from tile shops and hardware stores and are more aggressive than household products. Follow the product instructions carefully and wear gloves.
The Right Tools
- Stiff grout brush (an old toothbrush works for small areas)
- Bleach-based mould spray or a commercial grout cleaner
- Good ventilation
- Gloves and eye protection for strong cleaning agents
When Grout Can't Be Cleaned
Some grout that has been stained or moulded for years can't be restored to its original colour through cleaning — the discolouration has penetrated too deeply. In these cases, grout re-colouring products (available from tile stores) can be applied over the cleaned grout to create a uniform appearance. This is a DIY option but takes time to do neatly.
In extreme cases, grout re-pointing (removing and replacing the grout) may be necessary. This is a landlord maintenance responsibility if the grout has failed structurally, but staining from tenant use is typically the tenant's issue.
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