13 Tips to Keep Your Backsplash Grout Clean

Grout is a porous, uneven substance. It is strong enough to hold tiles in place, but can also be quite brittle and prone to staining. As you have probably noticed, keeping grout clean can be a real challenge, but there are some tips and tricks to make the task easier.

Here are 13 simple ways to keep your grout clean:

1. Clean your backsplash grout regularly.
2. Use a toothbrush to reach into corners and crevices.
3. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives.
4. Apply sealer to dry grout.
5. Apply sealer to your grout every few months.
6. Remove spills and stains as soon as they happen.
7. Protect your backsplash from sharp and heavy objects.
8. Keep the backsplash grout dry.
9. Use a squeegee to remove soap residue and water spots.
10. Clean after every meal.
11. Regrout your backsplash as needed.
12. Keep a clean sponge handy for quick wipes.
13. Keep children away from your backsplash as much as possible.

Let’s take a closer look at these 13 tips in detail so you can prevent your backsplash grout from getting those unsightly black stains that seem to come out of nowhere. So let’s get started and make your grout look as good as new!

1. Clean your backsplash grout regularly

Regularly cleaning your grout with a solution of water and baking soda is a great way to keep it looking clean and fresh.

For routine cleaning, mix equal parts water and baking soda in a spray bottle, then spray the mixture directly onto the grout. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a toothbrush to scrub it clean. Rinse with warm water and dry with a cloth.

Of course, there are many commercially available products that can also remove stains and dirt from your grout. However, you should avoid using strong acidic or alkaline cleaners like vinegar and ammonia, as they can damage your grout.

I recommend cleaning the grout at least twice a week to prevent stains from setting in. This will also help you avoid prematurely replacing the grout in your backsplash.

2. Use a toothbrush to reach into corners and crevices

Brushing your grout with an old toothbrush is another easy way to keep it looking clean.

Using warm water and a baking soda solution, scrub small areas of the grout with the toothbrush. If removing stains is a priority, you can add a small amount of bleach to the solution.

No matter how vigilant you are, it’s inevitable that some dirt and grime will get trapped in the crevices of your grout. This is also where many odors come from.

The good news is that brushing the surface of your grout with a toothbrush will eliminate all those odors and stains, giving you a clean surface.

3. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives

It’s a good idea to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives on your grout. These can damage the grout and make future cleaning more difficult. There are many commercial products available that can clean your grout without damaging it, so it’s best to stick with those.

You might also consider getting a microfiber cloth, as these help remove dirt and grime without damaging the grout. Just keep in mind that microfiber cloths can also trap dirt and other particles against your grout, so you’ll need to clean them regularly as well.

If your grout shows signs of damage from improper cleaning solutions, you can repair it with a grout stain product. However, this is not as effective as sealing the grout after cleaning, so it’s best to avoid using harsh chemicals in the first place if you want to maintain a clean backsplash.

4. Apply sealer to dry grout

You should apply a sealer to your grout, but it’s best to wait until your grout is fully cured before sealing it. Otherwise, the moisture content in the grout can damage the sealer.

For this reason, you should never apply a sealer to your backsplash grout until you’ve let it dry for at least 36 hours, ideally longer if possible. If you’re concerned about odors emanating from the grout while it’s drying, just remember that baking soda is an excellent odor absorber.

5. Apply sealer to your grout every few months

For added protection, it’s best to apply a sealer to your backsplash grout every few months. Using an oil-based sealer will give you the extra protection you need to keep your grout looking clean and new.

In addition to protecting your grout from dirt, buildup, and staining, applying a sealer also helps repel dust, which prevents it from settling into the grout lines of your backsplash. Sealing is crucial if you have children, as they can easily make a mess.

To apply an oil-based sealer to your backsplash grout, you’ll need a brush and protective gloves. You’ll also need to wait at least 24 hours for the sealer to cure after application.

6. Remove spills and stains as soon as they happen

It’s always best to remove spills and stains as soon as possible, whether they’re on your grout or not. If you let them sit for too long, it becomes almost impossible to remove the color, especially if you regularly use an abrasive cleaner.

Abrasive cleaners cause scratches on the surface of your grout, so they leave behind more stains and dirt buildup over time. The best way to avoid this is by applying a mixture of baking soda and toothpaste directly to the discolored areas. This method is gentler than most commercial products, but equally effective.

Some people prefer to protect their backsplash when preparing messy meals. You can do this by covering your backsplash with a plastic wrap that you can easily wipe clean. Or, if you find that the grout is not cleanable, use a cabinet liner instead of tiles for your backsplash.

7. Protect your backsplash from sharp and heavy objects

A cabinet liner is a great way to protect your backsplash from sharp objects and heavy pots and pans. It’s also an excellent method for avoiding the use of aggressive chemicals on your grout, as it helps prevent staining.

Just keep in mind that the cabinet liner will also trap dirt and other particles against your tiles, so you’ll need to clean it regularly as well. You can use a commercially available protective film or make your own from durable materials like vinyl.

To do this properly, measure the size of your backsplash before going to the store. Also, make sure the film is slightly larger than your backsplash so you can easily tuck it in at the edges.

8. Keep the backsplash grout dry

Keeping the area around your backsplash dry is one of the best ways to prevent water damage and unsightly and unhealthy mold growth. Grout becomes softer when it’s wet, and if food, dirt, or other contaminants are on your wet grout, you’ll have trouble removing them later on.

When food settles deep into the porous grout, it can also promote mold and mildew growth, and removing these things is a challenge.

So if you’re not using an under-cabinet, install a high shelf, if possible, and use it to store clean towels or other items that can quickly absorb water.

And remember, it’s important to keep your grout clean all around to maintain a well-looking kitchen. This means wiping down your cabinets, appliances, and sink every other day to prevent dirt from settling into the grout lines.

9. Use a squeegee to remove soap residue and water spots

A squeegee is great for keeping your grout clean as it can remove crumbs, spills, soap residue, splashes, and dirt without scratching the surface of the grout. You can also use a microfiber cloth or dishcloth to clean your tiles.

If you have children in your household, you’ll probably want to have a squeegee handy next to the sink. Kids always spill something, and a squeegee makes it easier to clean up the mess without leaving any stains or scratches.

You can also use a squeegee after doing the dishes to remove excess water before it has a chance to settle into the grout lines. If you have time, you can even let your backsplash air dry before wiping it down with a clean cloth.

You can use vinegar and baking soda to thoroughly clean your grout, but you should only use it once in a while, as it can weaken the material.

10. Clean after every meal

If you have a backsplash in your kitchen, cleaning your grout after every meal will not only preserve its appearance, but also prevent stains and damage that can result from regular use.

The buildup of oils and splatters on the grout leads to stains that are difficult to remove. So by removing them immediately, your backsplash will stay stunning.

By doing this regularly, you should be able to remove most spills, splatters, and drips with just a quick scrub between the grout lines using a cloth or rubber squeegee. This will help you maintain a clean and hygienic environment in your kitchen while making your grout last longer.

If some stains don’t come off with just water and a cloth, you can use baking soda and toothpaste to gently scrub the area without scratching the surface of the grout lines. Just be sure to act quickly before the stains settle deeper into the porous grout.

11. Regrout your backsplash as needed

If your grout has deep scratches and stains that won’t come out with regular cleaning, it may be time to regrout it. A professional can do this for you, or you can use a grout filler kit to do the job yourself.

Grout filler kits usually come with a drill and tube that you can use to apply the product to the grout lines. Just remember to follow the instructions carefully and wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust or chemicals during the process.

After doing this, your grout should look as good as new in just a few hours, without having to sand the entire backsplash or hire a professional to regrout it.

Let the product cure for 36 to 48 hours before doing anything else with it. Once that time has passed, you should be able to clean the grout as usual and enjoy your beautifully regrouted kitchen backsplash. You should also seal it with a grout sealer to make it last longer.

12. Keep a clean sponge handy for quick wipes

If the grout on your backsplash looks dirty, a quick wipe-down can go a long way in making it look better. Just moisten a sponge and use it to remove any spills.

To prevent your sponge from smelling or getting covered in dirt, you can put it in the dishwasher about once a week to keep it clean. You should also replace your sponge every two months if it looks particularly dirty from regular use.

Even if you don’t have time for daily wipes, doing this a few times a week will help keep your kitchen grout looking great.

You can also use a range cleaner to maintain your grout looking fresh between regular cleanings. Just spray it on the surface of your backsplash, wait two minutes, then wipe the solution off with a cloth or paper towel.

13. Prevent splatters on your backsplash

The backsplash is called a backsplash for a reason, and accordingly, it tends to collect dirt, oil, soap scum, and food from splatters.

To keep your grout as clean as possible, always prevent splatters before they happen. For example, use a splatter guard when cooking oily or liquid foods in the kitchen. In the bathroom, regularly wipe down the grout and try not to direct your shower head at the tile.

Taking preventive measures to reduce the number of times you have to clean the grout is the best way to make your life easier and keep your backsplash in excellent condition.