spring cleaning cure

This DIY Grout Cleaner Is the Best to Use for a Deeper Clean

Stephanie NguyenLifestyle Director
Stephanie NguyenLifestyle Director
I oversee all our coverage of lifestyle topics, which include cleaning, organizing, wellness, entertaining, real estate, travel, and more. I’m based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
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Bright bathroom featuring a light wood vanity, colorful towels, and a glass shower with gold fixtures.

Apartment Therapy’s Spring Cleaning Cure is a free 10-day program that’ll help you achieve a tidier home. Get all assignments delivered to your inbox by signing up here and download our calendar page to follow along.

You most likely have a regular bathroom cleaning routine — but if you’re anything like me, when you’re faced with something that requires even more work, you might put it off for another day. One problem area I often see people struggle with? Getting the grout clean. Today, we’re going to tackle just that! 

Day 4: Deep-clean the grout.

To deep-clean the grout in your bathroom, we’ve discovered that the best combo to use is hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. You’ll put equal amounts of each on the spot you want to clean (there will be a sizzle sound as the chemicals interact). Then, scrub with your favorite grout brush. The paste will foam, and after a few minutes you’ll notice that the spot will be brighter. 

Want to tackle something else today? Here’s a list of other areas in the bathroom that deserve a deep clean.

  • Take everything out of your bathroom — and clean those things. This includes things inside the shower or tub (shower products like shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc., and a shower caddy), outside it (like the curtain, liner, and items on your shelves and counters), and on the floor (such as the bath mat, trash can, toilet cleaner, and plunger). Throw anything that can be machine-washed into the washer, then wipe down all your products and items.
  • Clean the showerhead. For a quick clean, you could simply wipe it down with some all-purpose cleaner. But for something deeper you should consider soaking it in vinegar to remove buildup. 
  • Scrub your shower or tub. Working from top to bottom, use a dedicated shower cleaner or plain dish soap with a dish wand to clean. You may need to let your cleaner sit to let it work its magic — just be sure to check the instructions and properly ventilate the room. Don’t forget to wipe down any shelves and shower niches. You should also get the high shelf by your window if you have one — especially if you store things up there. Now that you’ve scrubbed everything, spray it all down with water. 
  • Clean the toilet. Start by cleaning inside the toilet and let the cleaner work its magic. Then, scrub all around the toilet — including the back and the walls! If you can, remove the seat to clean the hinges. When you’re all done, flush the toilet.

Share the before-and-after photos of your grout cleaning in the community forum.

More Ways to Participate in the Spring Cleaning Cure:

Spring Cleaning Cure 2026 Discussion

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