Stop using bleach to clean grout - 1 natural item makes it brighter and cleaner

When it comes to the grout in our homes, whether it's in the bathroom or between the kitchen tiles, cleaning it is often a task most of us want to put off. However, when grout becomes dark and dingy, it can make the room appear dirty, no matter how clean the rest of it is. Polishing up the area between your tiles can make a room seem brighter and it isn't as difficult as you may think.

While you may be tempted to reach for the bleach to clean the grout, you should avoid this, according to cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie. The 'Queen of Clean' is known for her appearances on This Morning and online blog where she shares her expert tips and tricks.

Lynsey warned that while bleach may seem like a "quick fix", it "doesn't actually clean the grout" and instead, just temporarily lightens the surface. She explained: "Over time, it can damage the grout, make it crumble, and even cause yellowing."

Instead, the cleaning guru recommends using a paste of bicarbonate of soda, washing up liquid and water and scrubbing with a toothbrush. For freshening the grout up in between these scrubs, you should use white vinegar spray, Lynsey said.

Lynsey also uses white vinegar to clean her windows and glass, descale the kettle, and prevent mildew in water areas in the home. She also recommends the product for cleaning the fridge, freshening up laundry, and deodorising the microwave.

If you prefer a chemical-free method to clean your grout, you can use a steam cleaner to remove dirt and grime, she advises. Without using bleach, your grout will "last longer and stay brighter" and your bathroom and kitchen will be healthier, Lynsey says.

Maintaining grout after you've cleaned it is also important, and Screwfix encourages homeowners to wipe down grout lines with a mild cleaner or baking soda paste to prevent a build-up of dirt.

You should also consider applying a grout sealant as sealing it "protects it from moisture and stains" which makes it easier to clean in the long run. Keeping it dry is also key as this will help to "prevent mould growth", particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.

If your grout is beyond repair and cleaning isn't enough to make it sparkle, you could try using grout pens, which are a "quick and easy" way to restore discoloured lines. You should also consider giving re-grouting a go if it is severely discoloured, crack, or crumbling.