What is the best way to clean grout on a kitchen backsplash?

The best way to clean kitchen backsplash grout is with a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft-bristle brush, left to sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrubbed gently and rinsed clean. This approach is effective for routine grout cleaning without damaging the grout or your tile, and it is safe for the ceramic, porcelain, and glass tile backsplashes that are most common in New Brunswick kitchens.

Mix about three parts baking soda to one part water to form a thick paste. Spread it along the grout lines with an old toothbrush or a grout brush (available at any hardware store in NB for about $5-$8). Let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes so the baking soda can break down the grease, soap residue, and cooking splatter that discolour grout over time. Then scrub in small circular motions and wipe clean with a damp cloth. For kitchen backsplashes, the grout lines directly behind the stove and near the sink take the most abuse, so focus your effort there.

For heavier staining — yellowed grout, mold spots, or deeply embedded grease — mix equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (the 3% solution from the pharmacy) into a paste and apply the same way. The peroxide provides extra oxidizing power that lifts stains baking soda alone cannot. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, scrub, and rinse. This combination works particularly well on white and light-coloured grout.

New Brunswick's Maritime humidity makes grout maintenance more important than in drier climates. During NB's humid summers, moisture can encourage mold growth in grout lines, especially in kitchens with poor ventilation or where the range hood is set to recirculate rather than vent outside. If you see black or dark green spots in your grout, that is likely mold — the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide method handles it well, but you should also address the underlying moisture issue by running your range hood (vented to the exterior) while cooking and for 10-15 minutes afterward.

Avoid bleach-based cleaners on coloured grout, as bleach can strip the colour. Also avoid steel wool, wire brushes, or acidic cleaners (vinegar, in large concentrations) on grout — these can erode the grout surface and create more porous texture that stains more easily in the future.

If your grout is badly stained despite cleaning, consider applying a grout sealer after a thorough deep clean. Sealed grout resists staining and moisture penetration far better than unsealed grout, which is especially valuable in NB's humid kitchen environments. Grout sealer is a simple DIY project — apply with a small brush along grout lines, wipe excess off tiles, and let cure for 24-48 hours. A bottle of quality grout sealer costs $15-$25 and covers most standard kitchen backsplash areas of 25-40 square feet. Reapply once a year for best results.

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