'I'm a cleaning expert - stop using bleach when 1 natural product works and looks better'

When it comes to cleaning the grout in our homes, be it in the bathroom or kitchen tiles, it's often a chore we'd rather avoid. However, when grout has turned dark and grimy, it can make the room look unclean, regardless of how spotless the rest of it is.

Sprucing up the area between your tiles can brighten up a room and it's not as challenging as you might think. You might be inclined to enlist a bottle of bleach to clean the grout, but this should be avoided, says cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie. The 'Queen of Clean' is known for her appearances on This Morning and her online blog where she shares her top cleaning tips and tricks.

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

Instead, the cleaning whizz suggests using a paste made from bicarbonate of soda, washing up liquid and water, and scrubbing with a toothbrush. For maintaining the grout between these cleans, you should use white vinegar spray, Lynsey advised.

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

If you're keen on a chemical-free approach to grout cleaning, a steam cleaner can be used to eliminate dirt and grime, Lynsey suggested. Without resorting to bleach, your grout will "last longer and stay brighter", resulting in a healthier kitchen and bathroom.

After you've finished cleaning, regular grout maintenance is also important. Screwfix recommends homeowners gently clean grout lines with a mild cleaner or baking soda paste to avoid the buildup of grime.

Applying a grout sealant should also be considered as it "protects it from moisture and stains", making future cleaning tasks easier. Keeping the grout dry is vital to "prevent mould growth", especially in bathrooms and kitchens.