How to clean grout in shower

How to Get Rid of Mold in Shower Grout? What Actually Works? – Tried & Tested

If you’ve ever stepped into the shower and noticed dark lines, yellow stains, or stubborn black spots between tiles, you’re not alone. Shower grout absorbs moisture, soap residue, oils, and minerals. All these factors combine to create an environment where grime, mold, and mildew develop easily.

But here’s the beauty of grout, it can be cleaned using the proper technique, so it appears clean and fresh. In this guide, we will explore how to clean shower grout using different cleaning solutions and methods so you can have bathroom tile that looks its best.

Why Shower Grout Gets Dirty

Before learning the best way to clean grout in shower areas, it helps to understand why and how it gets dirty in the first place. Grout made from porous cement absorbs water along with any liquid and dirt it comes into contact with, including soap residue and efflorescence. In a shower environment, grout lines are constantly exposed to:

When surfaces are not dried properly or the room lacks efficient ventilation, mold and mildew start to grow. In this case, grout can weaken and act like a sponge that absorbs buildup, remaining dirty and discolored even when cleaned on a regular basis.

What You’ll Need to Clean Shower Grout

Having the necessary tools and products makes cleaning grout in a shower much easier. Chances are, you already have most of what’s needed to keep your surfaces immaculate.

1. Basic cleaning supplies:

2. For deep cleaning:

• Oxygen bleach or specialized grout cleaner

• Protective gloves

• Steam cleaner (optional)

These cleaning products are safe for most common shower tile types like ceramic and porcelain, and help clean both the tile surface and grout without causing damage.

How to Clean Shower Grout Naturally

If the grout in the shower is slightly stained or has a dull look, natural cleaning methods can be the best way to clean shower grout effectively. Below are common solutions to consider:

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

One of the most common and natural approaches for shower grout cleaning involves using two household items that you might have in your home right now: baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive while vinegar aids in breaking down the buildup of dirt and stains.

The cleaning steps are as follows:

If any stains remain, you can repeat the process to ensure the grout is fully clean. This method works well for keeping shower walls and floors clean and free from surface dirt.

2. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

For slightly more difficult stains, hydrogen peroxide is more effective than vinegar. It helps break down the stubborn buildup and kills mold spores without damaging the tiles.

The steps to remove the stains are as follows:

• Make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
• Leave it on grout lines for about 20 minutes
• Gently scrub the grout, rinse thoroughly, and dry

This is a non-abrasive method that won't scratch or damage tile and perhaps the best way to clean shower grout with tough-to-remove stains and discoloration.

How to Deep Clean Stubborn Grout Stains

Sometimes natural methods aren’t enough. If your grout hasn’t been cleaned for long or has persistent stains that won’t simply go away, you’ll need a deep-cleaning approach using specialized products or mechanical tools.

1. Oxygen Bleach Cleaning

Oxygen bleach will clean shower tile grout safely and efficiently. Since it doesn’t give off a strong smell like chlorine bleach does, it is a more tile-friendly option while still removing tough stains and mineral buildup. When oxygen bleach breaks down grime, it releases oxygen molecules, which penetrate dirt and stains to help restore grout to its bright appearance.

2. Steam Clean Shower Tile Grout

Steam cleaning grout can be an effective way to keep shower floor tile looking its best. With this method, steam is used to penetrate deeply into the pores of the grout, loosening dirt, lifting grime, and killing bacterial and mold pores. This cleaning process is safe to use on different tiling materials, like our Misty Blue, Ivory Cream 16x48 Matte Ceramic Large Tile, or Smoke Blue 24x24 Matte Color Body Porcelain Large Tile. Steam cleaners are a preferred choice in homes where allergies are a concern since the cleaning agent used is free from harsh chemicals. The use of this cleaning method makes it possible to remove all stains present on the shower grout.

Benefits of steam cleaning:

How to Remove Mold and Mildew from Shower Grout

Mold is not just ugly to look at; it can also affect indoor air quality in the bathroom and may cause health problems if left untreated. If you are troubled with black or green spots, this section focuses on how to clean grout in shower areas that have been afflicted by mold.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide for Mold

Hydrogen peroxide is good on mold as it kills the mold spores, and it also helps to break down dark spots in grout, cleaning and brightening up.

Steps include:

• Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide over grout
• Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub gently
• Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly

2. Commercial Mold Removers

More serious cases of mold require the use of a commercial bathroom-specific mold remover. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely and ventilate the area appropriately. Once cleaned, drying surfaces after every use is essential to avoid mold regrowth.

Conclusion

Learning how to clean grout in shower areas does not have to be daunting. With the right cleaning tools and method, it’s possible to keep grout looking bright and mold-free even in a wet environment. Whether using natural solutions or specialized cleaning products, regularity is your best shot at longevity. Clean grout improves the look of your shower tiles and puts you in a healthier and hygienic bathroom daily.