How to Clean Shower Grout

Max Winters
·5 min read

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Cleaning shower grout is a normal part of bathroom maintenance and one chore that many of us conveniently forget about until our bathroom shower tiles have discolored, dark grout. Showers are humid environments which makes them primed for mold, mildew, and grime buildup between the bathroom tiles. If it goes ignored, you might be faced with difficult grout stains. Staying on top of regular upkeep will save you time, and keep grout lines looking clean and fresh.

Using Homemade Grout Cleaner

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Baking soda

  • Hydrogen peroxide (Alternative: White Vinegar)

  • Old toothbrush or grout brush

  • Spray bottle

  • Warm water

  • Microfiber cloth or sponge

  1. Prepare the Area

  • Wipe down grout lines with a damp cloth to remove surface debris.

Prepare the Cleaning Solution

  • Combine two parts baking soda to one part water to make a paste.

  • Spread this paste in a thin layer on the tile grout.

Treat the Grout with Vinegar or Hydrogen Peroxide (Never Both at the Same Time)

  • Fill the spray bottle a 1:1 mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. No hydrogen peroxide? Plain white vinegar also works well. Warning: Never mix white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in the same bottle—it creates a peracetic acid or corrosive acid that is harmful.

  • Spray the solution on the baking soda paste. Saturate it completely and watch it fizz.

Let It Sit

  • Allow the cleaner to sit on and penetrate the grout for 10-15 minutes.

Scrub the Grout

  • Use an old toothbrush or grout brush to scrub the grout. You can apply more spray as needed to keep the area moist. Apply pressure to the stiff brush as needed to loosen the grime, and scrub in a circular motion.

Rinse Thoroughly

  • Rinse the grout lines thoroughly with hot water. You can use a bowl of water, the shower head, or a damp sponge. Encourage dirty liquid down the drain and follow with excess water.

Dry and Inspect

  • Use a microfiber cloth or sponge to dry the area. Inspect for dirt, mildew stains, and remaining discolored grout.

Repeat if Necessary

  • For stubborn stains or heavily soiled grout, you may need to repeat the cleaning process.

Seal the Grout (Optional)

  • To prevent future staining and make cleaning easier, consider sealing the grout lines once they are completely dry. You can find grout sealer at most hardware stores and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

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Using a Steam Cleaner for Deep Stains

Note: You should only use a steam cleaner on sealed tiled surfaces (most showers are sealed tile).

  1. Prepare the Steam Cleaner

  • Fill the steam mop's reservoir with water. Plugged it in, turn it on, allow it to heat up to generate steam.

Preparation

  • While you wait, clear the area around the grout lines to allow easy access for the steam cleaner. Wipe down the shower walls with a clean cloth to remove debris or surface dirt.

Test on a Small Area

  • Test the steam cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the grout to ensure it doesn't cause any damage or discoloration.

Steam Cleaning Process

  • Hold the steam cleaner's nozzle close to the tile grout and activate the steam flow. Move the nozzle along the grout lines in a slow and steady motion, allowing the steam to penetrate deeply into the grout.

Focus on Stubborn Stains

  • For stubborn stains, concentrate the steam on those areas for a longer period of time or by making multiple passes.

Scrubbing (if necessary)

  • You can simultaneously scrub the grout lines with an old toothbrush or grout brush to enhance the cleaning process but be careful around the hot steam.

Wipe Away Residue

  • Use a microfiber cloth or soft sponge to wipe away loosened dirt and grime. Rinse the soft cloth or sponge frequently to avoid spreading dirt around.

Repeat as Needed

  • Continue steam cleaning the grout lines section by section until you've covered the entire area. Repeat the process heavily soiled tile grout.

Allow to Dry

  • Once you've finished steam cleaning, allow the grout lines to air dry completely before inspecting the results. Avoid using the shower until the grout is fully dry.

Seal the Grout (Optional)

  • Consider applying a grout sealer after steam cleaning to help prevent future staining and make cleaning easier in the long run. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the sealer application process.

Store-Bought Cleaners We Like

The active ingredients in some of the most prominent store-bought grout cleaners are great for caked-on dirt and grout grime; however, be sure to check the ingredients list and directions for use. Many products will recommend that you use the product in a ventilated area or with an exhaust fan.

Will Magic Erasers damage the grout?

No, Magic Erasers (melamine foam) are safe to use on dirty grout. The abrasiveness of Magic Erasers removes dirt and grime from grout lines with relative ease, making them a convenient option for light cleaning between deep cleanings. The issue you may see is that bathroom grout is the abrasive material and the Magic Eraser will be torn apart, leaving little pieces to rinse away later. A clean, non-abrasive cloth will work just as well for light grout cleaning.

Additionally, Magic Eraser just released two new versions that we’ve tried on our grout with success:

  • Magic Eraser Ultra Foamy. This includes the scrubbing power of the iconic Magic Eraser and the cleaning power of Dawn. Dampen the sponge with plain water and foamy suds emerge to melt through soap scum and stains, revealing white grout.

  • Magic Eraser Ultra Thick. This works great for grout because it lasts 7x longer than the Original Magic Eraser. It helps conquer jobs more inclined to trigger product breakdown (like abrasive grout).

Does bleach damage grout?

While bleach can be effective for cleaning grout, it should be used cautiously and sparingly, because undiluted bleach is a very harsh chemical. Bleach emits strong fumes that can be harmful if inhaled, so it's crucial to use it in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear. Even diluted bleach, if used too frequently, can weaken the grout structure, cause color fading, and etch certain types of grout.