Cleaning Grout From Your Shower Pan: Easy Tips And Tricks

Keeping your shower grout clean can be a challenging task. Grout is prone to staining due to its light colour and porous composition, and it can be difficult to access. However, there are several effective methods to clean shower grout, ranging from natural solutions to commercial products.

A good prevention strategy is key to keeping your grout in good condition. Regularly wiping down the grout with household vinegar or a mild cleaner will help to prevent mould and mildew. Keeping the grout sealed is also important, as this will protect it from water stains and mould.

Steam-clean the grout

Steam-cleaning is an effective and environmentally friendly way to clean grout. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Space

Clear the shower of all bottles and storage items. Prop the shower door open and open any windows to allow excess condensation to escape and prevent mould from forming.

Prepare the Steam Cleaner

Fill the water reservoir of your steam cleaner with distilled water, especially if you live in an area with hard water. Attach a brush with soft bristles to the thin, pointed nozzle of the steam cleaner. Avoid brass or stiff bristles, as these could wear away the grout.

Steam the Grout

Hold the nozzle against the grout lines and press the button to release steam. Follow the grout lines with the steamer, allowing the heat to lift any stubborn stains. Work from the top of the shower wall downwards to prevent dirty water from dripping onto already cleaned areas.

Post-Steam Cleaning

Even after steam cleaning, some stubborn marks may remain. Work the brush back and forth over the grout lines to loosen these marks. If you are concerned about damaging your tiles, test a small area first. Allow the area to dry naturally and check for any remaining discolouration. Go over any areas that still need attention.

Maintain Your Grout

To keep your grout looking good, spray it with a 1:1 vinegar and water solution a few times a week. Alternatively, wipe the grout with rubbing alcohol once a week to prevent mould and mildew.

Use a medium-bristle brush with warm water

Using a medium-bristle brush with warm water is an effective way to clean grout without damaging it. It is important to opt for a medium-bristled nylon brush, rather than a hard steel brush, to avoid harming the grout. Begin by spraying warm water onto the grout lines. Then, scrub the grout in a circular motion. Finally, allow the grout to dry.

When cleaning grout, it is essential not to use too much water or let it sit on the grout for too long. This is because cement grouts are porous and can absorb water, leading to mildew. Additionally, always ensure adequate ventilation and wear protective gloves when cleaning.

If your grout is particularly dirty or stained, you may need to use a cleaning solution in addition to the warm water. For example, a mixture of vinegar and warm water can be effective at removing heavy dirt or mild stains. Alternatively, you can create a paste from baking soda and water, apply it to the grout lines, and then spray on a vinegar solution.

Apply a baking soda paste and spray with vinegar

To clean grout from a shower pan using baking soda and vinegar, start by mixing baking soda with water to create a thick paste. The exact measurements aren't crucial, but aim for a paste-like consistency. You can add a few drops of dish soap for extra cleaning power.

Next, spread the paste over the grout lines using a brush, sponge, or your fingers. Make sure to get the paste into the grouted area by working it into the cracks and fissures.

Once the grout lines are covered, mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the mixture onto the baking soda paste. The acid in the vinegar will react with the base in the baking soda, causing the mixture to bubble and fizz. Let this reaction work its magic for about 5 minutes, helping to loosen any dirt and grime.

After the mixture has stopped bubbling, scrub the grout lines again with a brush or sponge. Pay particular attention to any stubborn stains or discoloured areas. Finally, rinse the area with warm water to remove any residue, and wipe it dry with a cloth or towel.

If your grout is still dirty after this process, you can try repeating it or using one of the other cleaning methods listed below. Remember to always test new cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they won't damage or discolour your grout.

Other Cleaning Methods:

• Oxygen bleach: For tougher stains on white grout, try using oxygen bleach (e.g., OxiClean or Biokleen Oxygen Bleach Plus). Make sure the room is well-ventilated, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and rinsing.
• Commercial grout stain remover: Spray-on products that claim to work without scrubbing may contain harsher chemicals. Products that require scrubbing with a brush can be effective on heavily soiled grout. Always read the active ingredients and safety precautions before use.
• Steam cleaning: Steam cleaners are effective and environmentally friendly, but they may not be suitable for all surfaces, so check before use.
• Chlorine bleach: Bleach products like Clorox Clean-Up can be used sparingly in extreme cases, but long-term use will erode grout. Never mix bleach with vinegar, as this will create toxic chlorine gas.
• Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide to form a thin paste. Apply it to the grout, let it sit for about 3 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
• Borax and lemon oil: Mix 1/4 cup of Borax, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon oil, a pump of liquid soap, and water to form a paste. Apply it to the grout, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Do not use this method on natural stone tiles.
• Grout colourant: If your grout won't come clean, you can try staining it a different colour. First, clean the grout with one of the methods above, then apply the colourant with a toothbrush, wiping off any excess with a paper towel.

Pour on hydrogen peroxide

Step 1: Prepare the Solution

Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. This will dilute the peroxide and make it safe to use on your grout. Be sure to use a concentration of 3% or less, as higher concentrations may damage the grout.

Step 2: Spray the Grout

Spray the hydrogen peroxide solution onto the grout lines, covering the entire area and saturating the grout thoroughly.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Allow the hydrogen peroxide solution to sit on the grout for about 10-15 minutes. This will give it time to penetrate the dirt and stains.

Step 4: Scrub the Grout

Use a toothbrush or grout brush to scrub the grout lines. Apply firm pressure and make small circular or back-and-forth motions to dislodge the dirt. For tougher stains, you may need to apply more pressure or let the solution sit for longer before scrubbing.

Step 5: Rinse and Wipe

After scrubbing, rinse the grout with clean water. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe away any dirt and excess hydrogen peroxide.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

If the grout is heavily stained or dirty, you may need to repeat the process. Simply reapply the hydrogen peroxide solution and scrub the grout again.

Safety Precautions:

• Wear gloves and safety goggles when working with hydrogen peroxide to protect your skin and eyes.
• Test the hydrogen peroxide on a small, inconspicuous area of the grout before proceeding to ensure it does not cause any discoloration or damage.
• Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water before use to avoid damaging the grout or surrounding surfaces.
• Ventilate the area well when using hydrogen peroxide to avoid respiratory irritation from the fumes.

Use oxygen bleach

Oxygen bleach is a great way to clean grout without the need for excessive scrubbing. This method is also inexpensive and can be done with products you may already have at home.

To start, follow the mixing directions on your package of oxygen bleach. Typically, 2 cups of bleach powder and 1 gallon of warm water will be enough to do the trick. Apply this mixture to the affected area, ensuring it is soaking wet, and let it sit for up to 1 hour. During this time, the solution will work its way into the stain. After waiting, scrub the stain with a stiff brush until it lifts.

It is important to work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves when using oxygen bleach to avoid skin irritation. Additionally, test the oxygen bleach on a small area of grout first to ensure it does not cause any discolouration or damage.

If you are looking for a hands-off method that requires less scrubbing, oxygen bleach is a great option. However, it does take a little longer due to the mixing and application process, followed by the waiting period before wiping.

Frequently asked questions