Removing Grout From Your Shower Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Keeping your shower grout clean can be a challenging task. The best method will depend on the type of stain and the material of the grout. For example, for mould and mildew, Tilex Mold & Mildew or StoneTech Mold & Mildew Stain Remover is recommended. For rust and lime buildup, Bar Keepers Friend More Spray and Foam will do the trick. If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, a mixture of white vinegar and water can be effective, although it requires more scrubbing. For tough stains, diluted muratic acid can be used, but this requires experience and caution as it can be harmful to the user and can damage materials.

Use a steam cleaner

Using a steam cleaner is an effective way to clean grout from your shower pan without the need for harsh scrubbing. Steam cleaning loosens gunk, soap scum, and grease that has built up in the pores of the grout over time. It is also safer and easier than scrubbing by hand or using powerful cleansers and machines.

To start, remove all shower bottles and storage from the shower. This will make it easier to manoeuvre in the small space. It is also recommended to prop the shower door open and open the bathroom window to prevent mould from forming due to the hot and humid conditions.

Next, choose a steam cleaner with a grout brush attachment. For example, the Black & Decker 7-in-1 steam cleaner has a grout brush that makes it easier to scrub the nooks and crannies of your shower pan. When selecting a cleaner, opt for one with softer bristles as brass bristles or stiff bristles could wear away the grout.

After choosing the right steam cleaner, fill it with water and turn it on, following the manufacturer's instructions. If you live in an area with hard water, use distilled water to prevent limescale build-up on your grout and machine. Attach the hose and choose a brush that is appropriate for the size of your grout and the type of tile, following the manufacturer's recommendations. It is best to start with a nylon-bristle brush as it is effective on most grout types and will not damage the tile.

Now you are ready to start steam cleaning! Turn on the steam and scrub the grout directly with vigorous back-and-forth strokes. Work in small sections, cleaning one area at a time before moving on. If you are cleaning the walls of your shower, start at the top and work your way down so that the dirty water runs onto uncleaned areas. Remember to pause periodically to rinse and mop or sponge each cleaned section. It is important to clean up the dirty water before it dries and settles back into the grout. A wet-dry vacuum on wet mode can be useful for this.

Finally, allow the area to dry naturally and inspect your work. If there is any remaining grout or discolouration, go back over those areas with the steam cleaner.

Try vinegar and a brush

Vinegar is a great option for cleaning grout off a shower pan. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the vinegar solution

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. If you don't have a spray bottle, you can also soak a cloth in the vinegar solution.

Step 2: Apply the vinegar to the grout

If your shower pan has a vertical surface, a spray bottle will be the best option for applying the vinegar. Spray the vinegar solution onto the grout and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will give the vinegar time to break down the grout.

Step 3: Scrub the grout

After the vinegar has had time to work, it's now time to scrub. Use a toothbrush or a medium-bristle nylon brush and scrub the grout in firm up-and-down or circular motions. Be careful not to use too much force, especially if you're dealing with unsanded grout, as it can be more delicate.

Step 4: Wipe the grout

Once you've scrubbed the grout, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the loosened grout grime. Allow the area to dry, then evaluate the results. If the grout still needs cleaning, repeat the process or try a different method.

Tips:

• Always use distilled white vinegar or a specialised cleaning vinegar for this process.
• Avoid using vinegar on marble, limestone, or travertine tile as it can cause damage due to its acidic content.
• If you're dealing with heavy grout stains, you can try using a baking soda paste along with the vinegar solution. Apply the paste to the grout lines and then spray the vinegar solution on top. Once the mixture stops foaming, scrub and rinse with plain water.
• For maintenance, spray the shower pan with vinegar and wipe it down once a week to keep the grout stain-free.

Try diluted muriatic acid

If you have grout on your shower pan that you want to get off, diluted muriatic acid can be an effective solution. However, it is important to exercise caution when using this substance as it is a strong acid that can be dangerous if not handled properly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use diluted muriatic acid to remove grout from your shower pan:

Prepare the Work Area:

Before you begin, ensure that you have adequate ventilation in the bathroom by opening windows or using fans to circulate fresh air. Muriatic acid releases toxic fumes, so it is crucial to work in a well-ventilated area. It is also important to wear protective gear, including rubber gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask. These will safeguard your skin, eyes, and respiratory system from potential irritation or chemical burns. Keep children and pets away from the work area.

Dilute the Muriatic Acid:

Muriatic acid is highly concentrated and should never be used undiluted for cleaning purposes. Always add the acid slowly to water, never the other way around, to avoid a dangerous reaction. The recommended dilution ratio is typically one part acid to ten parts water. However, you can start with a more diluted solution and gradually increase the concentration if needed.

Perform a Small Test:

Before applying the diluted acid to your entire shower pan, it is advisable to conduct a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area. This will help you understand how the surface reacts to the acid. If you notice any adverse effects, such as discolouration or deterioration, discontinue use and consider alternative cleaning methods.

Apply the Diluted Acid:

Using a brush with stiff bristles or a spray bottle, apply the diluted muriatic acid solution directly onto the grout lines of your shower pan. Ensure that the acid comes into contact with the surface for a sufficient amount of time. Avoid splashing or spraying the acid to prevent accidental exposure. Focus on heavily stained areas.

Allow the Acid to Work:

Let the muriatic acid solution sit on the grout for about 10-15 minutes. This will give it enough time to penetrate and break down the grout, dirt, soap scum, and other contaminants. Keep the area well-ventilated during this time to minimise inhalation of toxic fumes.

Scrub the Grout:

After the acid has dwelled, use the brush to scrub the grout lines thoroughly. This will help loosen any remaining dirt or stains. Be gentle and avoid using abrasive tools that may scratch or damage the surface.

Rinse and Neutralise:

Once you have finished scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the area with clean water to remove any residual acid. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe away any remaining acid solution. To neutralise the acid, create a baking soda and water paste and apply it to the grout lines. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse again with clean water.

Dry and Inspect:

Allow the shower pan to dry completely. Inspect the grout lines for any remaining stains or dirt. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process or spot-treat specific areas.

While diluted muriatic acid can be an effective solution for removing grout from your shower pan, it is important to approach this method with caution. Always follow safety instructions and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your surroundings.

Use a medium-bristle brush

Using a medium-bristle brush is an effective way to clean grout off your shower pan. You can use a brush with moderately stiff plastic bristles, even an old toothbrush, to scrub away the grout.

Firstly, prepare a cleaning solution. For mould and mildew, you can use Tilex Mold & Mildew or StoneTech Mold & Mildew Stain Remover. For rust and lime buildup, Bar Keepers Friend More Spray and Foam will work. For light stains or small amounts of mould, vinegar is a good option.

Next, apply the cleaner by spraying it directly onto the shower pan or onto a damp brush. Allow the solution to sit for a short time before scrubbing. Make sure to get the bristles into the grout for a thorough clean.

Rinse the area with water and wipe it dry. If there is still grout residue, repeat the process until all the dirt is removed.

You can also try using straight vinegar and a brush. Scrub in tight circular motions, let the vinegar rest, and then scrub again. Replenish the vinegar and let it rest again before scrubbing once more.

For more challenging grout removal, diluted muriatic acid can be used, but this requires experience and caution as it can be harmful to the user and damage materials if used improperly.

Apply a sealant

Once you have removed the grout from your shower pan, you may want to reseal it to prevent leaks and water damage. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply a sealant to your shower pan:

Prepare the Area:

• Remove any old sealant using a sharp knife, chisel, or Stanley knife. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface.
• Use your finger, thumb, or white spirit to remove any remaining small strands of sealant.
• Vacuum the area to remove dust and loose deposits.
• Clean the shower pan and surrounding tiles with a damp cloth soaked in warm water and mild detergent.
• Remove any detergent residue with a damp cloth and wipe the area dry with a paper towel.
• Ensure the shower pan and surrounding area are completely dry before proceeding.

Select the Appropriate Sealant:

• Choose a high-quality silicone sealant designed for bathroom use.
• Select a sealant that is compatible with the materials used in your shower, such as natural stone or tiles.
• Ensure the sealant contains an anti-fungal additive to prevent mould and mildew growth.

Apply the Sealant:

• Cut the application nozzle of the sealant tube at a 45-degree angle, creating a 5mm hole or a size suitable for your application.
• Start in an inner corner of the shower pan and apply gentle pressure to the trigger of the application gun.
• Work towards the front of the tray in one continuous movement, applying an even bead of silicone sealant.
• Ensure the bead of sealant is thick enough to cover the gap between the tray and tiles, with no visible gaps.
• Release the pressure from the application gun after completing each line of sealant to avoid excess flow.
• Wipe away any excess sealant with a paper towel or cloth.
• Smooth out the sealant with a silicone sealant application tool or your finger, applying gentle and consistent pressure.
• Leave the fresh silicone sealant to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.

Tips:

• Always read the manufacturer's instructions before applying the sealant.
• If using a tool to smooth the sealant, select the correct aperture size to ensure complete coverage.
• Stick masking tape above and below the area to be sealed to create a neat edge and prevent spills.
• Run your finger along the sealant to press it into cracks and ensure it is airtight.
• Remove the masking tape before the sealant dries.
• Clean up any spilled sealant immediately to avoid a messy finish.

Frequently asked questions