How to Clean and Regrout Shower Tiles
A clean and sparkling shower is a must-have for any bathroom. But over time, grout can become stained, discolored, and even harbor mold and mildew. Fortunately, cleaning and regrouting your shower tiles is a relatively simple DIY project that can transform the look of your bathroom.
Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning and regrouting your shower tiles:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You'll need the following supplies:
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Cleaning supplies:
- All-purpose cleaner: For general cleaning.
- Bleach: For killing mold and mildew.
- Grout cleaner: For deep cleaning and whitening grout.
- Baking soda: For scrubbing and removing stains.
- White vinegar: For removing soap scum and hard water stains.
- Soft-bristled brush: For scrubbing grout lines.
- Old toothbrush: For reaching tight spaces.
- Microfiber cloth: For wiping down surfaces.
- Rubber gloves: For protecting your hands.
- Safety goggles: To protect your eyes.
- Bucket: For mixing cleaning solutions.
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Regrouting supplies:
- Grout: Choose a color that matches your existing grout or complements your tile.
- Grout float: For applying and smoothing grout.
- Grout sponge: For cleaning excess grout.
- Grout sealant: For protecting grout from stains and moisture.
- Caulk gun: For applying grout sealant.
Step 2: Clean the Tiles and Grout
- Remove all items from the shower. This includes showerheads, soap dishes, and any other accessories.
- Spray the shower with an all-purpose cleaner. Make sure to cover all tiles and grout lines.
- Scrub the tiles and grout with a soft-bristled brush. Use an old toothbrush to reach tight spaces.
- Rinse the shower thoroughly with water.
- Apply a grout cleaner to the grout lines. Follow the instructions on the product label.
- Let the grout cleaner sit for the recommended time. This allows the cleaner to penetrate the grout and loosen dirt and grime.
- Scrub the grout lines again with a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse the shower again with water.
Step 3: Remove Mold and Mildew
- Mix a solution of equal parts bleach and water. Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles when handling bleach.
- Apply the bleach solution to the affected areas.
- Let the bleach solution sit for 10-15 minutes. This allows the bleach to kill mold and mildew.
- Scrub the affected areas with a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse the shower thoroughly with water.
Step 4: Regrout the Shower Tiles
- Remove any loose or damaged grout. You can use a grout saw or a utility knife for this.
- Clean the grout lines thoroughly. Use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to remove any debris.
- Apply new grout to the grout lines. Use a grout float to spread the grout evenly.
- Wipe away excess grout with a grout sponge. Make sure to keep the grout sponge damp to prevent the grout from drying too quickly.
- Let the grout dry completely. This may take 24-48 hours, depending on the type of grout you used.
- Seal the grout with a grout sealant. This will help to protect the grout from stains and moisture.
Step 5: Maintain Your Shower
To keep your shower looking its best, follow these maintenance tips:
- Clean your shower regularly. Clean your shower after each use to prevent soap scum and hard water stains from building up.
- Use a grout cleaner once a month. This will help to keep your grout clean and white.
- Apply a grout sealant every year. This will help to protect your grout from stains and moisture.
By following these steps, you can easily clean and regrout your shower tiles and enjoy a clean and sparkling bathroom for years to come!
