How to Clean Grout in Shower with Bleach
Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that can effectively remove dirt, grime, and mildew from your shower grout. However, it's important to use bleach safely and effectively to avoid damaging your shower tiles. Here's a step-by-step guide:
What you'll need:
- Bleach: Choose a chlorine bleach, not a color-safe bleach.
- Spray bottle: To apply the bleach solution.
- Cleaning brush: A stiff-bristled brush designed for grout cleaning.
- Rubber gloves: To protect your hands from the bleach.
- Old toothbrush: For hard-to-reach areas.
- Microfiber cloth: For wiping away the bleach solution.
- Ventilation: Open a window or use a fan to ensure proper ventilation.
Steps:
- Prepare the area: Clear the shower of any personal care items and ensure the area is dry.
- Mix the solution: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts bleach and water. This mixture is strong enough to kill mold and mildew while being gentle enough on your shower.
- Apply the bleach: Spray the bleach solution generously on the grout lines. Avoid getting it on the tiles.
- Scrub: Let the bleach sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate the grout. Then, use a stiff-bristled grout brush to scrub the lines.
- Rinse and repeat: Rinse the shower thoroughly with water to remove any remaining bleach. If the grout is still dirty, repeat steps 2-4.
- Final wipe down: Wipe down the tiles and grout with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any remaining dirt or bleach residue.
Important tips:
- Wear gloves: Always wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the bleach.
- Ventilate the area: Bleach fumes can be harmful, so ensure adequate ventilation by opening a window or using a fan.
- Test on an inconspicuous area: Before applying bleach to the entire shower, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't damage the tiles.
- Don't let it dry: Do not let the bleach solution dry on the grout, as it can damage the tiles.
- Avoid mixing bleach with other cleaners: Never mix bleach with other cleaning agents, especially ammonia, as this can create dangerous fumes.
Alternative to bleach:
- Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply it to the grout and scrub.
- Commercial grout cleaner: Several effective commercial grout cleaners are available, many of which don't use bleach.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your shower grout with bleach and keep your shower looking its best.
