How to Clean Grout in a Shower
Dirty grout can make even the most beautiful shower look dingy and unhygienic. Luckily, cleaning grout is a relatively simple task that can be done with a few household items. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean grout in your shower:
What You'll Need:
- Cleaning Supplies: Baking soda, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, a toothbrush, a scrub brush, a spray bottle, a sponge, and a bucket.
- Protective Gear: Rubber gloves and eye protection.
Steps:
- Prepare the area: Before you start cleaning, make sure the shower is dry. This will help the cleaning solutions work more effectively.
- Apply the cleaning solution: Mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar in a bowl. Alternatively, you can use a commercial grout cleaner.
- Apply to grout lines: Using the toothbrush, scrub the grout lines with the cleaning solution. Pay special attention to areas that are heavily stained or discolored.
- Let it sit: Allow the cleaning solution to sit on the grout for 10-15 minutes. This will give the solution time to break down the dirt and grime.
- Rinse and scrub: Rinse the grout lines thoroughly with water. Then, using a scrub brush, scrub the grout lines again to remove any remaining dirt or grime.
- Repeat if necessary: If the grout is still dirty, repeat steps 2-5.
- Apply a grout sealer: Once the grout is clean, you can apply a grout sealer. This will help to protect the grout from future stains and mildew.
Tips for Cleaning Shower Grout:
- Use a toothbrush: The bristles of a toothbrush are perfect for getting into the nooks and crannies of grout lines.
- Use a scrub brush: For stubborn stains, use a scrub brush with stiff bristles.
- Use a grout cleaning tool: There are specific grout cleaning tools available on the market that can make the cleaning process easier.
- Use hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide can be used to bleach the grout and make it look whiter.
- Use a mixture of baking soda and water: If you don't have white vinegar on hand, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean the grout.
- Ventilate the area: When using cleaning products, make sure to ventilate the area well.
- Wear protective gear: Always wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning grout.
Maintenance Tips:
- Clean the grout regularly: To prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, clean the grout in your shower at least once a month.
- Use a grout sealer: Applying a grout sealer can help to protect the grout from stains and mildew.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage the grout and make it more porous.
- Be patient: Cleaning grout can be a time-consuming process, so be patient and don't expect to see results overnight.
By following these steps, you can keep the grout in your shower clean and looking its best.
