Home
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Best Tips for Cleaning Shower Grout?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

One method of cleaning shower grout involves the use of a special tool to scrape away soap scum. Another way to do this is to use a battery-powered scrubber to get into cracks and crevices. There are a number of grout cleaners on the market that can remove mold stains. Finally, prevention may be the key to keeping tile grout clean, so an alcohol-based product, sprayed on after a shower, can be a good idea to help prevent mildew from forming.

A grout cleaning tool can be a useful item to have when cleaning shower grout. This product typically has a triangular head with a scraper attached to it. It is used by running it along the grout line to remove build-up. It can usually be purchased at home improvement or janitorial supply stores.

Grout in showers and other-high-splash areas can stain easily.
Grout in showers and other-high-splash areas can stain easily.

Severely stained grout may require a battery-operated scrubbing tool. This device has a head with a round brush that circulates when turned on. It can be a good idea to use this piece of equipment if there are tight crevices to get into. This method of cleaning shower grout is also effective when there is heavy scum build-up or a large amount of tile grout to clean.

There are commercial cleaning products designed to clean shower grout.
There are commercial cleaning products designed to clean shower grout.

There are several commercial cleaning products designed for cleaning shower grout. Many of these cleansers require users to apply them to an area and allow to sit for a period of time in order to loosen mold or scum. After doing this, they can normally be wiped off with a damp sponge or cleaning cloth.

Many people find it easier to prevent mold and mildew in a shower than to remove it once it has formed. Fortunately, there are a number of products available to help accomplish this. Most of them are sprayed on after a shower in order to keep grime or fungus from accumulating. Some brands require the area to be wiped down with a dry towel, while others do not need to be.

A solution of 50% alcohol and 50% water can also be used to prevent mildew. This homemade cleaner can be used much in the same way as store-bought after-shower cleaners, in that it is sprayed on tile after bathing. This can be an inexpensive alternative to commercial cleaners in many instances.

Showers are susceptible to mold, mildew, and soap scum build-up. This fact is disheartening for many people who find themselves cleaning shower grout on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are a number of products to make this job easier and prevent stained grout from becoming a problem in the first place.

Discussion Comments

honeybees

The home we previously lived in had tile and grout in the shower. This was an older home when we bought it and I felt like whatever I did, I could never get the grout to look very clean.

I tried every shower grout cleaner and product that was available and none of them really made much difference. When we had our new home built I still went with tile, but chose a different color of grout.

Instead of going with a white grout, it was darker in color and didn't show the dirt nearly as much. I also try to prevent the soap scum from building up. I enjoy this grout much better because I can keep it clean by staying on top of it. The color of the grout also makes it much easier for it to look clean.

andee

I have found using a battery-powered shower scrubber the best way to clean the tiles and grout in my shower. I used to use my own elbow grease to do this and this got old in a hurry.

I have also found a big difference in the brand of tile grout cleaner I use. Some of them work a lot better than others and make the job easier.

I have one shower that has tile and grout and one that is made of fiberglass. When we had a new bathroom installed I didn't want to worry about cleaning grout and tiles in my shower anymore.

I have found this the best way to go when it comes to cleaning a shower. It doesn't look as nice as the tile, but since I am the one doing all the cleaning, that is what I prefer.

golf07

When my shower had tile and I had to worry about cleaning the grout there were a couple things I would do to make this process easier.

I got in the habit of keeping a spray bottle in the shower that contained a biodegradable cleaning product mixed with water. After every shower when the area was still wet, I would spray the shower with this solution.

This went a long way toward preventing soap scum building up on the grout. I have never found cleaning tile grout to be an easy or pleasant task. That is why I try to prevent it in the first place.

When I was doing some heavy duty cleaning, I would spray a foam cleaner on there and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off. This also made cleaning the shower grout a little easier.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Grout in showers and other-high-splash areas can stain easily.
      By: contrastwerkstatt
      Grout in showers and other-high-splash areas can stain easily.
    • There are commercial cleaning products designed to clean shower grout.
      By: flas100
      There are commercial cleaning products designed to clean shower grout.