Paying attention to details is very important when remodeling or changing any part of the house. One important component that we are going to discuss today is how to clean grout in the shower. Shower grout can be a very unpleasant issue in the long run as it can not only affect the appearance of the space but also make the surface inefficient. Let us look at this detailed guide on shower grout and how to clean it.
Causes Of Discoloration, Types Of Grouts, And The Cleaning Process
Grout is necessary for tiled surfaces to be installed and maintained correctly, especially in the shower. Learning about different types of grout and how to handle it can determine how long-lasting and intact your tiled surfaces—in the shower or other spaces—will last. Let’s examine this comprehensive reference to grout types and upkeep.
Common Reasons For Grout Discoloration And Buildup In The Shower
Grout Discoloration is not a unique problem. It has been prevalent in many households especially when it comes to areas like showers or gardens. Treating discoloration of grout is not a very difficult task. However, it is important to know about the cause of the problem before solving it. Hence, knowing the source of grout discoloration will make it easier for you to prevent or clean it. Some common reasons for shower grout buildup and discoloration include the following:
- Time: If your grout has been facing discoloration and you cannot seem to find any issue otherwise, then it must be aging. Over time the grout can be worn out and lose it initial appearance. This can also happen due to excessive cleaning with harsh chemicals for a long period of time.
- Liquid Stains: Coffee, wine, and colored cleaning solutions are examples of colored liquid spills that can seep into the grout and leave stains. Grout lines may get deposits from hard water, which has a high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these mineral deposits may cause stains and discolorations, particularly in regions with highly acidic water.
- Mould and Mildew Growth: Mould and mildew love humid, moist circumstances, which leads to grout discoloration that is dark or black
- Using the Wrong Cleaning Products: Grout can get discolored and damaged by using harsh or acidic cleaners. Soap scum can accumulate in your grout as well as leave a film on your tiles. If your water is hard and has a lot of minerals, this effect will be considerably more pronounced. Soap and mineral deposits can seep into your grout, giving it an ugly color.
- Ventilation: Grout accumulation and discoloration can be caused by inadequate bathroom ventilation. By lowering humidity, proper ventilation helps stop the conditions that encourage the growth of mould and mildew. Insufficient ventilation causes the shower area to stay moist, which makes it easier for stains and discolorations to occur.
Also Read How to clean shower glass?
Different Types Of Grouts And Their Susceptibility To Stains
Grout is an essential part of tile installations. But the kind of grout that is used can have a big impact on how stain-prone it is. The following list of grout kinds includes information on how stain-prone each is:
Premixed Grout: >Premixed grouts are convenient but could be more prone to stains than urethane or epoxy grouts. Since they are typically more porous, sealing may be necessary to increase stain resistance.
Cement Grout: Compared to other types of grout, cement-based grouts—sanded and colored—are more porous. As a result, they become more vulnerable to stains from liquids, oils, and colors. Cement-based grout can absorb things and get discolored if it isn’t properly sealed.
Sand-Based Grout: Compared to non-sanded grout, sanded grout is less permeable because it contains small sand particles. Even while it offers more stain resistance than grout that hasn’t been sanded, if it’s not sealed properly, it can still become stained. It is advised to seal to improve stain resistance.
Non-Sanded Grout: Non-sanded grout is more porous and is typically utilised for narrow grout lines. It can get stained, particularly in places with a lot of traffic and wetness. To improve stain resistance, sealing is advised.
Epoxy Based Grout: Grout made of epoxy has good stain resistance since it is non-porous. It is composed of filler powder and epoxy resins that combine to form a strong, impermeable material.
Step-by-step Grout Cleaning Process
Restoring the original beauty of your tiled surfaces can be accomplished through the transforming process of grout cleaning. Let us take a look at the stepwise process to properly clean grout in the shower:
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the water and baking soda to make a thick paste. Next, immediately brush the grout lines with the baking soda paste, being sure to completely cover them. Give it five to ten minutes to assist in loosening dirt and removing stains.
Step 2: Use a grout brush or an old toothbrush to thoroughly scrub the grout lines. The dirt that has been loosened from the grout will be easier to remove thanks to the bristles on the brush.
Step 3: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar. Use this cleaning solution liberally on the grout lines to get rid of mildew, soap scum, and mold.
Step 4: Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent solution for stubborn stains, especially those caused by mold or mildew. After directly applying hydrogen peroxide to the stained grout lines, allow it to sit briefly.
Step 5: Scrub the grout lines again with your brush after applying the cleaning solution. Verify that there are no more cleaning residues by rinsing it with warm water.
Step 6: Dry the tiled area completely with an old towel or microfiber after rinsing to help in stopping the development of fresh mildew and mould.
Step 7: Consider using a grout sealer if your grout is very porous or if you just cleaned it and want to maintain the effects for longer.
Know more about How to Unblock Shower Drains
Conclusion
Keeping the aesthetic appeal and practicality of your spaces requires an understanding of grout kinds, its significance in keeping tiled surfaces, and the application of efficient maintenance techniques.
Taking preventative measures to maintain the color and cleanliness of your grout will keep your kitchen, bathroom, or other tiled areas looking great for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vinegar clean shower grout?
You can use the reliable old household essential, vinegar if you know your grout has been sealed but it has gathered a lot of debris or minor stains.
What is the best thing to clean shower grout?
If you’re seeking a strong interior cleaning solution, safer options to consider are washing soda and oxygen-based bleach (hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, or sodium perborate). They effectively treat and stop the formation of mold and are noticeably more environmentally friendly.
Also learn to remove soap scum from shower glass
Will the tile grout be whitened by the vinegar and baking soda?
Yes, but first test on a tiny, discrete area in case the grout reacts poorly to the mixture. After a full day, assess the cleaned area and proceed if everything went according to plan.
Can grout be washed?
To remove any dirt or grime from the surface, start by spraying hot water on the grout and scrubbing with a grout brush or stiff bristle brush. Applying steam straight to the grout with a steam cleaner and then scrubbing in a circular motion with your brush.
