Showering in a dirty bathroom is probably not anyone’s desire. And the bathroom tiles often become dirt and require cleaning. Especially the grouts which turn color, becoming a great source of discomfort. Cleaning rust stains from shower grout is necessary to get a tidy bathroom.
As such, this article will walk you through the following issues on how to clean mold off tile grout.
- The tools and materials you need to remove grout haze.
- Detailed instructions on cleaning shower tiles.
- How to prevent grout haze from forming in the bathroom.
What Tools and Materials You May Need?
The tools and materials you will need in removing mold from grout are relatively inexpensive and readily available within most households. They include:
Tools
- A grout cleaning brush or an old toothbrush
- A steamer
- A small chisel
Materials
- Vinegar
- Warm water
- Liquid detergent
- Baking soda
- Baking soda
However, note that you will not require all these items. As such, go through the next section to determine your desired cleaning technique.
Should You Use Commercial Cleaners on Bathroom Shower Grout?
You can use commercial cleaners to get black mold off tile grout. But you need to consider the following:
Utilizing oxygen bleach products
These are cleaners containing sodium percarbonate.
While using these products:
- Make a solution following the manufacturers’ instructions.
- Apply the solution to the grout lines.
- Let the solution sit for about an hour.
- Use a brush to scrub the grout lines.
- Use clean water to rinse the grout lines.
However, while using these products, ensure you are in an adequately ventilated room is adequately ventilated and you have gloves on. Moreover, test them on an inconspicuous section to see how they will impact your grout lines.
Stain to hide stains
If you have tried all the above techniques and your stains still do not come off, use suitable colorants to hide the defects as below:
- Pour the grout colorant into a container.
- Dip a grout brush or any clean toothbrush you will not need.
- Apply the mixture to the affected region using back and forth strokes.
- Use a paper towel to remove the excess and let it dry following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step by Step Guide on How to Clean Shower Tile Grout
When it comes to grout cleaning, use one of the two methods outlined below because they are relatively quick and likely to give you the best finish with minimal expenditure.
Method 1: Steam cleaning the grout
Steam cleaning the grout is an environmentally friendly yet effective way to clean the grout. To start with:
- Step 1: Attach a brush attachment and a thin nozzle.
- Step 2: Direct your vacuum’s nozzle towards the grout lines and apply steam continuously.
- Step 3: Continue with the second step till you have steam cleaned the entire grout lines.
While carrying out this step, do not worry even if the steam cleaner does not remove all the dirt as in the subsequent stages will tackle them. And if you don’t have a steam cleaner, here we recommend one – Light ‘N’ Easy detachable multifunctional steam mop for you.
Method 2: Utilizing vinegar and baking soda
- Step 1: Make a thick paste using two tablespoons of baking soda and a small amount of water.
- Step 2: Dip your old toothbrush or a grout-cleaning brush, if you have one, into the paste.
- Step 3: Use the paste to scrub the grout lines.
However, to obtain the best results, buy a cheap hard-bristled toothbrush and use it in the above process. Moreover, use circular motions and not a back to forth motion.
- Step 4: With the paste thoroughly rubbed into the grouts, spray a half part by half part solution of warm water and vinegar onto the grout lines.
- Step 5: Let the mixture bubble on the grout lines for twenty to thirty minutes then,
- Step 6: Use your old toothbrush or grout-cleaning brush to scrub the grouts again.
- Step 7: Use clean water to rinse your grout lines.
If the vinegar and baking soda technique fell short of expectations, the hydrogen peroxide and baking powder technique or the borax and lemon juice technique will doubtlessly work.
Method 3: Mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
- Step 1: Use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to make a light paste.
- Step 2: Using an old toothbrush or a grout-cleaning brush, apply the paste on the grout lines and scrub thoroughly.
- Step 3: Rinse the mixture off the grouts using clean water.
However, only attempt this method after ensuring the grouts are free of any vinegar since the reaction between the two is toxic.
Method 4: Using borax and lemon juice
- Step 1: Mix half a teaspoon of lemon juice, a quarter cup of borax, and sufficient liquid soap to make a paste.
- Step 2: Scrub the paste into the grout lines using your old toothbrush or a grout-cleaning brush.
- Step 3: Use clean water to rinse off the mixture.
How to Prevent Future Grout Haze in the Bathroom?
When it comes to preventing your grout from becoming haze, use the below techniques:
Use alcohol
Use a clean cloth damped with alcohol to clean your grouts weekly. The application of alcohol will prevent the formation of mold and mildew hence preventing grout haze.
Spray mold inhibitor
Spraying mold inhibitor solution after a bath will help prevent future grout haze. You can make a mold inhibitor solution at home as below:
- Mix vinegar and water in equal portions. However, do not overuse vinegar as it is corrosive.
- Put pure hydrogen peroxide in your spray bottle.
- Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil with water. However, ensure you shake adequately before using this mixture.
Dry the grout
Use an old towel to dry the grout each time you finish showering.
Apply sealant to the grout
- Use a paintbrush to apply a suitable sealant on the grout lines.
- Allow the sealant to dry.
- Use a damp cloth to remove the sealant that worked its way to the tiles.
Conclusion
People more often put more attention to cleaning the bathroom tiles. However, never forget to clean the grouts while you are at it.
Moreover, while cleaning the grouts, follow the instructions above and adhere to the manufacturers’ instructions while using commercial cleaners. Also, remember you can always consult a professional in case you experience any challenge.
