How to Clean Grout on Tile Floor & in Showers

Hey there, friends! Ever find yourself staring at your shower grout, wondering if it’s ever going to regain its pristine glory? Well, fear not! Today, we’re diving into the art of grout cleaning – a not necessarily simple, but highly satisfying task that will have your shower and floors looking spick and span in no time.

The other day, I watched a viral Tik Tok video on how to clean tile grout with toilet bowl cleaner! Then, I watched a lady try it in her own situation. It ended up cleaning the grout nicely, but the method used reminded me of when we had fancy tiles in our rental house bathroom.

Although it sounds nice to claim it is “easy” or “quick”, I would say cleaning tile grout is never either. It’s a process that requires some time and scrubbing. So put on your patience and some good music, and it will work out in the end!

The following is the story of the first time I ever tackled cleaning tile grout – written originally a few years ago. Hopefully it will be of help to those of you puzzled by the grout cleaning process, too!;)

How to clean grout on tile floors and in showers

How to Clean Grout in Shower and on Floors

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For the first time ever, we have swanky finishes in our bathrooms. Over the years, I’ve had vast experience with  surfaces like barker board, linoleum, cedar planked ceilings, and plywood walls. But, never ever have I had the chance to try out any of the “in thing” finishes…

Like tiles with grout and glass shower doors.

hilarious guide to grout cleaning @ harbourbreezehome.com

I was beyond thrilled.

However, I didn’t have a hot clue as to how to clean these swanky new finishes.  So, in the quietness of my own living room, I started researching via Google.  There was a plethora of information. Article after article gave details of the “simplest” ways to clean tile grout.  The more I read, the more confident I got. It didn’t sound hard at all…

Off to the store I went to pick up the  recommended supplies:

supplies for cleaning shower grout inside a shower

Supplies for cleaning Tile Grout

  • baking soda
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • vinegar
  • spray bottle
  • sponge (don’t bother to buy this!)
  • grout brush– This is the ticket, friends. You MUST have a tile grout brush!
  • rubber gloves (which I already had)
  • window washing squeegee, or shower squeegee 

I was quite excited to start this process and was beyond elated to think of how sparkly clean the bathroom would be when all was said and done.

One thing that none of my articles addressed was the “how” of actually getting to the tiles in the shower. It was very clear from the start that I needed to get into tub to reach the tile.  I wasn’t looking forward to having slimy feet, so I folded a towel to stand on and began the “oh-so-simple” process:

how to clean grout out of shower tiles by standing on a towel in the tub

How to clean grout in shower

1. Spray the grout with a mixture of one part vinegar to one part water. (So far so good!)

2.Wipe a paste made out of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide on the grout.

baking soda and hydrogen peroxide cleaning shower tiles

Dip the grout brush into the paste , spread it on to the grout lines and started scrubbing . Be aware, though. Although this method covers the grout well, it will also spatter over your pants, hair and the bottom of the tub.(!)

cleaning shower tiles grout with a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

At that point, I realized that cleaning grout is a great alternative to going to the gym. It’s a good mix of yoga stretching and aerobic workout. Perhaps grout cleaning could be be the new exercise craze?

By then, I was huffing and puffing and  more than happy to reach the next step.

3. Let the paste sit on the grout and work out the dirt. 

I couldn’t remember what all the articles I read said, so I waited about 30 minutes.

After a lovely cup of coffee and a delicious lemon square snack, it was time for step 4.

4. Clean off the paste.  

One article I read said the easiest way to do this was with a window washing squeegee. I pondered this a long time. How in the world was I going to use that without getting my feet wet??

Of course, none of the articles addressed such mundane details…

So, I found myself a dishpan, put a dry washcloth in the bottom, and stood in it.  (Can you picture it? Good, because I was too tired to take any more actual pictures.)  It worked like a charm.  I situated myself at the far end of the tub in my feet-saving dishpan,  rinsed my window washing squeegee out with the tub tap, and then just scootched around as I needed to. After a wash & wipe down with the squeegee, it was time to start on the floor.

How to Clean Grout on Floor Tiles

By this time, I was already tuckered out. Here’s the step by step method I used.

  1. Pour a stream of hydrogen peroxide on the grout.
  2. Sprinkle baking soda directly on to the hydrogen peroxide.
  3. Let sit for 30 minutes
  4. Scrub with the grout brush
  5. Wipe clean with a cloth and water.

hilarious guide to grout cleaning @ harbourbreezehome.com

Thankfully, the effort payed off in the end.  The grout is much cleaner.

Before:

dirty grout lines on floor

After:

after cleaning grout on tile floors

OK…Now, that I’ve shared my gong show of grout cleaning, can any of you fill me in on your secrets of cleaning and keeping clean this lovely swanky finish?

There must be something I’m missing!!

In contrast to the oh-so-simple articles I read, I would say that grout cleaning is oh, so NOT simple.

But, those swanky tiles sure are pretty!;)

how to clean grout

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11 Comments

  1. Lol! Sorry – no tile in my house, but I could just picture you cleaning your grout. Thanks for the chuckle!

  2. Definitely seal the grout. Now for your glass doors and chrome fixtures that get mineral build up, buy some glass top stove cleaner, paste or liquid and pour on a magic eraser. Rub into the places that have soap scum or mineral build up and rinse off. It’s a lifesaver!!

  3. I always climb in to clean a shower with glass doors…I prefer a shower curtain! Great grout cleaning tips. I would love to share my grout sealer with you! It comes in a large bottle so I have lots & lots as we just did our bathroom reno. It is very easy to apply!!! Just e-mail me.

  4. Is it possible to share the grout sealer name and picture with us? The number of products is intimidating and knowing which one really works would be very helpful.

  5. I have to admit, this is a chore that I put off as long as I possibly can because I just hate getting down and the floor and cleaning the grout! I’ve never tried this DIY cleaning solution though, I’ve always used something store-bought. I’m actually kind of looking forward to trying this next time, it seems like it works great!

  6. I am, as I write this, using the oven cleaner, and since I had some extra, decided to try some on my kitchen tile floor grout!! OMG!! Magic! It worked, so I moved into my laundry room that has same tile and am letting it sit before just wiping it up…no scrubbing!
    Since we will be moving soon, I figured I would give these tips a try, and they work really well!! Nect one to try is the gas burner grates in ammonia!
    Thank you!

  7. For fiberglass showers and tubs, I make a mixture of the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, thick enough to cling to the walls. I just use my hands to smooth it over the fiberglass and let it go to work, usually an hour or so. Next using a fairly wet nylon net puff scrubber, I quickly go over the sides and bottom, frequently washing out the scrubber with warm water and finally rinsing everything with hot water from the shower head. It’s amazing how the peroxide and soda just lifts and loosens all the soap scum! Minimal scrubbing needed. I’ve never found a store bought cleaner that works as well and I always have the ingredients on hand!

    1. Hi Chris, those are great tips for cleaning fiberglass showers and tubs. Thank you so much for sharing them with us. I think we all love discovering time saving tips that work well!

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