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Cleaning shower grout is a normal part of bathroom maintenance and one chore that many of us conveniently forget about until our bathroom shower tiles have discolored, dark grout. Showers are humid environments which makes them primed for mold, mildew, and grime buildup between the bathroom tiles. If it goes ignored, you might be faced with difficult grout stains. Staying on top of regular upkeep will save you time, and keep grout lines looking clean and fresh.
Note: You should only use a steam cleaner on sealed tiled surfaces (most showers are sealed tile).
The active ingredients in some of the most prominent store-bought grout cleaners are great for caked-on dirt and grout grime; however, be sure to check the ingredients list and directions for use. Many products will recommend that you use the product in a ventilated area or with an exhaust fan.
No, Magic Erasers (melamine foam) are safe to use on dirty grout. The abrasiveness of Magic Erasers removes dirt and grime from grout lines with relative ease, making them a convenient option for light cleaning between deep cleanings. The issue you may see is that bathroom grout is the abrasive material and the Magic Eraser will be torn apart, leaving little pieces to rinse away later. A clean, non-abrasive cloth will work just as well for light grout cleaning.
Additionally, Magic Eraser just released two new versions that we’ve tried on our grout with success:
While bleach can be effective for cleaning grout, it should be used cautiously and sparingly, because undiluted bleach is a very harsh chemical. Bleach emits strong fumes that can be harmful if inhaled, so it's crucial to use it in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear. Even diluted bleach, if used too frequently, can weaken the grout structure, cause color fading, and etch certain types of grout.
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