Shower grout might seem like one of those impossible things to clean, but it doesn’t have to be. Because grout is porous, it easily traps dirt, soap scum and moisture, making it a prime spot for staining and mould.

The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or hours of scrubbing to get it looking like new again. Cleaning bathroom grout is easier than you think.

From natural remedies to clever tricks shared by real mums online, here’s exactly how to clean your shower grout and keep it fresh for longer.

shower nozzle cose up

How do I get the grout in my shower white again?

There are several effective ways to clean shower grout, depending on the level of dirt or mould you’re dealing with. A popular natural method is the bicarb and vinegar fizz, which involves creating a paste of baking soda and water, followed by a vinegar spray to lift grime.

Steam cleaning is another chemical-free option that works well for regular maintenance. For tougher stains and mould, hydrogen peroxide combined with lemon juice can help break down discolouration. And if your grout is still looking tired after cleaning, a grout pen can refresh the appearance by restoring or even changing the colour of your grout lines.

Clean grout with bicarb and vinegar

Many people prefer to clean with natural cleaners, making bicarbonate soda a great choice. All you need is a toothbrush, some bicarbonate soda and water. Here’s how:

Mix the bicarbonate with a little bit of water to form a paste. Using the toothbrush, wipe the grout with your mixture.
Once you’ve given the area a thorough scrub, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spray the bicarbonate. Hopefully, the bubbles will help lift the grime.
Scrub again with the toothbrush and rinse well when finished.

Steaming

Steam cleaning is one of the best options for regular grout maintenance, especially if you want to avoid harsh chemicals. Using a steam cleaner with a small, targeted nozzle allows you to focus directly on the grout lines, lifting built-up dirt, soap scum, and mildew with the power of high-temperature steam.

It’s a practical and eco-friendly method that sanitises as it cleans, making it ideal for families, allergy sufferers, or anyone looking to keep their bathroom fresh with minimal effort. For best results, follow up with a dry cloth to remove loosened grime and moisture.

Hydrogen peroxide

Spray the grout, let it sit for a few minutes, and then give it a good scrub and rinse. Becky Rapinchuk, from Clean Mama and author of the book “Simply Clean“, told Today she sprays hydrogen peroxide on the grout first to get rid of mould.

After rinsing, she applies a paste made from cream of tartar and lemon juice and gives it a thorough scrub. Continue as necessary until you’ve reached your desired whiteness.

A grout pen

Additionally, for stubborn grout stains that won’t budge, there’s one more option worth trying: a grout pen. While it won’t remove the grime, it will restore your stained grout lines to their former colour – or better yet, revamp them with a new one. Once you have scrubbed your grout, use the grout pen to draw over the lines.

How do you remove black mould from shower grout?

It’s pretty standard for mould to appear in the bathroom. If natural cleaners haven’t worked for you, you could try this bleach hack to remove black mould from grout and the shower.

“I used bleach soaked in cotton wool and left it for a few hours. So amazed that this worked!” wrote a mum on Facebook about her experience with cotton balls.

If bleach isn’t for you, try soaking the cotton balls in a mould and mildew remover spray (or try this DIY mould spray recipe) and leave overnight.

What if I need to replace the grout?

If nothing has worked and the black marks in between your tiles are getting you down, it might be time to replace the grout.

Use a grout remover to scrape it until there is no sign of staining.
Remove all the dust, mix the new grout, and spread it evenly over the walls, ensuring it fills the joints completely.
Use a damp sponge to remove as much excess as possible, rinsing it frequently. When the tiles are dry, polish them with a cloth.

white shower tiles with dirty grout

How do you clean shower grout without scrubbing

The key to keeping your grout white is prevention. Grout is made from sand particles, making it easy for dirt and soap scum to build up on it. While reducing moisture in your bathroom is a great idea, so is cleaning your shower tiles a few times a week with a product specifically designed to remove soap scum.

Alternatively, you can keep a spray bottle in your shower with 1 part water and 1 part vinegar to clean your grout once or twice a week, reducing the need to scrub your tiles every few months.

Using a squeegee on your shower after each use also helps.