The Best Grout Cleaner in NZ

The Best Way to Clean Grout in a Shower (That Actually Works)

Grout might be the smallest part of your shower, but when it’s dirty, it can make the entire bathroom look tired and unhygienic. Soap scum, mould and mineral build-up love to cling to grout lines, especially in humid environments. The good news? With the right method and the best grout cleaner in NZ, you can bring your shower back to life.

Whether you’re dealing with light discolouration or stubborn staining, here’s the most effective approach to shower grout cleaning, including our recommended products available at Tile Space.

Why Does Shower Grout Get So Dirty?

Grout is porous, which means it absorbs moisture, soap residue and minerals from water. Over time, this leads to:

• Grey, yellow or brown staining

• Mould and mildew growth

• Grout that still looks dirty even after cleaning

This is why standard bathroom sprays often fall short. Proper tile and grout cleaning requires a cleaner designed specifically for grout.

Step-by-Step: The Best Way to Clean Shower Grout

1. Start With a Gentle Clean (For Light Grime)

If your grout is only mildly dirty, start with a gentle approach.

You’ll need:

• Warm water

• Baking soda

• A soft grout brush or old toothbrush

Method:

1. Mix baking soda and water into a thick paste

2. Apply to grout lines and leave for 10–15 minutes

3. Scrub gently and rinse thoroughly

This works well for maintenance, but won’t remove deep stains or mould.

2. Use the Best Grout Cleaner in NZ: AquaMix Grout Deep Clean

For noticeably dirty or stained grout, we recommend AquaMix Grout Deep Clean, available at Tile Space. This professional-grade shower grout cleaner is designed to penetrate deep into grout lines and lift stubborn dirt, soap scum and grime.

Why AquaMix Grout Deep Clean works:

• Powerful alkaline formula

• Ideal for bathrooms and showers

• Safe for ceramic and porcelain tiles

• Excellent grout stain remover for deep-set dirt

How to use it:

1. Apply directly to grout lines

2. Allow it to dwell for the recommended time

3. Scrub with a grout brush

4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water

This is one of the most effective options for restoring grout without damaging your tiles.

3. Removing Stubborn Grout Stains

If your grout hasn’t been cleaned in years, you may need multiple applications of a deep cleaner like AquaMix. While this product is not a grout remover, it works exceptionally well as a grout stain remover, lifting embedded grime rather than stripping the grout itself.

If grout remains dark after deep cleaning, it may be permanently stained or ready for regrouting.

Cleaning Silicone: Use Bar Keepers Friend

It’s important to note that grout cleaners should not be used on silicone. For silicone seals around your shower, we recommend Bar Keepers Friend, also available at Tile Space.

Why Bar Keepers Friend is ideal for silicone:

• Effectively removes soap scum and surface mould

• Gentle enough for bathroom use

• Helps brighten discoloured silicone

Apply carefully using a soft cloth or sponge, avoiding excessive scrubbing. If silicone remains black or mouldy after cleaning, replacement may be the best option.

Don’t Forget the Tiles

For best results, always clean your tiles first, then focus on the grout. This ensures dirty tile residue doesn’t get pushed back into freshly cleaned grout lines and completes the full tile and grout cleaning process.

How to Keep Shower Grout Clean for Longer

Once your grout is clean, maintenance is key:

• Use a squeegee after every shower

• Ventilate your bathroom well

• Lightly clean grout weekly

• Seal grout to prevent future staining

Grout sealing is especially effective in showers and can dramatically extend the time between deep cleans.

When to Consider Professional Tile and Grout Cleaning

If grout remains dark or patchy even after using a deep grout cleaner, it may be beyond cleaning. In these cases, professional tile and grout cleaning or regrouting will deliver the best long-term result.

The secret to clean grout is using the right product for the right surface. For showers, AquaMix Grout Deep Clean is one of the most effective grout cleaners available in NZ, while Bar Keepers Friend is perfect for tackling silicone.

Both products are available at Tile Space, making it easy to keep your shower looking fresh, clean and well-maintained.