Effortless Steam Cleaning for Shower Grout: A Safe and Simple Approach

Steam cleaning shower grout provides a brilliant finish without the need for extensive scrubbing or separate cleaning products.

After experimenting with various grout cleaning techniques, we've discovered that all you really need is water and a steam cleaner for great results with little effort.

Here, professional cleaners and our in-house expert in eco-friendly cleaning share their best advice for using steam effectively on your shower grout.

Using a Steam Cleaner for Shower Grout

After purchasing the top steam cleaner to deep clean her carpets, a content editor was so pleased with the results that she decided to try it on her grout as well.

She remarks, 'The difference I saw after cleaning my shower grout with a steam cleaner was incredible, and I only needed one ingredient – water.'

For her cleaning, she uses the BLACK+DECKER 7-in-1 Steam Mop and Steam Glove Handheld Steamer available at Amazon, which features a detachable reservoir and a grout brush for those hard-to-reach areas.

Here's how she achieved the best results with her steam cleaner.

Step 1: Clear the Shower Area

It's much simpler to do the job if you remove all shower items beforehand, according to a cleaning expert.

'To make cleaning easier, consider decluttering the night before. This saves time and avoids a hot, humid bathroom,' he advises.

Next, ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated. Another cleaning expert suggests, 'Turn on the fan or open a window. Steam cleaning introduces moisture, and it's crucial to prevent mold from developing due to trapped humidity.'

At this stage, you might also want to brush or vacuum the grout with a soft-bristled brush, like the Hand Broom Cleaning Brush available at Amazon.

'If there's loose dust or soap scum, take a moment to brush it away,' she notes. 'Otherwise, the steam may just push the debris around.'

The editor also utilized the steam mop function on her cleaner to disinfect the shower basin and eliminate any leftover hairs before tackling the tiles and grout.

'Steamers are great for cleaning glass shower doors, but I prefer using The Pink Stuff, available at Target, to tackle built-up soap scum,' she adds.

Step 2: Get the Steam Cleaner Ready

Prepare your steam cleaner before tackling the grout. 'Charge it if it's handheld,' suggests the expert. 'You want to avoid interruptions while cleaning. Being fully prepared allows you to begin without delays.'

The type of water you use plays a crucial role in achieving optimal results. If you have soft water, tap water will work fine. However, if your area has hard water, opt for distilled water, available at Walmart. 'This helps prevent mineral buildup in your machine and on your grout,' says the expert.

'Different steam cleaners have various capabilities,' she adds. 'Some come with grout-specific attachments, which can be very helpful.'

If your model lacks these, consider the Joseph Joseph CleanTech 3-in-1 Detail Cleaning Brush, also available at Amazon, which is excellent for this task. When choosing a cleaner, aim for a softer-bristled attachment, as stiff bristles can damage your grout.

Step 3: Start Cleaning from the Top

The cleaning order is crucial; as you steam clean, water will run down the wall and can carry dirt with it.

'A great cleaning tip is to use a step stool with rubber feet to avoid slipping. Start at the top of the shower wall and work your way down to prevent dirty water from contaminating areas you've already cleaned,' advises the editor.

'Using the steam method requires minimal scrubbing, but I did have to move the brush back and forth over the grout lines to loosen stubborn stains.'

She also notes to work in small sections so the steam remains effective. 'Keep moving to prevent too much moisture from accumulating on the grout,' she warns, or use a microfiber cloth, like the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, available at Walmart, to soak up any grime before it settles back into the grout.

She adds, 'I often use the brush on my shower tiles as well since they're durable enough to remove grime without causing damage, but you might want to test this on a small area first.'

If you're worried about steam damaging your grout or tiles, think about using a standard shower cleaner, like the Method Daily Shower Spray Cleaner available at Walmart with a microfiber cloth, or use a microfiber cloth attached to your steamer.

Whether you're cleaning mold in the shower, tiles, or grout, the expert recommends holding the steam nozzle close to the surface, about half an inch. 'This ensures the steam penetrates fully.'

Step 4: Review and Allow to Dry

Once you've cleaned down to the bottom, let the area dry naturally before checking for any lingering discoloration. 'If any remains, I go over those areas as needed,' she says.

Lastly, the expert reminds, 'Don't forget to seal the grout afterward to prevent dirt from adhering easily.' The Clean-eez Grout Sealer & Stand-Up Brush Combo available at Amazon is recommended for this.

Recommended Products

All prices were accurate at the time of writing.

BLACK+DECKER 7-in-1 Steam Mop and Steam Glove Handheld Steamer

Rated as a top steam cleaner, this model is praised for its versatility, capable of tackling everything from grout to carpets. 'There's nothing it can't handle,' she reports.

HBTower Step Ladder

This ladder features anti-slip pedals and a sturdy steel frame, perfect for reaching high places when cleaning your shower grout.

The Pink Stuff Bathroom Foam Spray

This foam spray effectively cleans a variety of bathroom surfaces, removing soap scum, limescale, and hard water stains without harsh scrubbing.

Meet Our Experts

Chiana Dickson

Chiana reviews numerous cleaning and organizing tips, earning recognition as one of the leading home improvement journalists in 2024.

Karina Toner

Karina specializes in cleaning both commercial and residential spaces, focusing on non-toxic methods for achieving spotless results.

Will Cotter

HappyCleans guarantees 100% satisfaction for clients in Oklahoma City by using steam cleaners for a sparkling clean.

Common Questions

Is bleach safe for shower grout cleaning?

Avoid using bleach on grout, as it can degrade the material and cause discoloration. For deep cleaning without steam, opt for a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda for a comparable whitening effect without bleach's damaging side effects.

What is the simplest way to whiten grout?

A steam cleaner can effectively lift stubborn stains and restore the brightness of white grout. If you lack a steam cleaner, consider using a paste made from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, applying it with a toothbrush and allowing it to sit before scrubbing and rinsing.

'For daily upkeep, after a shower, use a squeegee,' suggests Will, recommending the Hiware All-Purpose Shower Squeegee available at Amazon. 'Water tends to cling to surfaces and can leave spots or soap scum. The more soap scum you leave, the harder it is to maintain clean grout. Keeping the area well-ventilated helps moisture dry faster.'

Next, discover how oxygen bleach can be used to clean grout, and see why an electric scrubber is a favorite among our contributors for grout cleaning.