How to Clean Shower Grout and Make It Look New - Again

A real-world grout fix from a Brooklyn cleaning pro.

Let’s talk shower grout - the one thing that makes a clean bathroom look dirty. I’ve cleaned hundreds of bathrooms across Brooklyn apartments, brownstones, and condos, and grout is always the biggest headache. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals to fix it.

What You’ll Need

• ½ cup baking soda

• 3-4 tablespoons warm water (to form a thick paste)

• ½ cup white distilled vinegar

• ½ cup warm water (for dilution)

• Spray bottle

• Stiff grout brush or old toothbrush

• Microfiber cloth

  
  

Step-by-Step: Cleaning Shower Grout

• Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste

• Apply the paste directly onto the grout lines

• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes

• Spray vinegar lightly over the paste (it will fizz - that’s normal)

• Scrub grout lines with a brush

• Rinse thoroughly with warm water

• Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth

  
  

Pro Tip from Years on the Job

Consistent maintenance matters more than deep cleaning. A quick scrub once a week prevents buildup and keeps mold from settling in.