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I don’t mind house chores in general however cleaning grout in the shower is probably my least favorite cleaning task. That said, it’s a job that must be done! Today I want to share how to clean grout with a DIY non-toxic grout cleaner.
When I shared my tutorial in my REELS I was asked if this DIY non-toxic grout cleaner really works as well as bleach. Here’s the honest truth. Bleach is such a very strong cleaning product that can erode grout over time causing it to become even dirtier by leaving a film behind which attracts dirt. If used in you kitchen sink or any drain area, you will notice erosion of the rubber seals in those areas as well. Read this article if you’d like to know why it’s important to be cautious when using bleach.
Bleach can damage surrounding materials. Whether you are cleaning tile, porcelain, or grout, bleach is a highly reactive and caustic substance that can slowly destroy the protective coating of materials that it comes in contact with such as tile finishes, protective porcelain coating, wood finish, etc.
Q & A | Why you should consider alternatives to bleach
Why is bleach bad for grout?
Bleach can discolor or strip color away. That said, if you are using it to clean colored grout it will likely fade the color or make the color uneven or remove it altogether. Bleach erodes, so it can also weaken the grout causing it to crack and crumble.
How to keep my shower clean
Most importantly, don’t let the mess get out of hand. Regular cleaning is essential for success! Keep your cleaning supplies near for easy access. If you have a glass shower, use a squeegee to wipe down the glass after your shower. Every couple of days, spray your natural shower cleaner on the tile and grout. Allow t sit for a minute or two and rinse. Get into the habit of doing a weekly grout scrubbing using your natural DIY grout cleaner.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for marble?
Because marble is so permeable you need to be careful what cleaning products you use. If you research this topic you’ll find different answers as to whether or not hydrogen peroxide is safe for marble. I use diluted on my marble to help bleach out light stains. Due to the bleaching aspect, it is best to only use hydrogen peroxide if your marble is light colored. I would also recommend a test spot. I never pour it on straight but I have used my DIY natural grout cleaner on marble and didn’t have any problems.
How to remove shower mold and mildew naturally
There are so many recipes! I’ve tried them all and came up with one that works for me. I hope you try it and let me know what you think! You can add essential oil of lemon for added fragrance and cleaning power. Sometimes vinegar is added to the mix. With my marble surfaces I don’t use that as etching would occur. For added cleaning power I add Castile Peppermint Dish Soap. The bathroom smells so fresh and clean when I’m finished.
Besides cleaning grout, you can also use my natural DIY grout cleaner to clean your porcelain sink or bathtub.
DIY Natural Shower Grout and Tub Cleaner
Bleach damages grout and erodes finishes on your tiles. To take the best care of your finishes and clean grout, try this simple recipe! The key to success is to clean frequently and avoid allowing the dirt and grim to get out of hand. Keep your cleaning products in a convenient spot for easy and quick cleaning!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 2 tsp Castile Soap
- a drop or two of essential oil of lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a medium size bowl.
- Stir in the Castile Soap.
- Add essential oil if you'd like.
- Stir the mixture until a smooth paste forms.
- Spread the mixture onto your shower floor and scrub with your favorite scrub brush.
- Allow to sit for 2 to 10 minutes.
- Rinse!
Notes
I have used this mixture on light colored marble. I recommend always doing a test spot prior to cleaning a large surface area.
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