Best way to clean tile and grout in shower...tried everything nothing works!?

Question

I've tried everything to clean my shower...straight bleach, Scrubbing Bubbles, Orange Clean, Zap!, Kaboom, Simple Green, Tilex, Comet, and that new Comet spray gel stuff. The new Comet bathroom cleaner faded the tiles and did an OK job, but my tiles still aren't clean and sparkling white. Ugh! Please help....what works? Is there something that isn't toxic and doesn't have a lot of fumes as my bathroom has no window and the Comet cleanser that I just used gave me a headache!

Acid? I don't think so! I have a toddler so I need to do this at night when she's sleeping as our bathroom has no window. I, too, live in an apartment. I'm trying to get it clean myself before I call the manager as he takes forever to get things done as he's overworked. He does a great job when he gets here, but he mananges three complexes by himself and if it's not an emergency it goes on his "in the order of which it was received" list.

Answer 1

I just answered this same question 2 mins ago LOL so I will copy the answer here too as it is kinda long hope it helps you too.

well there are many things, and you may have to try more than one to get the best results, some things to try are: peroxide
mix borax and water spray on and wipe off (use a more diluted solution on a regular basis to prevent)
Rubbing alcohol, water, and laundry soap (link 1)
Vinegar and salt (link 2)
I have also used lemon juice and salt, or a lemon cut in half and dipped in salt, not only does it clean but leaves a nice smell.

note: borax can be a iterative but most people don't have a problem with it, just be sure to rinse all surfaces well and if you are really sensitive to substances you may want to wear gloves, I have used it though and never had a problem and don't remember it having a smell. Also if you are worried about fumes from cleaning how about cleaning just before leaving the house? just a thought. Hope this helps.

Source(s):

http://www.makeyourown.net/mildew_cleane...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...



(General Links) http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...
http://www.mommytips.com/article/home/ho...

Answer 2

A technique I've used on the tiles is to use a scraper (single-edged razor blade or equivalent), and scrape the tiles clean, It works quite well, and scrapes off grime down to the tile glaze. You could also use a gouge-shaped craft knife to clean off the grout; but if you scrape too much (the grout is a lot softer), you may have to re-grout (which is quite easy).

Answer 3

try purple power. you can buy it an auto parts store. some discount stores carry it but it is in automotive. but always wear gloves cause it will irritate your skin. i always use it when i have real tough areas to clean. also another way is steam cleaning with bleach. put bleach in a spray bottle and spray onto tiles and grout and use the steam cleaner to wash it off.

Answer 4

Usually, all the stuff that you mentioned might work if you left it longer. I know of some people who actually use hydrochloric acid to clean their tiles! They claim it leaves their bathroom sparkling clean.

Answer 5

i agree with andrew g you need to re- grout your tiles if everything else fails.
you may wanna ask your home improvement store for the things you needed. the scraper comes with sizes so you need the one the fits the spaces in between
you can also look at ehow.com for the procedure.
good luck.

Answer 6

There's something they sell on pay-tv - maybe watch that channel for new stuff. I basically use muriatic acid on grouts that won't whiten up but its too strong and I would advice you to have a professional cleaner do that.

Answer 7

well if ya tried it all , give up and have it resurfaced! or do it yourself, with a fan for ventilation. GOOD LUCK!