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What distinguishes recurring grout discoloration from moisture behind tile?
What patterns help tell ordinary buildup in shower grout from moisture getting behind the tile? Darkening limited to grout lines seems different from discoloration spreading onto nearby surfaces, but I’m not sure how much that distinction tells you on its own.
Would the next step depend on whether the grout is cement-based or epoxy? And what changes, such as cracking, softness, or grout that stays damp, are reasons to stop repeating a cleaning routine and have the shower assembly assessed? I’d also welcome suggestions for a cleaning approach that’s appropriate for the grout type, rather than treating bleach as a one-size-fits-all fix.
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A grout-type distinction that matters: acidic cleaners can etch cement-based grout, so I wouldn’t use them there. Epoxy grout is less porous and more stain-resistant, but that doesn’t make every cleaner suitable. Check the cleaner label for compatibility with the specific grout instead of assuming bleach works for both.