Those sprays are just perfume for mold half the time.
That’s spot on. I’ve tested a bunch of those “miracle” sprays in my rentals, and honestly, most just mask the problem. What’s worked for me is a three-step thing: first, squeegee the walls after every shower—takes 30 seconds. Second, keep a small fan running for an hour or two (especially if you don’t have a window). Third, seal the grout once a year. It’s not glamorous, but it’s made a difference. Surprising how much that last step helps, even though it’s easy to skip.
I’ve always wondered if sealing grout really makes a difference or if it’s just another “maintenance” thing people say you should do.
I usually just scrub with vinegar and hope for the best, but maybe I’m missing out? Does sealing actually keep the mold from coming back, or just make cleaning easier?Surprising how much that last step helps, even though it’s easy to skip.
Sealing grout actually does help, but maybe not in the way people expect. It won’t make your shower mold-proof, but it does keep water from soaking in, which means less chance for mold to take hold deep down. I’ve noticed it makes cleaning way less of a hassle, too. Vinegar’s great for surface stuff, but once the grout gets saturated, it’s a pain to fix. I’d say sealing’s worth the extra step, even if it feels a bit tedious.
Vinegar’s great for surface stuff, but once the grout gets saturated, it’s a pain to fix.
Totally get this. I used to skip sealing because it just seemed like one more chore, but after a nasty mold patch that wouldn’t budge (even with all the vinegar in the world), I caved and sealed everything. It’s wild how much easier it is to wipe down now. Still not my favorite task, but at least it doesn’t turn into a weekend project every few months.
I hear you on the sealing—felt like overkill to me at first, too. But after scrubbing at stubborn stains for way too long, I finally gave in. It’s not fun, but wow, it really does make a difference. I still dread the chore, but at least it’s not a constant battle.
