what's the best non-toxic way to remove crap from tile grouting?

[gretagrape]

Hi - the grouting at the bottom of our shower is black and I NEED to tackle it. It's not often I get the cleaning bug so I'm making the most of it.

What can I use? It needs to be non-toxic, and if it takes less than 6 hours of scrubbing with a toothbrush then that would be a bonus!

Thanks.

[WowOoo]

I only have a toxic suggestion as nothing I've found that non toxic cleaners and elbow grease have not been very effective.

One way could be to remove all the grout, regret and then clean it regularly to prevent mould.

If you decide the toxic way is OK Dettol mould remover does the job within half an hour.

[fatedtopretend]

White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda paste, apply, leave an hour, wipe. Ta da!!

[Mrmenmug]

I just pour bleach over grout and it cleans off the black, but if you want to get it out fully, use a sharp knife and dig it out

[gretagrape]

Thanks - I'll try the vinegar and bicarb. I can't use bleach as it affects my breathing, especially in a confined space, so it's either elbow grease or new grouting I guess!

[sillymillyb]

I have heard great things about steam cleaners - would that be worth a shot?

[notamonkeysuncle]

Toothpaste and an old toothbrush.
I brought a few cheap tubes of whitening paste. Came up lovely and I give it a quivk going over ever month or so just to keep it nice

[mrsmopps]

I second the whitening toothpaste and a firm toothbrush.

jml do an electric brush thing for grout etc that looks great but I haven't tried it.

[gretagrape]

thanks all. I tried the old fashioned vinegar with a toothbrush at the weekend - it worked a treat on the grouting, but it didn't touch the sealant, so I'll try the other ideas and if they don't work I'll just cut the sealant out and re-do it.