Why Your Shower Still Looks Dirty After You Clean It

You’ve scrubbed.
You’ve sprayed.
You’ve tried the strongest bathroom cleaner on the shelf.

And yet… your shower still looks dirty.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many homeowners assume stained, grimy or dull showers mean the tiles themselves are dirty or damaged. In reality, the real problem is almost always what’s happening between the tiles — in the grout and silicone.

It’s Not the Tiles — It’s the Grout and Silicone

Tiles are typically non-porous and designed to repel water and stains. Grout and silicone, on the other hand, are a different story.

Both materials are usually porous, meaning they absorb what they’re exposed to over time. In a shower, that includes:

  • Soap residue and shampoo build-up

  • Body oils

  • Moisture and humidity

  • Mould spores and bacteria

As years go by, these substances soak deep into the grout and silicone. While regular cleaning can remove surface grime, it cannot reverse absorption that’s already occurred. This is why showers often look permanently stained or discoloured no matter how hard they’re scrubbed.

Why Mould Keeps Coming Back

When grout or silicone begins to fail, it also loses its ability to repel water effectively. Moisture can then sit behind joints, corners, and wall intersections — areas that are difficult to dry properly.

This trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for:

  • Persistent mould growth

  • Musty or unpleasant odours

  • Dark staining around joints and corners

Even if you kill surface mould, it often returns quickly because the underlying material is already compromised.

Why Harsh Cleaners and “Quick Fixes” Don’t Work

Many people turn to strong chemicals, bleach, or grout paint in an attempt to restore their shower. Unfortunately, these are temporary cosmetic fixes at best.

They don’t address the root cause: failed grout and silicone that have reached the end of their lifespan.

In some cases, harsh chemicals can actually accelerate deterioration, making the problem worse over time.

The Proper Solution: Remove, Replace, Reseal

The correct way to restore a tired-looking shower isn’t cleaning harder — it’s replacing what’s failed.

Professional shower sealing, regrouting and silicone replacement involves:

  • Removing old, deteriorated grout and silicone completely

  • Cutting everything back to a clean, dry surface

  • Replacing it with fresh, hygienic, watertight materials

In most cases, no tiles need to be removed and there is no need for a full bathroom renovation. Only the components that have worn out are replaced.

What Is Epoxy Grout — and Why We Use It

Not all grout is the same. In many older showers, the grout is cement-based, which is naturally porous. That means it absorbs moisture, soap residue, and bacteria over time — the exact issues that cause showers to look dirty even after cleaning.

Epoxy grout works differently.

Epoxy grout is a non-porous, resin-based grout designed specifically for wet areas like showers and bathrooms. Instead of soaking up moisture, it repels it. This makes it far more resistant to staining, mould, and discolouration.

Why Epoxy Grout Is Better for Showers

We use epoxy grout in showers because it solves the problems traditional grout can’t:

  • It doesn’t absorb water or soap residue

  • It resists mould and mildew growth

  • It maintains its colour over time

  • It’s easier to clean and maintain

  • It provides a longer-lasting, more hygienic finish

Because epoxy grout stays sealed within itself, it helps prevent moisture from sitting behind joints and corners — one of the main causes of recurring mould issues.

Is Epoxy Grout Worth It?

For showers, the answer is almost always yes.

While epoxy grout costs more upfront than standard grout, it lasts significantly longer and dramatically reduces ongoing maintenance. That means less scrubbing, fewer mould issues, and a shower that stays cleaner for longer.

It’s one of the key reasons a professionally regrouted shower can look better and perform better than it ever did before.

The Result: A Shower That Looks and Feels New Again

Once fresh grout and silicone are installed, the transformation is immediate:

  • The shower looks brighter and cleaner

  • Mould-prone areas are eliminated

  • Ongoing maintenance becomes easier

  • The space feels fresher and more hygienic

Best of all, the shower performs the way it should — keeping moisture out and staying cleaner for longer.

Need Professional Shower Regrouting?

If your shower never looks clean no matter what you do, it may be time for a proper fix rather than another round of scrubbing.

We offer free inspections and quotes across Sydney, the Central Coast, and the Southern Highlands, helping homeowners restore their showers without the cost or disruption of a renovation.

Get in touch today to see how professional shower regrouting can bring your bathroom back to life.