The 7 Best Grout Cleaners of 2024
Updated: Mar. 15, 2024
Invest in the best grout cleaner and it'll do the hard work for you!
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When it comes to your cleaning schedule, cleaning your grout should be high on your list. There are many reasons why investing in the best grout cleaner and doing the dirty work of cleaning is a good idea. According to Alicia Sokolowski, a cleaning expert and co-CEO of AspenClean, one of the main reasons for seeking out the best grout cleaner is appearances.
“Grout lines can become discolored, stained or dingy over time, detracting from the appearance of your flooring or tiled surfaces,” she says. Regular grout cleaning helps to keep the grout looking clean and fresh, improving the overall appearance of the surface.
Hygiene is another reason you’ll want to find the best grout cleaner on the market. Did you know that grout lines can harbor dirt, bacteria and other contaminants that pose health risks, especially in high-traffic areas? “Regular grout cleaning can help to remove these contaminants and promote a more hygienic environment,” says Sokolowski.
Dirt, grime and other contaminants can also damage grout over time, causing it to deteriorate or discolor. In some cases, dirty or damaged grout can cause tiles to become loose or shift, compromising the stability and safety of the surface. “Regular grout cleaning can help extend the grout’s life and prevent costly repairs or replacements,” Sokolowski states.
We rounded up the best grout cleaners on the market. And, while you are on your cleaning spree don’t miss the cleaning products that professional house cleaners always buy and these expert tips on how to clean vinyl floors.
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Best overall grout cleaner
Grout-Eez
Created by a professional floor cleaner of 25 years, Grout-Eez has become a cult-favorite best grout cleaner on Amazon. With over 7,400 perfect five-star reviews, this heavy-duty, professional-strength grout cleaner starts attacking dirt and grime as soon as you spray it on.
Most users recommend letting it sit for five to 10 minutes before scrubbing floors and tiles and rinsing with clean water a few times. Verified purchaser Heather writes in her review, “After only 10 minutes and a slight amount of elbow grease, this product successfully did what I’ve been trying to do for over two years. My grout wasn’t dark brown anymore.”
Pros
- The best grout cleaner according to Amazon shoppers
- Easy to use and less scrubbing compared to other products
- Safe to use on ceramic, porcelain and grout
- 13,000 Amazon ratings and a 4-star average
Cons
- Some users find the product has a strong smell and recommend ventilating the room
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Best budget grout cleaner
Goo Gone Grout and Tile Cleaner
Goo Gone is a great option for anyone looking for the best grout cleaner on a budget. While it isn’t professional strength like Grout-Eez, some prefer the less harsh chemical formula. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has even endorsed it as a “Safer Choice.”
Verified purchaser Patricia Febinger uses it both at home and professionally and describes it as “just like bleach without the bleach and a much better smell.” Several others note the citrus-scented cleaner is easy to use and cleans the tile quickly.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Citrus scent
- Safer chemicals
- EPA endorsed
- Safe for use on grout, ceramic, fiberglass, natural stone and porcelain
- 800 Amazon ratings and a 4.3-star average
Cons
- Not professional strength
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Best for bathrooms
Microban 24-Hour Bathroom Cleaner
In your bathroom, preventing mold growth is just as important as cleaning it. Microban 24-Hour Bathroom Cleaner is a strong grout cleaner-slash-sanitizing product for those hot, humid spaces where mold and mildew are likely to grow. It kills mold and bacteria on contact and keeps fighting for up to 24 hours.
Because it isn’t specific to grout, you can douse your entire bathroom in it—floors, bathtub, shower, toilet, sinks and more. The addition of the sanitizing spray makes this grout cleaner a genius cleaning hack.
As powerful as it is, reviewers also maintain this best grout cleaner smells as good as it cleans. “Awesome cleaning power as well as leaving a fresh scent, and keeping my bathroom sanitary and smelling fresh,” according to Amazon reviewer Brian T.
Pros
- A powerful disinfectant and bathroom cleaner
- Kills mold and prevents new growth
- Keeps working for up to 24 hours
Cons
- Be careful using it around small children and pets
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Best for floors
Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener
This viral TikTok grout cleaner is truly a fan favorite. After videos of Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener showed dirty grout magically brightening in just 20 seconds, this $7 cleaning product became a mainstay on our list of top cleaning products. Squirt this professional-strength, bleach-free gel between tile crevices in your bathroom and let it do the work instead of having to get down on your hands and knees with a scrubber.
Although there are mops for cleaning every type of floor, keep in mind that this grout cleaner should only be used on tile, keeping it away from surfaces like marble, terrazzo, natural stone, chrome, stainless steel, brass or Corian.
Pros
- Transforms dirty grout to bright white in about 20 seconds
- Professional-strength, bleach-free gel formula
- Works in under a minute
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Only for use on tile
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Best for removing mold
Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover Spray
If you are looking for the best grout cleaner to remove mold and mildew, look for one with bleach, like Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover Spray. Spray this solution into grout where mold and mildew are popping up, wait five minutes and rinse.
Amazon reviewer Ryan Manwill writes, “I had BAD mildew and mold in the bathroom, but immediately after spraying the mildew, it was gone!” With a 4.7-star average rating and more than 5,000 reviews, it’s clear to see why this grout cleaner is great on tough mold.
Pros
- Removes up to 99.9% of mold, mildew, germs and bacteria
- Little to no scrubbing is required
- 5,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.7-star average
Cons
- Strong bleach smell
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Best eco-friendly grout cleaner
Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner
Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of eco-friendly grout cleaners on the market. However, this Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner is an alcohol, bleach and chlorine-free product. It gets the grout cleaning job done without all the harsh chemicals, using plant-based ingredients instead.
The product is wildly popular with Amazon shoppers, earning over 10,000 perfect five-star ratings. “The scent is nice and not overwhelming,” Cassandra writes in her review. “I used this one and it got the scum right up!” Some suggest scrubbing grouted areas to take advantage of the full whitening effect when using this natural cleaning product.
Pros
- Made with natural, plant-based ingredients
- Alcohol-, bleach- and chlorine-free
- 16,800 Amazon ratings and a 4.2-star average
Cons
- You might have to do a little extra work scrubbing in exchange for natural ingredients
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Best brush grout cleaner
Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber
While some of the best grout cleaners require little to no scrubbing, having a great grout-cleaning brush on hand is essential for some of the tougher jobs. This Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber feels a little like cheating. Instead of having to do all the scrubbing work yourself, the battery-powered gadget does it for you, allowing you to clean at least twice as fast—and our editors have put it to the test in our Rubbermaid Reveal review.
Reviewers maintain that it works especially well for tile grout, with its powerful bristles penetrating in between tiles. Amazon reviewer Ashley has used it to clean her bathroom counter and even old animal stains on the floor. “This tool got off several years of caked-on dust and hair.”
Pros
- This electric cleaning brush seriously shaves down cleaning time
- Editor-tested
- Easy to use
- 18,300 Amazon ratings and a 4.5-star average
Cons
- Requires batteries, which are included
What to consider when buying the best grout cleaner
There are several factors to consider when purchasing the best grout cleaner, says Sokolowski. First is the type of grout. “Different types of grout require different types of cleaners,” she says. For example, acidic cleaners can damage certain types of grout, such as marble.
Second, you want to find a grout cleaner that effectively removes dirt, grime and stains from your grout. “Some cleaners may require more effort or time to achieve the desired results, while others may work more quickly and efficiently,” she says. You should also consider the cleaner’s safety for you, your family and the environment. “Choose a cleaner that’s non-toxic, biodegradable and safe for use around children and pets,” Sokolowski says.
Finally, choose one that is easy to use and apply. “Some cleaners may require special equipment or tools, while others may come in a spray bottle or be applied with a brush.”
Types of grout cleaner
There are store-bought grout cleaners and also DIY grout cleaners. Some grout cleaners come in liquid form, while others are more gel-like. They come in spray bottles that spray the solution onto your grout, while others come in pour bottles, heavily saturating the grout.
There are also grout cleaners intended for different types of surfaces. For example, some of the strongest grout cleaners should only be used on tile and can damage other materials. There are also grout cleaners that double-task as mold removers, and ones that can be used as an all-around bathroom cleaner.
How we found the best grout cleaner
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
How to get my grout white again?
To get grout white again, use one of the best grout cleaners listed above and follow the directions on the bottle. Additionally, there are some DIY methods recommended by Sokolowski. Mix baking soda and water together to make a paste. Spread the paste onto the grout and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Scrub the grout with a brush (or an old toothbrush) and then rinse with water.
Or mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray the solution onto the grout and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a brush and rinse with water. “Remember to wear protective gloves and well-ventilate the room,” Sokolowski adds.
Do steam mops clean grout?
Yes, steam mops can effectively clean grout, confirms Sokolowski. “Steam cleaning is a great way to clean grout because the high temperature of the steam can penetrate deep into the grout, helping to loosen and remove dirt, grime and stains,” she says.
To clean grout with a steam mop, fill the mop’s water tank and turn it on to heat up. Hold the mop over the grout and allow the steam to penetrate the grout for a few seconds before moving the mop along the grout line. “You may need to go over the grout several times, depending on how dirty it is,” she says. You can also use a grout brush or a scrub pad along with the steam mop to help remove any stubborn stains.
“It’s important to note that while steam mops are effective at cleaning grout, they may not work for all types of grout, such as unsealed or porous grout,” Sokolowski adds. Additionally, if the grout is severely stained or damaged, it may need to be replaced rather than cleaned.
How often should you clean tile grout?
The frequency of cleaning tile grout depends on various factors, such as the level of foot traffic, the type of tile and grout, and the environment in which it’s located, explains Sokolowski. However, cleaning tile grout at least once or twice a year is recommended.
“If the area with the tile grout is heavily trafficked or exposed to dirt and moisture frequently, it may need to be cleaned more regularly,” she says. If you have light-colored grout or notice stains, discoloration, or mold growth you may need to clean it more often.
Regular tile grout cleaning can help prevent dirt and grime buildup, which can be difficult to remove over time. “You can also take preventative measures to reduce the frequency of cleaning, such as wiping up spills and messes promptly or using a doormat to reduce dirt and debris entering the area,” she adds.
Source:
- Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean
Originally Published: March 15, 2024
