Buying guide for best grout cleaners
Whether you’re trying to remove mold and mildew from the grout in your shower, food residue and grease from your kitchen counter grout or grime from your floor’s grout, finding the right grout cleaner is key.
You should first consider the color of your grout and whether the grout cleaner you choose (such as one with bleach) could discolor it. If you have natural stone tiles, such as marble or granite, you’ll also want a cleaner that’s gentle and won’t scratch them. Also note that spray bottles are much easier to work and provide greater accuracy than squeeze bottles.
We checked out grout cleaners and found the Clean-EEZ Grout-EEZ Super Heavy-Duty Tile and Grout Cleaner to be the best. Its two-in-one formula removes both surface stains and set-in stains, and it comes with a brush for scrubbing.
Expert Tip
Be very careful when using grout cleaner. Don't allow it to sit or spill on unsafe surfaces.
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Best grout cleaners
This highly effective cleaner tops our list by working in two ways to restore white and color grout to its natural color. It removes the top layer of grease and surface stains, and it penetrates deeper to remove even the most stubborn dirt and grime. Simply apply it, let it soak in for five to 10 minutes, scrub and rinse.
You don’t have to worry about getting down on your handles and knees to scrub, either. This professional-grade cleaning solution comes with a grout brush that can connect to any long broom or mop handle to make scrubbing a breeze. The brush head’s angled bristles fit nicely in grout lines to remove all dirt and grease.
No strong chemical odor emanates from this cleaner, and it’s safe to use on ceramic and porcelain tiles. Each bottle can clean up to 250 square feet, and the easy-pouring spout helps you dispense the right amount each time.
This affordable grout cleaner is one of the most versatile of its kind. It’s safe to use on ceramic and porcelain tile, fiberglass and natural stone. It effectively removes dirt, mold, mildew, soap scum, hard water and other stains without leaving behind residue or damaging the tile.
This Goo Gone formula works quickly, only needing to sit on the grout for two minutes before you can scrub it away. The convenient spray bottle makes the application fast and easy — wonderful for those who don’t have much time to clean. And unlike many bathroom cleaners with a strong chemical odor, it boasts a fresh citrus scent that makes cleaning more pleasant.
If you have a large tiled area to clean, this acid-free grout cleaner comes in a gallon bottle that can last for quite a while. The formula works well on grease, oil, dirt and even food spills, bringing white and colored grout back to its original shade. The fast-acting formula only needs to sit on your grout for one to three minutes before scrubbing.
This cleaner is especially effective for removing soap residue from natural stone tiles, so you can even use it on marble floors and walls. And if you have pets, take note: This formula is designed to remove pet stains from tile and grout.
When it comes to restoring the look of white grout in your kitchen or bathroom, it doesn’t get more convenient than this easy-to-use pen. Nontoxic water-based color conceals stains to make your grout look like new. You can use it anywhere with floor, ceiling or wall tiles, including showers, sinks, counters and more.
The pen is easier to use than many other cleaners because it dries quickly, doesn’t produce much odor and doesn’t give off fumes. You can apply a second coat once it dries if you want a more opaque color. The pens come in two tip sizes, making it easy to color in both thin and thick grout lines. It may not, however, work well on recently sealed grout.
With this gentle but effective grout cleaner, you don’t have to worry about damaging your porcelain or ceramic tile (however, it should not be used on waxed porous surfaces, polished marble, travertine or limestone). The formula is tough on dirt, grease, soap scum and food stains to help bring your grout back to its original color without damaging the grout or tile glaze. The cleaner comes in a convenient spray bottle so you can apply it quickly before scrubbing and rinsing it away after a couple of a minutes.
There’s good news for eco-minded shoppers, too: The formula is biodegradable, which means it breaks down quickly and won’t damage the environment. Each bottle contains 24 ounces, which cleans up to 160 square feet of grout.
Zep’s deep-cleaning option is a professional-grade product that works with little to no scrubbing. Those looking for a low-effort formula appreciate that it takes just minutes to start working. The bleach-free cleaner contains acid, so it penetrates deeply and can eat away at even the most stubborn, deep stains to restore the original grout color without lightening it.
The set includes four bottles of cleaner, each of which contains 32 ounces and can treat up to 250 square feet. The formula works for white and colored grout as well as porcelain and ceramic tile, and it doesn’t have a strong odor or produce fumes.
This bio-enzymatic grout cleaner, which takes about seven minutes to work, is a good choice for older grout stains because it keeps cleaning even after you’re done scrubbing. The commercial-grade formula is gentle enough to use at home without damaging surfaces, yet it can remove dirt and grime that’s been embedded for years while restoring (not lightening) your grout’s original color. The cleaner works well on most tiles, including ceramic, porcelain and even marble.
The odorless cleaner doesn’t produce fumes or require the use of a mask and is suitable for homes with children and pets. And, the formula is biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly option.
If you’re worried about highly acidic cleaners damaging your tile and other surfaces, consider this gentle yet powerful formula. It is safe to use on stone, porcelain, ceramic and glass tile and works for both white and colored grout without scarring the surfaces.
The cleaner is easy to use, coming in a convenient spray bottle that lets you apply and wipe it away after just two to three minutes. The product doesn’t contain ammonia or phosphates, which means it’s also safe for countertops and other food-preparation surfaces. The light citrus scent isn’t too strong, either.
To make cleaning even more convenient, it also comes with its own scrub brush. The bristles are safe to use on stone and won’t damage those softer tiles.
This extra-strength tile grout cleaner with a natural formula effectively removes dirt, grease, oil and soap residue. Natural ingredients, including organic salts and water-conditioning agents, make it biodegradable and safe for the environment, so you can feel good about using it in your home. The bottle is even 100% recyclable.
The cleaner is non-abrasive, making it suitable for both glazed and unglazed tile surfaces. You can use it on porcelain, ceramic, granite and other natural stone, too. The spray bottle makes application convenient, and it only needs to sit on your surfaces for one to three minutes to deep-clean the grout.
Expert tip
Buy the correct amount of solution for the job so you won't need to make repeat visits to the store to purchase more products.
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What to know before buying a grout cleaner
Safety
Grout cleaners often contain potent ingredients like bleach. If you have kids or pets at home, it’s particularly important to choose a formula that’s as safe as possible. Look for an acid-free non-toxic grout cleaner that won’t pose a risk to kids or animals. It’s also a good idea to choose a fume-free formula so you don’t have to wear a mask while cleaning.
Some of the best options are grout cleaners containing oxygen bleach. For the safest results, choose an oxygen bleach-based cleaner that is organic and free of fragrance and dye and contains FDA-approved food-grade ingredients.
Grout color
Some grout cleaners aren’t suitable for use on all colors of grout. For example, oxygen bleach-based formulas can sometimes discolor colored grout. Most cleaners do work for white and light-colored grout, but if your grout is a dark shade like tan, brown, gray or black, check the label to make sure it’s compatible with your grout color.
Some grout cleaners are designed for specific grout colors. For example, you could use a white cleaner for white grout or a chocolate cleaner for brown grout. These formulas not only clean the grout but also leave a tint of color behind to refresh the grout’s appearance. If you opt for this type of formula, it’s extremely important to get the color right.
Tile surfaces
When cleaning grout, it’s inevitable that some of the cleaner will get on the surrounding surfaces. For this reason, it’s important to make sure the formula you choose is safe for the surfaces in your home.
Most grout cleaners are safe for ceramic and porcelain tile, but some aren’t suitable for use on natural stone tiles such as marble, slate and granite. Always check the product specifications to make sure the grout cleaner you’re considering would work on your tile surfaces.
Container
Grout cleaners are available in several different types of containers, but the most common are spray bottles, squeeze bottles and pour bottles.
A container with a spray nozzle is usually the best option for a grout cleaner. It allows you to concentrate the product along the grout line so you don’t get it all over the floor, wall, countertop or other surface. The cleaner usually comes out in a fine spray to prevent you from applying too much.
Squeeze bottles often have a nozzle as well, but it’s usually more difficult to control how much cleaner you apply. Pour bottles are typically oversized containers, and the cleaner is meant to be transferred to a smaller spray or squeeze bottle. If you try to apply grout cleaner directly from a pour bottle, it’s impossible to control how much you apply or where you apply it.
Time required
A grout cleaner usually needs to sit on the grout for a certain amount of time in order to fully penetrate the grout, kill mold and mildew and remove stains. Some cleaners only require a couple of minutes; others require up to 24 hours. You’ll need to stay off the floor while you wait for the cleaner to work. As such, fast-acting formulas are considerably more convenient.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended time required for the grout cleaner to work to make sure it will fit your cleaning schedule.
How to use grout cleaner
The best way to use a grout cleaner depends on the formula, so always consult the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning the grout.
- Even if you choose a fume-free grout cleaner, open a window or turn on a fan in the room where you’re cleaning to get proper ventilation.
- Start by washing the tiles with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. For a tile floor, sweep or vacuum, and then mop or use a grout steamer.
- Once the tile surface is clean, apply the grout cleaner to the dirty grout.
- Allow the formula to sit on the grout for the time specified on the bottle.
- After you’ve let the grout cleaner sit on the grout for the specified time, rinse it away with clean water. For a deeper clean, remove it with a scrub brush to get at stubborn stains.
- To remove any grout cleaner residue that might be left behind on a tile floor, mop the floor after you’ve rinsed away the product. Use a solution of warm water and a small amount of gentle dish detergent.
- Dry the grout thoroughly with a clean towel.
Expert Tip
Read the back of each product. Sometimes the trick isn’t how much product you put down or what you scrub with, but how long you need to let the cleaning solution sit on the grout before scrubbing.
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FAQ
Q. How much do grout cleaners cost?
A. Grout cleaners vary in price based on the type of formula, but you can typically expect to spend between $7 and $42. A basic nontoxic, enzyme-based grout cleaner that can be used on most grout colors and tile surfaces usually costs between $7 and $15. Tinted grout cleaner and refresher products that leave color behind typically range from $15 to $20. Oxygen bleach-based grout cleaners that can be used on most grout colors and tile surfaces usually cost between $20 and $42.
Q. How often should I use grout cleaner?
A. It depends on how well you maintain the grout and the conditions it’s exposed to. In general, you should use a grout cleaner whenever you notice the grout starting to look dark and dingy. That usually means doing a deep cleaning of the grout once or twice a year.
Q. Does a grout cleaner remove grout sealant?
A. Some grout cleaners will strip away any sealant product that you’ve applied on top of the grout. If you want to preserve your sealant, opt for a gentle formula that’s acid-free and has a neutral pH.
Q. Can I use grout cleaner on tile walls?
A. You can use grout cleaner on tile walls, but you may want to adjust your cleaning technique slightly. Grout cleaners are usually fairly liquid, so they’ll run if you apply them on a vertical surface like a wall. Instead of applying the cleaner directly from the bottle, you may want to dampen a scrub brush with the product and run the brush along the grout on your walls to concentrate the cleaner in the right areas.
