You may choose between liquid and spray cleaners, as well as brush choices that will enable you to clean grout lines and corners.
It’s possible that cleaning your tiles, the backsplash of your sink, or the area of your shower is not one of your favorite activities. However, cleaning the grout on your tiles will help maintain them spotless and bright for visitors and for day-to-day use. Tile grout cleaners may be poured or sprayed onto tile, and they can be used with or without a brush to remove hard water stains, soap scum, mold, and other types of buildup. While you can always resort to a DIY remedy, there are other tile grout cleaners available for purchase that offer greater flexibility.
Every year, in the Institute Cleaning Lab, we put a large number of products designed to clean floors, carpets, bathrooms, and remove stains through a series of rigorous tests. Our experts have spent hundreds of hours studying and testing everything you need in your cleaning toolbox to keep your house dazzling, from the best steam mops and vacuums to the top tools to clean toilets. This includes everything from the finest steam mops and vacuums to the top equipment to clean toilets. Because the mildew, mold, soap scum, and hard water stains that we encounter at home are difficult to reproduce in the lab, we take each product home to clean our own grout. We evaluate how thoroughly the products clean as well as how easy it is to use them, and we also examine the labels of all the items to see whether or not they are useful and whether or not they contain any safety concerns.
Our Top Picks
- Powerful Clean: CLR Brilliant Bath cleans surfaces with a formula that rapidly eliminates dirt; Its foam has the capacity to fight all kinds of bathroom dirt and grime buildup
- Many Uses: This versatile cleaner foams to remove even the toughest buildup from sinks, faucets, showerheads and bathtub surrounds; Safe for glass and stainless steel
- Easy to Use and Effective: Effectively remove stains in two steps; Just spray the solution onto the sink, shower door, or faucet, and wipe clean; CLR Brilliant Bath cleans one of the dirtiest rooms in your home with less effort
- EPA Safer Choice Certified: This daily cleaner is recognized as a safer alternative to harsher chemicals by EPA's Safer Choice Program; Contains zero ammonia, bleach or phosphates; Readily biodegradable formula
- Fight the Clean Fight: CLR offers products for all of your household needs including Healthy Septic System, Spotless Stainless Steel, and Clog-Free Drain
- Keeps hard, non-porous surfaces sanitized for 24 hours* even after multiple touches
- Powerful formula destroys soap scum
- Eliminates odors
- Microban: Protection that lives on
- One 32 ounce spray bottle of Clorox plus Tilex mold and mildew remover Spray with bleach removes ugly stain and kills mold and mildew that cause them
- Mold and mildew disinfectant Spray delivers a powerful clean without scrubbing and kills 99.9% of common bacteria found in homes such as Staph Strep and athletes foot fungus
- Clorox plus Tilex penetrates and lifts off soap scum with detergent-type surfactants to kill the mildew lurking below the surface
- This cleaner is safe to use on surfaces including glazed and unglazed ceramic tile grout vinyl fiberglass and plastic and wont leave a dull residue
- Smart tube technology guarantees you will Spray every drop of liquid in the bottle without unscrewing, shaking, pouring and generally being frustrated
- GREAT FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE - This powerful foam spray removes tough stains from tile, showers, bathroom surfaces, tents, hardwood floors, hard plastics, automobile tires, wood, grout and fiberglass. Great for boat cushions and outdoor furniture.
- FAST-ACTING FORMULA - Quickly remove tough surface stains with this heavy foam cleaner. This bleach-free remover has a foam sprayer that allows for a more direct and accurate application.
- ACCURATE FOAMING APPLICATION - The trigger spray handle helps to evenly apply the cleaner over large & hard-to-reach areas. The foaming solution helps prevent splash-back & helps maximize contact time on the cleaning surface.
- SAFE & EASY TO USE - The product is part of the EPA's Safer Choice Program recognizing the product as a safer alternative to chemicals. Made in the USA. Start by testing the product on a small area. Saturate the surface using the sprayer and let the heavy foam sit for 10 minutes. Wipe off with a dry clean cloth.
- FIGHT THE CLEAN FIGHT - CLR offers products for all of your household needs including Healthy Septic System, Garbage Disposal Cleaner, Outdoor Furniture Cleaner, Spotless Stainless Steel, Brilliant Bath, and Clog-Free Drain.
- Grout Cleaner: Don’t risk harming your grout’s surrounding surfaces with highly acidic solutions; Our Grout Cleaner quickly and safely deep-cleans soiled grout, and is safe on stone, tile, porcelain, colored grout, ceramic and glass
- Deep Cleaning: Ideal for grout and colored grout, this cleaner includes a Granite Gold Grout Brush to agitate and remove dirt; Can also be used as an intensive cleaner for natural stone and ceramic tile
- Safe and Easy to Use: This product comes in an easy to apply spray-and-wipe formula that's safe for food-preparation surfaces with no strong or harmful odors and no phosphates or ammonia
- Try Them All: We make it easy for you to clean and protect your natural stone and quartz surfaces including kitchen countertops, floors, and bathroom vanities; Try our Daily Cleaner, Sealer, Polish, Grout Cleaner and more
- Stone Care Experts: Our products were created by a third-generation family of stone care experts and made in the USA, that's why we're the number one family brand of stone care products
- EXCEPTIONAL GROUT SCRUB: Deep cleans grout lines and lifts stains
- VERSATILE GROUT CLEANER: Safe for use on most floors with grout lines, including on floors with colored grout
- PRO STRENGTH ACIDIC FORMULA: Bleach-free professional-strength formula cleans with little or no scrubbing
- FOR USE ON: White or colored grout lines on tile floors
- NOT FOR USE ON: Marble, terrazzo, travertine, natural stone, chrome, stainless steel, brass, or Corian. These sensitive surfaces are susceptible to damage.
- MULTI-PURPOSE SCRUB BRUSH: Designed with heavy duty bristles to make cleaning tile, grout, joints, and corners a breeze
- INNOVATIVE ANGLED SHAPE: Angled design with pointed tip provides eight times as many scrubbing edges for a faster and more effective clean
- COMFORT GRIP HANDLE: Offers more comfortable use while cleaning
- MODERN DESIGN: Modern gray and aqua finish complements any bathroom or kitchen style
- EFFICIENT SIZE: Measures 12.25" x 4.5" x 1.5" for convenient storage in cleaning caddies, drawers, and cabinets when not in use
Review
BEST OVERALL GROUT CLEANER
CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Bathroom Cleaner Spray (Pack of 2)
- Powerful Clean: CLR Brilliant Bath cleans surfaces with a formula that rapidly eliminates dirt; Its foam has the capacity to fight all kinds of bathroom dirt and grime buildup
- Many Uses: This versatile cleaner foams to remove even the toughest buildup from sinks, faucets, showerheads and bathtub surrounds; Safe for glass and stainless steel
- Easy to Use and Effective: Effectively remove stains in two steps; Just spray the solution onto the sink, shower door, or faucet, and wipe clean; CLR Brilliant Bath cleans one of the dirtiest rooms in your home with less effort
- EPA Safer Choice Certified: This daily cleaner is recognized as a safer alternative to harsher chemicals by EPA's Safer Choice Program; Contains zero ammonia, bleach or phosphates; Readily biodegradable formula
- Fight the Clean Fight: CLR offers products for all of your household needs including Healthy Septic System, Spotless Stainless Steel, and Clog-Free Drain
PROS
- EPA Safer Choice Certified
- Works with minimal scrubbing
CONS
- Recommended only for white grout
The bathroom products made by CLR have won over the hearts of our cleaning specialists. Because of how highly they recommend this foamy bathroom cleanser, we have put it on our list of the best shower cleaners and bathroom cleaners, as well as highlighted it in a guide for cleaning tough hard water stains.
This particular cleaner, in contrast to others that we have tried, has to be left on a surface for only two to three minutes in order to perform its magic. It may be used on surfaces all throughout the bathroom, including as the toilet, sink faucets, and bathtub, among other things. Also, while it works very well at removing stains from white grout, the manufacturer advises against using it on colored grout since it has the potential to change the color of the grout.
In addition to this, it has been awarded the EPA’s Safer Choice Certification, which indicates that the EPA has examined each component of the formula and determined that it poses a lower risk to both consumers and the environment when compared to competing products that include more hazardous components.
- Type: Foaming spray
- Safe for use on: White grout, plastic, glass, chrome, ceramic, fiberglass, porcelain, sealed granite and stainless steel
- Wait time: 2 to 3 minutes
- Scent: Fresh scent
BEST GROUT CLEANER TO PREVENT MILDEW AND MOLD
Microban 24-Hour Bathroom Cleaner
- Keeps hard, non-porous surfaces sanitized for 24 hours* even after multiple touches
- Powerful formula destroys soap scum
- Eliminates odors
- Microban: Protection that lives on
PROS
- Sanitizes surfaces for up to 24 hours
- Prevents mildew growth for up to seven days
CONS
- Strong smell according to some reviewers online
recipient of the Seal The Microban 24-Hour Bathroom Cleaner not only eliminates germs immediately after being applied, but it also continues to do so for up to 24 hours after the treated surface has been handled many times. Spray the surface until it is completely wet and then allow it to dry naturally. This will prevent the formation of mold and mildew.
The most exciting part? You will only need to use this procedure once per week in order to avoid the formation of mold and mildew on hard surfaces. As a result, you will be able to go for longer periods of time without having to clean the grout specifically.
It is also effective on soft surfaces, providing mold and mildew protection for up to 28 days, however unlike with hard surfaces, you do not have to completely saturate the soft surface with the cleanser before applying it. Utilize it as you would any other bathroom cleaner to eliminate soap scum, brighten grout, and bring out the shine in surfaces. This option was recommended by our staff because it is an efficient cleaner and simple to operate. One word of caution, even if the odor didn’t affect us that much, other people who reviewed the product online thought it to be excessively potent.
- Type: Spray
- Safe for use on: Plastic, painted wood, sealed wood, painted surfaces, stainless steel, aluminum, glazed porcelain, glazed ceramic, sealed granite and marble
- Wait time: Allow to air dry for mold and mildew prevention
- Scent: Citrus
BEST GERM-KILLING GROUT CLEANER
Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover with Bleach
- One 32 ounce spray bottle of Clorox plus Tilex mold and mildew remover Spray with bleach removes ugly stain and kills mold and mildew that cause them
- Mold and mildew disinfectant Spray delivers a powerful clean without scrubbing and kills 99.9% of common bacteria found in homes such as Staph Strep and athletes foot fungus
- Clorox plus Tilex penetrates and lifts off soap scum with detergent-type surfactants to kill the mildew lurking below the surface
- This cleaner is safe to use on surfaces including glazed and unglazed ceramic tile grout vinyl fiberglass and plastic and wont leave a dull residue
- Smart tube technology guarantees you will Spray every drop of liquid in the bottle without unscrewing, shaking, pouring and generally being frustrated
PROS
- Kills germs
- Cleans without scrubbing
CONS
- Can discolor fabrics
When it comes to giving a means to clean your entire bathroom, Clorox is one of the few companies that is as widely recognized as it is. This Mold and Mildew Remover takes cleaning to the next level by not only whitening grout and removing stains, but also destroying 99.9% of mold and mildew germs as well as bacteria in only five minutes. In addition, it does all of this without causing any damage to the surface it is applied to.
Reviewers have left comments ranging from “Great!” to “Mind blown” and “10+ stars” on its online presence, indicating that it is a popular among fans. Our mold removal specialists are also enthusiasts of this cleaning, and our guide on eradicating black mold from your house includes a recommendation to use it.
It is simple to apply; simply spray it on the grout, wait a few minutes for the solution to permeate, and then rinse it off. Scrubbing is not required in the majority of situations. This bathroom cleanser, like other home cleaners that use bleach, has a strong scent of bleach, which some people may find to be annoying. Bleach may also discolor textiles.
- Type: Spray
- Safe for use on: Glazed and unglazed ceramic tile, grout, vinyl, fiberglass and plastic
- Wait time: 5 to 10 minutes\
- Scent: Unscented (bleach scent)
BEST STAIN-REMOVING GROUT CLEANER
CLR Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
- GREAT FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE - This powerful foam spray removes tough stains from tile, showers, bathroom surfaces, tents, hardwood floors, hard plastics, automobile tires, wood, grout and fiberglass. Great for boat cushions and outdoor furniture.
- FAST-ACTING FORMULA - Quickly remove tough surface stains with this heavy foam cleaner. This bleach-free remover has a foam sprayer that allows for a more direct and accurate application.
- ACCURATE FOAMING APPLICATION - The trigger spray handle helps to evenly apply the cleaner over large & hard-to-reach areas. The foaming solution helps prevent splash-back & helps maximize contact time on the cleaning surface.
- SAFE & EASY TO USE - The product is part of the EPA's Safer Choice Program recognizing the product as a safer alternative to chemicals. Made in the USA. Start by testing the product on a small area. Saturate the surface using the sprayer and let the heavy foam sit for 10 minutes. Wipe off with a dry clean cloth.
- FIGHT THE CLEAN FIGHT - CLR offers products for all of your household needs including Healthy Septic System, Garbage Disposal Cleaner, Outdoor Furniture Cleaner, Spotless Stainless Steel, Brilliant Bath, and Clog-Free Drain.
PROS
- Works on hard surfaces, carpet and fabric
- Odorless
CONS
- Doesn’t kill or prevent mold and mildew
In the most recent iteration of our Best Cleaning and Organizing Awards (2022), our consumer testers gave the CLR Mold and Mildew Clear a high rating and gave it a positive review. Our testers applied this cleaner to a wide variety of surfaces in order to remove stains from those surfaces. These surfaces included vinyl on a yacht that had been stored for a number of months as well as shower rods in a bathroom.
The foamy spray is easy to use and provides comprehensive coverage over a large area without requiring a lot of manual labor. The best part about this stain remover is that it does not have any unpleasant odors and does not cause any fumes while it is being administered. Be aware that even if you have mold in your bathroom, using Mold and Mildew Clear will not eliminate the mold that is currently there or prevent it from growing back in the future. However, it will help brighten the grout in your shower or tub. When cleaning tile walls or other vertical surfaces, it is best to work rapidly because the foam does not stick to the surface as strongly as some other types do.
- Type: Foaming spray
- Safe for use on: Ceramic tile, hardwood floors, baseboards, fabrics, glass, metal, brick, concrete, marble, laminated countertops, fully cured and oil-based painted surfaces, hard plastics, automobile tires, wood, grout and fiberglass
- Wait time: 10 minutes
- Scent: Unscented
BEST GROUT CLEANER FOR NATURAL STONE
Granite Gold Grout Cleaner
- Grout Cleaner: Don’t risk harming your grout’s surrounding surfaces with highly acidic solutions; Our Grout Cleaner quickly and safely deep-cleans soiled grout, and is safe on stone, tile, porcelain, colored grout, ceramic and glass
- Deep Cleaning: Ideal for grout and colored grout, this cleaner includes a Granite Gold Grout Brush to agitate and remove dirt; Can also be used as an intensive cleaner for natural stone and ceramic tile
- Safe and Easy to Use: This product comes in an easy to apply spray-and-wipe formula that's safe for food-preparation surfaces with no strong or harmful odors and no phosphates or ammonia
- Try Them All: We make it easy for you to clean and protect your natural stone and quartz surfaces including kitchen countertops, floors, and bathroom vanities; Try our Daily Cleaner, Sealer, Polish, Grout Cleaner and more
- Stone Care Experts: Our products were created by a third-generation family of stone care experts and made in the USA, that's why we're the number one family brand of stone care products
PROS
- Safe to use on natural stone
- Works on white and colored grout
CONS
- May not be as effective on very dirty grout
There are many different kinds of surrounding tiles, and not every grout cleaner is designed to clean them all. In point of fact, the vast majority of conventional bathroom and grout cleaners are not suitable for use when attempting to clean stone surfaces such as marble or granite. This cleaner from Granite Gold cleans stone grout without using the harmful chemicals (ammonia and acid) that are typically present in standard cleaners. These chemicals have the potential to etch real stone.
It comes with a brush that may be used to push the formula into the grout without causing any harm; but, due to the gentler components used in the formula, it may not be effective on grout that is really unclean. Granite Gold also offers a comprehensive collection of stone surface cleaners, sealers, and polishes, which may be used to maintain the stone surfaces found throughout your house. Two of these products were recognized as winners in our 2022 Cleaning Awards and 2021 Cleaning Awards. This grout cleanser may be used on food-contact surfaces such as tile countertops without causing any damage to the porcelain, ceramic, or glass tile it is applied to.
- Type: Spray
- Safe for use on: Stone, ceramic, glass and colored grout
- Wait time: 2 to 3 minutes
- Scent: Citrus
BEST GROUT CLEANER FOR FLOORS
ZEP Grout Cleaner and Brightener
- EXCEPTIONAL GROUT SCRUB: Deep cleans grout lines and lifts stains
- VERSATILE GROUT CLEANER: Safe for use on most floors with grout lines, including on floors with colored grout
- PRO STRENGTH ACIDIC FORMULA: Bleach-free professional-strength formula cleans with little or no scrubbing
- FOR USE ON: White or colored grout lines on tile floors
- NOT FOR USE ON: Marble, terrazzo, travertine, natural stone, chrome, stainless steel, brass, or Corian. These sensitive surfaces are susceptible to damage.
PROS
- Safely cleans white and colored grout
- Doesn’t require lots of scrubbing
CONS
- Not formulated to remove mildew or mold
The experts in our Cleaning Lab have evaluated a variety of Zep’s products, including its Degreaser, which was recognized as one of the best cleaning products of 2021 by our organization. Consumer reviews back up the findings we’ve received with other Zep products that we’ve tested, despite the fact that we have not tested this grout cleaner from the brand. Zep products have consistently done well in our tests, and although we have not tested this grout cleaner from the brand, other Zep products have.
The fact that this cleaner has received a phenomenal 4.3 out of 5 stars across more than 1,500 reviews demonstrates that it has a significant number of devoted customers. This product, in contrast to the vast majority of the other grout cleaners on our list, is designed to be poured rather than sprayed on. As a result, it is ideal for cleaning the grout that is located between floor tiles or on other flat, horizontal surfaces. To complete the task successfully will take only three minutes of your time. Be aware, if you are dealing with mildew or mold in your grout, that the purpose of this grout cleaner is not to eliminate those substances but rather to clean and brighten the grout. It may be used without risk on either white or colored grout.
- Type: Liquid
- Safe for use on: White and colored grout
- Wait time: 2 to 3 minutes
- Scent: Unscented
BEST GROUT CLEANING BRUSH
Casabella Smart Scrub Heavy Duty Tile and Grout Cleaning Brush
- MULTI-PURPOSE SCRUB BRUSH: Designed with heavy duty bristles to make cleaning tile, grout, joints, and corners a breeze
- INNOVATIVE ANGLED SHAPE: Angled design with pointed tip provides eight times as many scrubbing edges for a faster and more effective clean
- COMFORT GRIP HANDLE: Offers more comfortable use while cleaning
- MODERN DESIGN: Modern gray and aqua finish complements any bathroom or kitchen style
- EFFICIENT SIZE: Measures 12.25" x 4.5" x 1.5" for convenient storage in cleaning caddies, drawers, and cabinets when not in use
PROS
- Sturdy bristles
- Double-sided for better coverage
CONS
- Have to use with cleaning liquid for best results
Toothbrushes are a frequent tool for getting into the tight grout lines in the bathroom tiles; but, once you try this dedicated grout-cleaning brush, you’ll never go back to using a toothbrush again. Because of its triangular head, it is simple to access grout lines that are located in corners. The double-sided construction, which enables cleaning to be performed in either direction, and the bristles’ resistance to bending under pressure were also features that won our praise. The grip on the handle is pliable, making it easy and pleasant to grasp. When used in conjunction with your preferred grout cleaning spray or gel, this tool may restore the like-new appearance to your tiles.
- Type: Brush
- Safe for use on: Tile, grout, joints and corners
How we test tile grout cleaners
When the experts from the Institute evaluate bathroom cleaning products, we put them through tests in the lab and then bring them home to test on our own soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains.
In the Cleaning Lab, we put them through their paces by testing how easily and fast they cut through the unclean grout lines on test panels made of ceramic and marble tile. We make a note of the wait times as well as the amount of cleaning that is necessary for each cleaner to be effective. We check the labeling and instructions to ensure that they contain all of the necessary information, take into account any necessary safety measures, and assess how simple it is to use the product and clean it off afterwards.
Products that have been submitted for consideration in our annual Cleaning and Organizing Award are mailed to our team of consumer testers so that they may clean and evaluate the efficacy of the product on the soap scum and mildew-stained grout in their own showers. This is something that simply cannot be replicated in a laboratory setting.
What to consider when shopping for the best grout cleaner
There is a common misconception that all grout cleaners are the same, but this is not always the case. Keep the following things in mind when searching for the most effective cleaning for your grout, which is dirty:
Read the product label carefully before purchasing any grout cleaner. This will ensure that the cleaner may be used on the surfaces that need to be cleaned without causing damage. Some can cause harm to adjacent tiles made of real stone, such as marble or granite, while others are only appropriate for white grout and cannot be used with colored grout.
Sprays and foams are two of the most user-friendly forms of cleaners; yet, they have the potential to run or drop off of vertical surfaces before the task at hand is finished, necessitating more applications. In addition, they may release vapors that are unpleasant to certain people, particularly when they are used in confined areas. Rinsing away thick gels might be more difficult since they stay in place for longer but are easier to use.
A powerful cleaner that contains bleach will be your best choice and will likely take the least amount of scrubbing if your grout is very badly stained with mold and mildew. The scope of the job: Bleach is a wonderful whitener and germ-killer, so if your grout is extremely badly stained with mold and mildew, a strong cleaner that contains bleach will be your best chance. If you are going to be cleaning grout that is unclean or discolored on floor tiles, or if you are meticulous about drying the shower every day, and just have infrequent spots, then a milder formulation should be sufficient.
How to prevent mildew in the first place
Because mildew thrives in warm and damp environments, the most effective strategy to prevent the growth of mildew is to ensure that surfaces are kept as clean and dry as possible. “Taking a few minutes after you get out of the shower to wipe down the tile walls and grout can save you hours of scrubbing,” says Jodhaira Rodriguez, an analyst for Home Care & Cleaning Lab Reviews. Keep in mind the following further recommendations from our knowledgeable staff:
- While showering, open a window and run an exhaust fan in the bathroom, if you have one; this will help the moisture produced from a shower dissipate faster.
- Squeegee shower walls or dry them with a towel after the last person in your household showers for the day to keep grout dry.
- Spray a product, like Microban’s 24-Hour Bathroom Cleaner, weekly to prevent mold and mildew growth, soap scum buildup and hard water stains.
- Keeping grout sealed to prevent moisture and stains from penetrating the surface is important too. Reseal bathroom grout lines once a year to keep grout protected.
How do I get my grout white again?
A spray or gel cleanser and a grout cleaning brush designed for heavy-duty cleaning are typically all that is required to restore the grout’s like-new appearance. Try this do-it-yourself procedure recommended by our cleaning specialists if, despite using grout cleaners purchased from a store, you are still unable to eliminate yellowing in your grout. Combine three quarters of a cup of regular home bleach with one gallon of water. Apply the mixture to the grout while wearing rubber gloves, taking care not to get any of it on any cloth or other material you might be working with. After allowing it to sit for a few minutes, scrub it with a brush that has some texture and then thoroughly rinse it.
It is vital to keep in mind that bleach, when used to clean grout that is not white to begin with, will most likely cause the color to be removed from the grout. If nothing appears to work, even this bleach mixture, it may be time to bring in the experts for a professional grout cleaning or to reapply and reseal your grout.
How often should you clean tile grout?
It is important to include cleaning the tile grout in your house as part of your regular cleaning routine if you want to avoid having to perform a thorough cleaning of the grout between your tiles using the bleach combination described earlier. About once a week, or whenever you begin to notice that your grout is becoming a touch discolored, use a cleanser that requires very little scrubbing. This should be done.
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
