Image: MomJunction Design Team
Stained tile grout and dirty floors can make your entire house look shabby, dull, and dreary. So, here’s our list of the best grout cleaners to help you choose the right one. No matter how much grout is maintained, it often collects dirt and changes color. It can be quite disappointing and put a big damper on your mood to see your lovely house unkempt and dirty.
Grout cleaners have been developed after much scientific research and testing to ensure easy removal of dirt and grime. They restore grout to its original color and protect it from further damage. So, if you are tired of using home-based cleaning solutions to clean grout, you can check out our list of reliable products to find a suitable one for your home.
Top Picks
11 Best Grout Cleaners In 2024
1. Best Fast-Acting:Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner
Image: Black Diamond This time-tested product by Black Diamond works well on ceramic and marble tiles. This reliable and safe cleaning solution will easily remove grout that has been gathered over the years. The liquid penetrates through the grout, removing dirt build-up caused by neglect. Apart from removing the dirt, it also restores grout to its original color. It also works well for removing food spills and soap scum. This cleaning solution can be easily sprayed over the tile grout for quick and speedy results. All you have to do is spray it on the grout and wait for one to three minutes. Proceed to clean it with water and watch as the solution removes dirt and stains effectively. For more information about the product, click this review video detailing a tester’s experience.
Pros
- Fast-acting
- Acid-free formula
- Removes stains and grease
- Suitable for commercial use
Cons
- May have a peculiar smell
- May require a lot of scrubbing
"The cleaner's strength is evident on mildew stains, though some scrubbing is needed. It offers visible results and has made my bathroom appear significantly better."
2. Best Easy Application:Clean-Eez Grout Cleaner
Image: Clean-eez Cleaning 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 10,655 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
This is an efficient two-in-one grout stain remover that not only removes dirt, grease, and grime but also removes relatively permanent stains. This solution is safe to use on ceramic and porcelain tiles. Dirty grout can make your floor look shabby and dull. This grout cleaner has the power of restoring your grout to its original color. To ensure a pleasant experience, the company has made this special concoction to release a very weak odor. This powerful cleaning product is available for purchase as a set of two bottles that is capable of cleaning a maximum of 500 sq ft of tile and grout. Packaged with the bottles of grout cleaner is a grout brush with a hand swivel. Check this review video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Heavy-duty strength
- Quick and easy application
- Usable on white grout
- Fast-acting
Cons
- May not be safe for exposure on skin
- May require protective equipment due to concentrated solution
"The grout cleaner exceeded my cleaning expectations. The accompanying brush could have been longer. However, the impressive results make fixes worth it, and I'd recommend the product."
3. Best Environment-Friendly:GP66 Miracle Cleaner
Image: Gp66 This tried-and-tested cleaning formula is available as a concentrate that can be used to clean floors and grout. The tile grout cleaner can be effectively used to remove the toughest grime on your grout. It works well with a variety of surfaces and effectively removes grease stains and dirt build-up. The cleaning solution can be applied to grout, tiles, sinks, stainless steel stoves, car rims, and even carpets. If you have a pet, you’ll be happy to know that it does an equally good job and removes stains resulting from pet mess.
Pros
- USDA and NSF-authorized
- Environment-friendly
- Water-based solution
- All-purpose cleaner
- No animal testing
Cons
- May not be efficient enough for cleaning oil stains
- May not be carpet-friendly
"This product effectively revived my worn-out shower floor, elevating it from dreary to almost new. I've also used it on stubborn spots on my car's fabric and for removing fingerprints on my kitchen cabinets. It's not suitable for use on painted surfaces, but remember it's a green product."
CautionBlack Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner Best Fast-Acting | Clean-Eez Grout Cleaner Best Easy Application | GP66 Miracle Cleaner Best Environment-Friendly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 2.5 x 9 inches | - | 6 x 6 x 12 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 Pounds | 4 Pounds | 9 Pounds |
| Dimensions | - | 10.5 x 4.5 x 7 inches | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,737 | 10,655 | 1,615 |
| Price | $19.98 | $44.95 | $49.99 |
4. Best Bleach-Free:Zep Grout Cleaner & Brightener
Image: Zep Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 4,279 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
Cleaning grout can be a tiresome and tricky task even for professionals. However, it is the cleaning solution that can make all the difference. Thanks to this high-performance Zep grout cleaner, stubborn stains, grease, and grime can easily be removed from your grout. This acidic grout cleaner is safe to use on colored grout and effectively restores grout to its original color. After applying the cleaning liquid to the grout seam, remember to rinse it carefully to get rid of the dirt and excess solution. Take a look at this product testing and review video to get more information on the professional strength cleaning product.
Pros
- Lifts stains from grout lines
- Acidic formula
- Bleach-free
- Does not damage grout
Cons
- May leave a residue
- May not suit deep cleaning
"This cleaner breathed life into the old tiles of my home, turning discolored grout fresh. The chemical odor was strong, but the good ventilation at home resolved that issue. Cleaning with this product was a super satisfying experience."
5. Best Fume-Free:Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner
Image: Goo Gone Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 702 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
Goo Gone offers a one-stop-solution to all your dirty grout. The cleaning liquid penetrates deep into the grout, removing all dirt and stains owing to negligence. It is safe to use on porcelain, ceramics, tiles, fiberglass, and natural stone. Unlike many surface and grout cleaners, this one can also remove water stains that are commonly found in washrooms. This non-abrasive surface cleaner cleans your grout without doing damage to surrounding tiles and surfaces.
Pros
- All-purpose cleaner
- Non-toxic
- Can be used on colored grout
- Fume-free
- Sustainability-certified
Cons
- May not be suitable for removing mildew
- Some may find the chemicals strong
"I had doubts about the product's claim to eliminate orange tint from shower grout, but I was pleasantly surprised. Although it needed some scrubbing, this product restored my bathroom tile and grout line to a clean, shining state. And it did not emit any overpowering chemical odor."
Quick fact6. Best For Restoring Grout:Mapei UltraCare Heavy Duty Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner
Image: Mapei This trusted cleaning liquid by Mapei is suitable for cleaning different types of surfaces including ceramic, stone, porcelain, concrete, grout, and quarry tiles. This tile grout cleaner is in the form of alkaline concentrate that works as a degreaser to remove stains from grout in an attempt to restore its natural color. Since it is a strong cleaning formula, it can be used for cleaning purposes in factories and workshops that include heavy machinery. As it contains acid, it must be diluted with water and kept away from metallic surfaces.
Pros
- Restores grout
- Suitable for heavy-duty usage
- Removes synthetic and cyclic waxes
- Works on tiles and grout
Cons
- Users may require safety gloves and air mask
- May make the surface slippery for a little while
7. Best Fragrance-Free:Tech Grout Cleaner
Image: Tech This effective formula leaves no residue or build-up and successfully moves even the most stubborn of stains. It is free from harmful chemicals and abrasive agents, making it safe to use around children and pets. This cleaning product can be safely used on colored grout and restore it to its natural color in a matter of a few minutes. The liquid is to be applied along the grout lines and left to soak in for a few minutes. It can be easily cleaned with warm water to remove excess solution.
Pros
- Works on floors, tiles, walls, and grout
- Free of solvents
- Not animal tested
- No aggressive acids and bleaches
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May require heavy scrubbing
"My tan grout had turned almost black, but this cleaner helped restore it with some scrubbing. It outperformed other cleaners I've used and was even effective on my rental property's heavily soiled floors. It leaves a filmy residue but cleans up beautifully after mopping."
8. Best Non-Abrasive:Homax Tile Guard Extra Strength Tile & Grout Cleaner
Image: Homax This cleaner is free from harmful chemicals that damage the environment. Its eco-friendly formula is reinforced by the absence of strong chemicals that damage surfaces. It works effectively to remove dirt, grease, and stains from grout. It can be used for cleaning grout in the kitchen as well as the washroom. This solution can be safely used on fiberglass, vinyl, and laminate countertops as well.
Pros
- Acts quick without damaging the surface
- Concentrated enough to remove hard water stains
- Non-abrasive works well on greasy dirt
- Trigger spray targets water deposits
Cons
- May require safety precautions while using
- May require adequate ventilation to use
Quick tip9. Best Fast-Dissolving:Groutmaster 3-In-1 Tile And Grout Prespray Cleaner
Image: Truck Mount This professional-grade tile and grout cleaner is a fast-acting elite cleaning solution and eliminates the need for pre-scrubbing. The company recommends mixing one to two scoops of concentrate in one gallon of water to achieve a perfect blend. This can be sprayed down in 100 sq ft sections and left for five to ten minutes to penetrate the grout. Since the solution is strong and highly effective, it can be used in residential and commercial locations.
Pros
- Safe for use on stainless steel
- Three-in-one cleaner
- Fast-dissolving
- Concentrated cleaner
- No animal testing
Cons
- May not be child-friendly
- May contain irritants
"This cleaner makes grout cleaning a breeze. Some may find the formula potent so make sure to wear gloves and keep the windows open. It takes care of persistent mites too. I wouldn’t hesitate ordering it again."
10. Best Residue-Free:Chomp Grout Cleaner
Image: Chomp The Chomp grout cleaner features a fast-acting, professional strength formula that eliminates dirt, grease, soap scum, and grime on grout with just one use. It is safe to use on all kinds of grout, as it is non-toxic and biodegradable. The applicator brush with stiff V-shaped bristles makes it easy and effective to use, removing tough stains while preventing scratches on the surface. The set includes concentrated grout cleaner, a chisel brush, and a mini-caterpillar noodle microfiber wiping cloth for convenient cleaning.
Pros
- Penetrates deeply into tiles
- Acid-free formula
- Residue-free formula
- Heavy-duty, plant-based formula
- 180-degree swivel brush for easy cleaning
Cons
- Smell may be a bit strong for some
- Handle of the scrubber may be short
"This grout cleaning product is a miracle worker. Despite the brush's short handle, it surprised me how much grime it removed from the grout. It's easy to use and the lack of harsh smells was much appreciated."
11. Best Non-Toxic:Granite Gold Grout Cleaner
Image: Granite Gold This tile grout cleaner has been formulated to make the cleaning process quicker. The sheer brilliance of this cleaning agent that makes it a noteworthy mention on our list of the 11 best grout cleaners is its usability on different types of surfaces. Since it does not contain abrasive substances, it can be safely used on natural stone surfaces like tile, marble, granite, limestone, onyx, and slate. This non-toxic formula is safe to use in the presence of pets and children. Included with the cleaning solution is a grout cleaning brush.
Pros
- Can be used on colored grout
- Acid-free and ammonia-free formula
- Trigger spray for easy application
- Safe to use on food-prep surfaces
Cons
- Some may find the solution a bit oily
- May require frequent application to remove stains
"The strength and effectiveness of this cleaning product is unmatched. I was slightly wary of its impact on stone surfaces but using the bottle at an angle solved that issue. My tiles and grout now look picture-perfect."
How To Choose The Right Grout Cleaner?
Consider the following factors when choosing the best grout cleaner.
- Grout color: The cleaning solution required will significantly depend upon the color of the grout. This is because not all grout cleaners will work on all colors of grout. An alternative to this would be to purchase one that is color-friendly and usable with all grout cleaners. For instance, if you have white tile grouts, it’s best to go with a cleaner that is designed specifically for it.
- Purpose: The type of grout cleaner you need depends on the type of dirt that you intend to clean. While many grout cleaners can clean grease, dirt, mold, and mildew, few cleaning solutions target specific kinds of dirt. For instance, grout cleaners that clean mildew and mold often have active ingredients with high pH levels, while those that remove stains and dirt have a high acidic level. It is crucial to decide upon the type of dirt you wish to remove before investing in a grout cleaning solution.
- Material: Before using a grout cleaner on your tile grout, make sure to check whether that cleaner is safe to use on your tiles. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are usually resistant to the harmful effects of cleaning agents. However, it is better to be safe than sorry. Other tile materials include marble, granite, and natural stone. Many grout cleaners contain abrasive substances that degrade floor and tile surfaces. This is why it is important to check whether the cleaning solution is safe to use on your flooring and tiles.
- Application time: While some cleaners are fast-acting, others require a longer period to work their magic. The same can be said of their application procedure. Each cleaning solution is different and may have a different application process. It is important to follow the instructions included with the cleaning solution. It is advisable to purchase a grout cleaning formula that requires minimal effort. Do note that while some cleaners can achieve results in 1 application, others require multiple applications to notice a visible difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I clean grout between floor tiles?
The most effective method is by using a grout cleaning solution that is specifically made for grout. To remove dirt and stains and to restore grout to its former color, a generous quantity of the solution should be applied directly to the grout. After letting it soak in for a few minutes, wash off the cleaning solution using warm water.
2. Are bleach and vinegar bad for tile grout?
It is best to avoid using vinegar and bleach as cleaning agents for grout. This is because both are acid-based cleaners and are relatively strong when used in large quantities. While both can be used in diluted forms, they may not be very effective at removing grease and stains from grout. Moreover, vinegar and bleach-based cleaners are usually abrasive and may not go well with surrounding surfaces, such as tiles.
3. Do grout cleaners really work?
Yes, grout cleaners are formulated to clean the grout easily and quickly. In addition, some heavy-duty options eliminate old and stubborn stains to a large extent.
4. How often do I need to use a grout cleaner?
You may use a grout cleaner at least once a week or once in two weeks, depending on the frequency with which the bathroom is used daily.
5. Is it safe to use a grout cleaner on tile walls?
Yes, grout cleaners that are USDA- and NSF-certified are safe to use.
6. Do I need a grout cleaner?
A grout cleaner is essential for every household that has tiles. These cleansers help keep the grout free of grime, grease, and germs, thus making the floor clean, anti-skid (to a certain extent), and mold-free.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We evaluated and reviewed various products to create this list of the finest grout cleaners that will make cleaning dirt and grime in your home an effortless task. These time-tested cleaners are effective, strong, and safe to use. Our selection offers many high-quality options, each with a full description of unique attributes to help you decide. Also, a buying guide based on factors such as application time, grout colors, and more can make purchasing easy for you.
The Bottom Line
Whether it is your washroom or the tiles of your living room, grout can make the most beautiful and elegant tiles look unpleasant. Therefore, using the right grout cleaner and cleaning the tiles of your house helps maintain a clean and beautiful floor that looks appealing. Hence, you can look for cleaners like the Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner, which works on all grout colors. Not all grout cleaners are safe to use on every type of tile. So, when you set out to buy a grout cleaner, make sure you check the product’s label and invest in versatile ones like the Groutmaster 3-In-1 Tile And Grout Prespray Cleaner or the bleach-free options like the Zep Grout Cleaner & Brightener to keep your tiles safe from any damage.
Recommended Articles
- Best Hardwood Floor Cleaning Machines
- Best Mops For Vinyl Plank Floors
- Best Carpet Sweepers
- Best Electric Brooms
