10 Most Effective Grout Cleaners for Kitchens and Bathrooms
While cleaning grout isn’t difficult, not all grout cleaners are equal. If you’re trying to bring bathroom or kitchen floors back to new, you need a product that does what it says.
Since grout is porous, it can collect dirt, water stains, mold, and mildew. If you want to cut down on scrubbing, choose a product that does the heavy cleaning for you.
We’ve rounded up the top ten grout cleaners by category so you can find the one best suited for your home.
Store-Bought Grout Cleaners that Work
- Top Overall: Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner – Amazon and eBay
- Best Budget-Pick: GooGone Grout and Tile Cleaner – Amazon and Walmart
- Best for Large Areas: It Just Works – Grout EEZ – Amazon and Walmart
- Best No-Scrub Cleaner: Rejuvenate Tile and Grout Spray – Amazon and Walmart
- Best for Mold and Mildew Stains: RMR-86 Mold & Mildew Stain Remover Spray – Amazon and Walmart
- Best Gel Scrub: ZEP Industrial Grout Cleaner – Amazon and Walmart
- Best Multi-Use Cleaner: The Pink Stuff Paste – Amazon and Walmart
- Best Kit w/ Brush: Granite Gold Grout Cleaner – Amazon and Walmart
How to Clean Grout
Cleaning grout can be a labor-intensive job. If your grout is sealed and cleaned on a regular basis, you won’t have to spend a lot of time scrubbing. Unsealed grout, on the other hand, is hard to clean since it absorbs moisture and stains.
If you’re ready to bring your floors to life, start with a thorough sweep of the room. If you’re cleaning a backsplash or shower, wipe down the tile and grout with a dry microfiber cloth. Then, put on protective gloves. (You’ll be on the floor for a long time, so wear comfy clothes that can get dirty.)
You’ll need a grout brush and grout cleaner. A grout brush with stiff bristles works best. Then, select a cleaner based on your needs.
Check the directions on your product for specific instructions. For most grout cleaners, you’ll spray or apply the solution to the grout, allow it to set for a few minutes, work it in with your brush, and rinse with water.
How to Prevent Grout from Staining
To keep your grout from staining, add a sealer. A sealer covers the grout with a protective surface, blocking it from water and stains.
Applying grout sealer is simple. After cleaning your floors, spread it with a brush, foam roller, sponge, or mop. Allow it to dry before walking on the tile.
Best Grout Cleaner Reviews
A good grout cleaner will remove stains and bring your grout back to its intended color.
Here are the best products to try.
Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner – Amazon and eBay
The Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner can clean even the dingiest grout restoring its color. It doesn’t contain acid or harsh chemicals, which can cause grout to get dirtier with time.
Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner is safe for ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. To use it, spray it on the grout, allow it to sit for 1-3 minutes, scrub the grout with a brush, and rinse clean with water.
One reviewer claims this product restored her 10-year-old grout to its original color. Others left reviews calling this product “magical” and stating that it worked well everywhere except showers.
READ FULL REVIEW: Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner Review (with Before and After Pictures)
Pros:
- Safe for many types of tile
- Restores all color grout without bleaching
- It doesn’t contain acid or bleach
- Easy to use
- Cleans grease, soap scum, oil, and dirt
Cons:
- Doesn’t clean mold or mildew stains
- Some reviewers claimed it didn’t do well in showers
- Expensive
GooGone Grout and Tile Cleaner – Amazon and Walmart
GooGone Grout and Tile Cleaner is a good option for those wanting a cheap product that works. It’s safe for porcelain, ceramic, fiberglass, and some natural stone tiles.
The GooGone Grout and Tile Cleaner will break up set-in stains on grout and tile. It’s effective on dirt build-up, mold, mildew, soap scum, and hard water stains. To use it, apply it to the floor with spray or a sponge. Allow the solution to set for a couple of minutes, then wipe it away and rinse. You can use a scrub brush for problem areas.
Since this product doesn’t require a lot of scrubbing, some reviews state that it’s “great for lazy people.” Other reviewers contradict that, saying you must put in elbow grease for a deep clean.
READ FULL REVIEW: Goo Gone Grout and Tile Cleaner Review (With Pictures)
Pros:
- Works to break up most common types of dirt and stains
- Great reviews
- Certified EPA “Safer Choice” Product based on ingredients
- Scrubbing isn’t required
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Can’t use on marble or travertine
- Requires a lot of scrubbing for soiled grout
It Just Works – Grout EEZ – Amazon and Walmart
For large areas of tile, consider the double pack of It Just Work – Grout EEZ. It comes with a grout brush head that hooks to any standard broom pole. The brush attachment makes cleaning grout easy and prevents you from being on your hands and knees.
You can use Grout EEZ on any grout color, but it’s only safe for ceramic or porcelain tiles. To use this product, squirt it on the grout lines, allow it to set for a few minutes, and then use the broom attachment to scrub. Rinse after cleaning.
Past users gave this product a four out of five-star rating on Amazon, with almost 11,000 reviews. A typical review states the cleaner is effortless and works well. One of the most common negative reviews is related to shipping damage.
Pros:
- Enough product to cover 500 square feet
- Back-saving grout brush that connects to a broom or mop pole
- Works on any color grout
Cons:
- Only safe on porcelain or ceramic tile, don’t use on natural stone
- Some reviewers received damaged packages with spilled product
Rejuvenate Tile and Grout Spray – Amazon and Walmart
Save yourself some back-breaking work by trying the Rejuvenate Tile and Grout Spray. It’s a bio-enzymatic cleaner that can break down bacteria and remove dirt and lingering odors.
You can use the Rejuvenate Tile and Grout Spray with the coordinating mop or with your own microfiber mop. First, spray the floor, spread with a dry microfiber cloth, and let the solution dry. The next day, mop the area with water to rinse.
While it works well as a regular grout cleaner, many users report they had to scrub or use the cleaner every day to see improvement.
Pros:
- Safe for any surface and any color grout
- The enzymes continue to work after you’re done cleaning
- Suitable as an everyday cleaner
- Natural enzymes rid the floor of bacteria
Cons:
- Not the best choice for severe stains or a super-dirty floor
- May require repeated use or scrubbing
RMR-86 Mold & Mildew Stain Remover Spray – Amazon and Walmart
For showers and areas with mold and mildew stains, RMR-86 will help you remove them. This mold and mildew spray requires no scrubbing, and while it’s safe for most surfaces, you need to do a test patch on your grout and tile to ensure no adverse reactions.
The RMR-86 Mold and Mildew cleaner is for mold and mildew only – it won’t work with grease or dirt build-up. To use it, spray the grout, and the mold will start fading away. Wash the surface once the mold is gone.
One of the top complaints about this product is that it doesn’t kill mold, only removes stains.
Pros:
- Removes mold and mildew stains without scrubbing
- Safe for multiple surfaces, including fiberglass showers
- Works fast
Cons:
- Treats only mold and mildew stains
- It doesn’t kill mold
ZEP Industrial Grout Cleaner – Amazon and Walmart
If you want to give your grout a good scrub, try ZEP Grout Cleaner. It’s industrial strength, easy to use, and applies neatly.
You can use ZEP Grout Cleaner on ceramic and porcelain tile and any colored grout. It squirts onto grout lines. You can then scrub it in with a brush and rinse afterward. Zep recommends that you reseal your tile after using this cleaner.
ZEP is among the highest-rated grout cleaners, with 4.5 out of 5 stars and over 4,000 reviews. Many users report that it “works better than expected.”
Pros:
- Easy-to-use squirt bottle
- Removes set-in stains
- Works on any color grout
Cons:
- Not safe for natural stone
- Don’t use while pregnant
The Pink Stuff Paste – Amazon and Walmart
You can use The Pink Stuff on dirty grout lines, but it’s also suitable for cleaning other areas of your home. It’s safe for ceramic, porcelain, marble, and fiberglass showers.
To clean your grout with The Pink Stuff, apply it to a soft cloth, rub the grout with gentle force, and wash off with hot water. It will remove stains, grease, dirt, and grime. It’s mildly abrasive, so avoid scrubbing too hard.
The Pink Stuff Paste currently has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from over 150,000 users. While most reviewers love this product, many negative reviews say it’s overhyped.
READ FULL REVIEW: Will The Pink Stuff Paste Clean Grout? We Tested It
Pros:
- Cleans many types of dirt and stains
- Works for multiple surfaces
- Safe for marble
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- The application requires light scrubbing
- Some users report light scratches on glass after cleaning
Granite Gold Grout Cleaner – Amazon and Walmart
If you want a kit that comes with a cleaner and a brush, Granite Gold Grout Cleaner is one to consider. It’s non-acidic, so it’s safe for all types of tile and grout, including natural stone.
To use Granite Gold Grout Cleaner, spray it on your grout lines, allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes, scrub with the brush, and rinse off. It will deep clean your grout lines, removing dirt and stains. And since it’s safe for food surfaces, you can use it on tiled countertops and backsplashes.
Granite Gold Grout Cleaner has 4 out of 5-star ratings, with many reviewers leaving before and after pictures showing how well the product cleans. The users with complaints state a faulty spray bottle or that the product didn’t meet their expectations.
Pros:
- Food surface safe
- Comes with cleaner and brush
- Safe for all types of tile, including natural stone
Cons:
- It may not be effective on extra dirty grout
- Possible leaky spray bottle
How to Make Homemade Grout Cleaner
While store-bought grout cleaners are handy, you can also make your own. Be sure to spot-test your homemade grout cleaner in an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage your tile. (Spot testing is most important if you have natural stone tile or colored grout.)
Homemade Baking Soda and Peroxide Grout Cleaner
Homemade baking soda and peroxide grout cleaner can lift stains and brighten white grout. Here are the supplies you’ll need:
- Squirt bottle
- ½ cup of baking soda
- ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide
- 1 teaspoon of dish soap
Add all ingredients to the squirt bottle and mix by shaking. Next, squirt the cleaner on the grout lines, allow it to set for 3-5 minutes, and then wipe away with a damp microfiber cloth.
You can make more as needed.
Baking Soda Paste Grout Cleaner
The most simple grout cleaner is a baking soda paste. Since it contains no acidic ingredients, it’s safe for most tiles. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Small scrub brush (or toothbrush)
Mix baking soda and water in a small bowl until thick paste forms. Add the paste to your scrub brush and scrub the grout lines. Rinse with a damp microfiber cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Can you clean grout lines with vinegar?
Vinegar is not a good cleaner for grout. It’s acidic, which can cause it to eat away at the grout lines rather than clean them. Plus, it doesn’t do as good of a job cleaning as a homemade baking soda and hydrogen peroxide cleaner.
What’s the best shower grout cleaner?
For the shower, look for a gel or paste grout cleaner that clings rather than runs off. ZEP Industrial Grout Cleaner and The Pink Stuff Miracle Paste are two good options. You can also make DIY shower grout cleaner by combining peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap.
What to do if your white grout won’t come clean?
If you’ve scrubbed your grout with no luck, consider using a grout touch-up pen. These pens contain paint for grout lines, restoring them to their original color. They are easy to use and come in many colors, including white.
What’s the best everyday cleaner for tile and grout?
If you want to clean your tile and grout simultaneously, consider Rejuvenate Tile and Grout cleaner. You can spray it on your floor and mop. Since it’s enzymatic, it will keep working even after you clean.
How do I clean mold on shower grout?
The acidity in white distilled vinegar kills mold and mold spores, preventing them from growing back. But vinegar doesn’t do a great job of removing stains. So, after killing the mold, rinse well, and use a product like RMR-86 Mold Stain Remover. (Never mix vinegar with another cleaner, it can create lethal gasses.)
Nothing makes a room look dingier than dirty grout. And since grout is a pain to clean, you need a product that works. The products on this list will remove built-up dirt and many stains. Make sure you choose the cleaner that’s safe for your tile and fits your specific needs.
If you want to make your own grout cleaner, a mixture of baking soda, peroxide, and dish soap works wonders. You can also opt for a simple baking soda paste.
Why Trust Homedit?
Homedit has delivered unbiased home improvement, design, and cleaning tips since 2008. Our writer, Katie Barton, has more than ten years of experience in testing and researching cleaning products. For this article, she researched over 25 gout cleaners, narrowing down the most popular and effective products in each respective category. Katie’s cleaning and organizing advice has been featured in many top publications, including Yahoo!, Realtor.com, and GoBakingRates.