The Best Grout Cleaners: Make Your Tile Floors Sparkle
Keep every seam pristine with powerful products and simple homemade mixtures.
The Best Grout Cleaners to Make Your Tiles Look Brand New
Grout may seem like a minor detail, but it can dramatically impact the visual appeal of your home. Whether it’s between tiles in the kitchen, bathroom, or entryway, grimy grout can make even sparkling tiles look dull and dirty. Fortunately, keeping your grout bright and clean is simpler than you think, thanks to a range of effective grout cleaning solutions and tools. From high-performing sprays and pens to powerful DIY mixtures, this guide covers the top products and techniques to help your tiles look brand new.
Why Grout Gets So Dirty—and Why Cleaning Matters
Grout is especially prone to staining and discoloration because it’s porous, absorbing spills, moisture, oils, and dust over time. Regular cleaning not only keeps your home looking fresh, it also prevents the growth of mold and mildew, which can affect indoor air quality and even damage your surfaces.
- Visually revitalize tiles: Clean grout lines make your floors and walls look polished and well-maintained.
- Prevent mold and mildew: Taking early action reduces the risk of health concerns and costly repairs.
- Preserve resale value: Well-kept tiles add appeal if you ever decide to sell your home.
Our Top Grout Cleaner Picks
After scouring hundreds of reviews and comparing performance, here are the best grout cleaners for tackling tough stains, restoring brightness, and maintaining grout for the long haul.
Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner
| Price | $20 at Amazon, $9 at Ace Hardware |
|---|---|
| Type | Spray |
| Best For | Deep cleaning, tough stains |
| User Rating | 1000+ 5-star reviews |
This highly-rated spray claims to be the “ultimate grout cleaner”—and many users agree. Designed for deep cleaning, it attacks stubborn stains without bleaching or damaging colored grout. Simply spray onto the grout lines, let it sit, scrub with a brush, then wipe clean for noticeably brighter tiles.
- Quick application
- Works on both white and colored grout
- Effective on kitchen, bathroom, and entry tile floors
Rejuvenate Grout Renewer Pen
| Price | $10 at Amazon |
|---|---|
| Type | Pen |
| Best For | Whitening, sealing, and protecting grout |
The Rejuvenate Grout Renewer Pen is perfect for faded and stained grout lines. Rather than just cleaning, this pen restores whiteness and seals grout, protecting it from future damage. A great choice for touch-ups, especially after deep cleaning.
- Easy to use, precise application
- Provides both cosmetic and protective benefits
- Seals grout to prolong freshness
Grout-EEZ Professional Strength Grout Cleaner
| Type | Liquid with included brush |
|---|---|
| Best For | Professional deep cleaning for large areas |
If your grout is “beyond hope,” Grout-EEZ brings professional cleaning home. With a heavy-duty formula and stand-up brush head, you can clean wide swaths of tile while staying comfortable. It’s especially effective for older, neglected grout lines.
- Included brush eliminates knee-scrubbing
- Tackles extremely soiled grout
- Safe for most tile types
Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner
| Price | $10 at Amazon, $7 at Lowe’s, $15 at Newegg |
|---|
Known for its powerful stain removal, Goo Gone’s grout cleaner is formulated to break down the toughest grime. It’s safe to use on both porcelain and ceramic surfaces, making it versatile for kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond.
What others are reading
- Well-known brand with wide availability
- Removes oils, food stains, and everyday grime
- Gentle on tile but harsh on dirt
Marblelife Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
| Price | $27 at Amazon, $39 at Walmart |
|---|---|
| Type | Spray |
| Best For | Mold, mildew, and fungus stains |
Sometimes, grout discoloration is due to mold and mildew growth, especially in bathrooms and damp spaces. Marblelife’s Mold & Mildew Stain Remover fights this with a specialized spray that cleans and disinfects, restoring grout’s original color while eradicating hidden contaminants.
- Ideal for showers and damp environments
- Targets biological stains and odors
- Helps prevent regrowth of mold and mildew
Budget-Friendly: DIY Grout Cleaners That Really Work
If you prefer natural ingredients or want to save money, several homemade mixtures are surprisingly effective at cleaning grout. The following DIY solutions use items you likely have at home.
Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Dish Soap Mix
- Baking Soda: Mildly abrasive; lifts dirt and stains from grout lines.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Disinfects and brightens grout, acting as a natural bleach.
- Dish Soap: Cuts through grease and grime, enhancing cleaning power.
To mix your own cleaner:
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide, and 2 teaspoons dish soap.
- Apply the mixture to grout lines with a scrub brush.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes for maximum effect.
- Scrub again, wipe away residue, and rinse with water.
LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner
This budget-friendly commercial option (under $2 per bottle) delivers impressive results even when used at full strength. Users report dramatic “before and after” transformations after just five minutes of application and scrubbing.
- Spray directly on grout
- Let stand for five minutes
- Scrub and rinse—repeat for tough stains
- Can be diluted (5:1) for lighter cleaning
Essential Grout Cleaning Tools
- Stiff-bristled brush: A dedicated grout brush, such as the OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set, allows you to reach narrow grout lines and tight crevices.
- Microfiber cloths: Effective for wiping up loosened dirt and residue.
- Protective gear: Rubber gloves and a face mask (especially for those sensitive to strong cleaning fragrances).
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow in your workspace to avoid inhaling cleaning fumes.
How to Clean Grout Like a Pro: Step-by-Step
- Prep the area: Remove loose debris and dry dust from tile and grout lines.
- Apply cleaner: Use your chosen cleaning solution—commercial or DIY—directly on grout lines.
- Wait: Let the cleaner sit for 5–10 minutes to break down stains and dirt.
- Scrub: Use a stiff grout brush while focusing on stained or heavily trafficked areas.
- Wipe and rinse: Remove loosened dirt with a microfiber cloth, then rinse the area with clean water to avoid residue.
- Repeat: Restore severely stained grout by repeating the cleaning process as needed.
- Seal the grout (optional): After cleaning, applying a grout sealer helps protect against future stains and moisture.
Tips for Maintaining Clean, Spotless Grout
- Regular spot cleaning: Address spills and stains promptly to prevent permanent discoloration.
- Deep clean monthly: Even if grout looks clean, scheduled deep cleaning keeps mold and mildew at bay.
- Seal after cleaning: Consider sealing grout every 6–12 months to keep water and stains out.
- Ventilate wet areas: In bathrooms and kitchens, use fans or open windows to reduce humidity and the growth of mildew.
Choosing the Right Cleaner for Your Grout
| Cleaner Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Ultimate | Stubborn stains, everyday cleaning | Fast, effective, works on colored grout | Spray application may require ventilation |
| Grout-EEZ Professional Strength | Heavy staining, large floors | Includes brush, excellent results | Higher cost, not for delicate surfaces |
| DIY Mix (Baking soda, etc.) | Natural, non-toxic cleaning | Cheap, safe, versatile | Requires mixing, may need multiple applications |
| Rejuvenate Pen | Quick touch-ups, sealing | Easy, no mess, protects | Limited coverage per pen |
| Goo Gone | Deep stains, multiple surfaces | Trusted brand, versatile | May leave residue, requires rinsing |
| Marblelife Mold & Mildew | Mold, mildew, wet areas | Disinfects, restores color | Specialized use, higher price |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to clean grout without scrubbing?
Certain powerful sprays such as Black Diamond Ultimate and Grout-EEZ loosen stains with minimal effort, especially if allowed to sit for the recommended amount of time before rinsing. However, some light scrubbing is almost always required for the best results.
Can I use bleach on grout?
Bleach can whiten porous grout but may damage colored grout and erode tile surfaces over time. Safer alternatives such as hydrogen peroxide or specialty cleaners are recommended for routine cleaning.
How often should I clean grout?
Spot clean as needed, and perform a deep clean at least once a month. High-traffic areas may require more frequent attention to combat buildup and staining.
Is it necessary to seal grout after cleaning?
Sealing freshly cleaned grout adds an extra layer of protection, repelling moisture and making future cleaning easier. Most experts recommend resealing grout every 6–12 months in bathrooms and kitchens.
Are natural grout cleaners as effective as commercial products?
Homemade cleaning solutions (such as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide) can be very effective for regular maintenance and light to moderate stains. For heavy staining or mold, commercial cleansers may deliver more reliable results。
Conclusion
No matter your budget or preference for ingredients, you can revitalize the grout in your home with the right products and tools. Using top-rated grout cleaners or proven DIY mixtures, along with regular maintenance and proper sealing, ensures your tile surfaces stay bright, healthy, and beautiful for years to come。
References
- https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/how-to-clean-dirty-tile-grout-get-grout-clean/
- https://www.countryliving.com/home-maintenance/cleaning/g27511153/best-grout-cleaner/
- https://backroadbloom.com/diy-grout-cleaner/
- https://www.countryliving.com/home-maintenance/cleaning/g28353015/how-to-clean-tile-grout/
- https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6323701/best-tool-cleaning-solution-to-clean-grout
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
