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Cleaning the rough and porous grout that’s wedged between your kitchen and bathroom tiles can be a difficult process, particularly without the right cleaner. Grout cleaners have a specialized formula that penetrates grout and removes embedded dirt and grime, returning your grout to its original color.
The right grout cleaning product for your floor or countertop can depend on a variety of factors, including grout color and tile floor material. With numerous cleaners available on the market, the This Old House Team evaluated the best overall options to present you with a menu of the best grout cleaners. Here are our top picks.
Top 5 Grout Cleaners
Best Spray: Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner
Best For Deep Cleaning: Clean-eez Grout-eez Grout Cleaner
Best Kit: Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser
Best For Small Bathrooms: SKYLAR LIFE Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner
Best For Widespread Mold Removal: FOLLOWIN Mold and Mildew Cleaner
Compare Top Grout Cleaners
| Product | Type | Quantity | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner | Liquid | 32-ounce spray bottle | Up to three minutes |
| Clean-eez Grout-eez Grout Cleaner | Liquid | 32-ounce pour bottle | 10 minutes before scrubbing and 24 hours after for penetration |
| Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser | Liquid | 13-ounce squirt bottle | One minute |
| SKYLAR LIFE Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner | Gel | Five-ounce squirt bottle | Six-eight hours |
| FOLLOWIN Mold and Mildew Cleaner | Gel | 18-ounce squirt bottle | 3-10 hours |
| Product | Type | Quantity | Wait Time |
Best Spray: Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner
Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner
- $14.98
- $29.98
- 50% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has an easy spray application
✔ Works on white and colored grout
✔ Doesn’t damage your floors because it has an acid-free formula
✘ Can’t remove mold or mildew
✘ Has a harsh smell
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon reviewers commented on this grout cleaner’s ability to bring back the original color of the grout on a variety of tiled surfaces. Though many applauded its effectiveness, some customers noted that dirtier grout required multiple applications. The cleaning solution also irritated some users’ skin, so we recommend wearing gloves.
Testing
Right off the bat, our team noticed how easy it was to apply this grout cleaner. The spray nozzle simplified the application process by preventing the need to fully bend over. The spray covered a lot of grout, and after three minutes, it was ready for scrubbing. We saw immediate results after one run-through with the scrubber with no signs of grout discoloration.
Best For Deep Cleaning: Clean-eez Grout-eez Grout Cleaner
Clean-eez Grout-eez Grout Cleaner
- $21.95
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a watery consistency to seep into grout pores
✔ Comes with a pour spout that administers a controllable and consistent stream of liquid
✔ Has a low odor
✘ Can’t use it on natural stone
✘ Can irritate your skin if you don’t wear gloves
What Customers Are Saying
Many customers noted this grout cleaner’s ease of use and effectiveness. However, the strong, chemical-laden formula presented some health risks for other users. One customer recommended wearing gloves, goggles, and a mask for protection.
Testing
During our testing, this solution moved naturally into the tile’s joints, effectively covering a large area. Per the directions, we let the product soak into the grout for about 10 minutes. After scrubbing the grout between each joint, it appeared much lighter, returning close to its original light gray color.
Best Kit: Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser
Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser
- $26.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has an ammonia- and silicone-free formula
✔ Can remove grime on old pots and pans
✔ Has a pleasant clean smell
✘ Requires elbow grease with the scrubber
✘ Leaves a light haze if it’s not washed off
What Customers Are Saying
Customers complimented this cleaner on being useful for a variety of jobs. One reviewer even wrote about it restoring the finish on their stainless steel dishwasher. When it came to cleaning tile, reviewers raved about its ability to clean shower grout. Its limited negative reviews said that it either didn’t work well enough or worked too well. It left grime behind for some customers and removed the caulk for others.
Testing
This cleanser was tested and proven to be effective at removing dirt and grime between tiles, though we can’t speak to its effectiveness as an all-purpose cleaner. It did leave a white residue on the top of the tile and grout. The haze lessened after another wash with water.
Best For Small Bathrooms: SKYLAR LIFE Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner
SKYLAR LIFE Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner
- $14.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can easily hold and squeeze the bottle in one hand
✔ Works with tile, grout, sealant, baths, sinks, showers, and more
✔ Doesn’t require scrubbing
✘ Comes in a small tube that can’t clean large bathrooms
✘ Comes as a clear gel, so it’s easy to miss spots
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon reviewers noted this cleaner’s ability to remove black mold in their bathroom, though it required two or three applications for some. Other customers explained that it was easy to miss spots during application, citing the inability to see the clear gel.
Testing
We found the tube to be user-friendly and convenient for reaching tight spaces and corners. We did two applications of the gel to a grout line underneath a tub. Each time, we applied the gel, waited the recommended six to eight hours, and wiped the area clean. We saw noticeable results after the first application, though the area didn’t appear to return to its original color until after the second application. The product didn’t irritate our nose, eyes, throat, or skin, but we noticed a chemical-like smell. We also had to use nearly the whole tube to clean a foot-long grout line, restricting this product to small mold and mildew spots.
Best For Widespread Mold Removal: FOLLOWIN Mold and Mildew Cleaner
FOLLOWIN Mold and Mildew Cleaner
- $21.99
- $23.65
- 7% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Made from biodegradable ingredients
✔ Works on other mold-growing surfaces, including windowsills and refrigerators
✔ Gets skinnier part of the way down the bottle to fit in your hand
✘ Requires users to wait several hours before wiping it off
✘ Doesn’t have the light odor it claims to
What Customers Are Saying
Many Amazon reviewers had positive results using the product in a variety of locations, including in the bathroom and around the refrigerator. Its harsh chemical formula did irritate some users’ eyes. It was also difficult to wipe off some individuals’ grout.
Testing
Our team found this gel to be easy to apply despite its large and somewhat heavy bottle. Once it was administered on the designated grout line, we allowed it to sit for seven hours, following the recommended time of three to 10 hours. Like the SKYLAR LIFE gel, this cleaner was most effective after a second application. While it didn’t irritate our senses, it did have a strong smell.
Our Testing Process
We tested each grout cleaner in this review, following the manufacturer instructions to ensure optimal results.
To maintain consistency, we tested the two mold and mildew cleaners next to each other on the floor underneath a bathtub. We applied the remaining three grout cleaners to different areas of the same floor. We used the scrubber that came with the Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser to scrub every cleaner into the grout, excluding the two mold and mildew removers that didn’t require scrubbing.
Buyer’s Guide
Considering your tile’s material, grout color, and other specifications can ensure that you purchase the right cleaner. Here are the most important factors to keep in mind when you’re buying a grout cleaner.
Grout Color
Most grout cleaners target white grout. If you have colored grout, make sure the cleaner you use doesn’t contain chemicals that could damage it.
Stain
Many grout cleaners contain acidic ingredients to remove dirt and grime buildup because that’s the most common reason your grout gets stained. If you have mold or mildew growing in your grout, creating stubborn stains, you’ll need a specific cleaner that has a high pH.
Material
Ensure that the grout cleaner you purchase won’t damage the material your tiles are made from. Floor tiles are usually made from porcelain, ceramic, marble, or natural stone surfaces.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are generally safe with any tile cleaner, but you can taint natural stone and marble with the chemicals in many grout cleaners. For these delicate materials, make sure the cleaner’s label lists them as safe.
Time
Some cleaners are applied, scrubbed, and wiped off in one sitting. Others require time to agitate the surface and remove grime and discoloration. Read the instructions on the back of your grout cleaner to understand the time that’s required for optimal results.
How To Use Grout Cleaner Safely
Before using a grout cleaner, read its label. Some cleaners provide a safety warning that outlines the necessary steps to take to protect yourself. If your cleaner doesn’t include this information, look up its ingredients to see if they’re hazardous. You can also look through the reviews to see what precautions other customers took.
For an acidic grout cleaner, the manufacturer usually recommends a respirator and gloves. For pH-neutral ingredients, these safety precautions may not be necessary.
Protecting Your Grout
Due to its porous nature, grout easily absorbs dirt and grime. To prevent these substances from penetrating your grout and creating messes, you should apply a sealer during tile installation or after grout cleaning. Sealers keep the grime on the surface of the grout to remove it easily with a mop or other cleaning brush.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to use grout cleaner?
The frequency of cleaning depends on how much foot traffic your floors receive and how clean you want your grout to be. If you notice that your grout is darkening, set aside some time for a deep clean. Most homeowners use grout cleaner once or twice a year.
Is it safe to use grout cleaner on tile walls?
Yes. However, since grout cleaner usually comes in liquid form, it can run down your wall. Instead of applying the cleaner directly from the bottle, consider dampening a grout brush with the cleaner before scrubbing it into the grout.
Will a grout cleaner remove grout sealant?
Some, but not all, grout cleaners are able to remove grout sealant. If you wish to preserve the sealant, look for a natural or gentle grout-cleaning formula—usually a solution that’s pH-neutral and acid-free.
Why Trust The This Old House Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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