Ceramic and marble tiles are popular choices when it comes to bathroom surfaces. They can handle a lot of water and are easy to keep clean.
But, the gaps between tiles can often be missed during cleaning. And this can lead to dirty grout lines with water stains, mildew, and mold buildup over time.
With the right product, grout cleaning can be an easy task. We’ll explore the best grout cleaners on the market so you can enjoy clean white grout lines without a hassle.
Our Top Picks
The HouseWire earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.| Best Grout Cleaners of 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall Grout-EEZ Heavy-Duty |
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 | Best Value CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner |
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 | Best Multi-Purpose Black Diamond Stoneworks |
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 | Best for Marble Granite Gold |
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 | Best for Showers Mold Armor Instant Mold |
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 | Best With a Whitener ZEP Grout Cleaner |
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 | Best for Floors TECH 17001 Cleaner |
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Reviews
For the best grout results, this Grout-Eez Heavy Duty Cleaner is the way to go.
This strong cleaner offers a two-in-one cleaning formula that can save you both time and effort cleaning. You can use it to effectively clean your grout, as well as remove dirt and soap stains from your tile surface.
You can this Grout EEZ cleaner it on any colored grout, as well as porcelain and ceramic tiled surfaces.
Plus, it not only removes stains from your grouts, but it brightens them too. So you can enjoy tiles that look brand new with this heavy-duty grout cleaner.
What We Like
No Odor
Unlike many heavy-duty grout cleaners, this Grout EEZ cleaning product doesn’t have a strong chemical odor. So you won’t have to worry about leaving an unpleasant odor behind after you finish cleaning.Efficient Stain Removal
According to reviews, this grout cleaner makes almost any grout stain disappear without the need for scrubbing. You can apply it directly to the marks on your grout and see results almost straight away.Dual Release Cleaning
This Grout EEZ cleaner features dual release technology for powerful results after every clean. The formula instantly lifts grease and grime and then penetrates deep into the grout surface to remove stubborn stains.So you can enjoy deep cleaning and stain removal in just one cleaning session. This can save you a lot of time when you’re cleaning large areas.
What We Don’t Like
Hard To Dispense
Many reviewers mention that the nozzle on this grout cleaner doesn’t dispense evenly. This makes it hard to distribute the cleaning solution onto your grout during cleaning.Technical Specs
| Type | Liquid spray |
| Surfaces | Ceramic and porcelain tile |
| Usage | Grout clean, stain removal, brightening |
| Amount | 32 oz |
When it comes to value, this CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner is a great option. Not only is it ideal for cleaning your grout, but you can use it to clean any bathroom or kitchen surface, too!
So you can get multiple uses out of this one versatile cleaning product.
This powerful cleaning formula removes limescale and calcium buildup from your tiles and grout. It’s also biodegradable, making it a great choice for the environment too.
Plus, it’s a foam spray, so it’s easy to quick to apply. All you have to do is spray the cleaning solution onto your grout and simply wipe clean!
So you won’t have to waste time scrubbing at tough marks and dirt on your grout with this cleaner. The foam will efficiently lift dirt build-up and stains, doing all of the hard work for you!
It also has an EPA safer choice label, so you can trust it’s safe to use.
What We Like
Environmentally Friendly Formula
This CLR Bathroom & Kitchen cleaner has a biodegradable formula that doesn’t contain any bleach, phosphates, or ammonia. This makes it environmentally friendly, as well as safe to use around kids or pets.Multi-Purpose
This cleaner is not only safe to use on your grout and tiles, but you can use it on non-porous surfaces too. This includes glass and stainless steel.So you can clean your bathroom, as well as your kitchen floor and surfaces, with this multi-purpose cleaner.
Suitable For Deep Cleaning
Thanks to the spray and wipe foaming formula, you can use this cleaner for quick cleanups or spot-cleaning your grout. But, you can also leave this formula to sit for a while to remove stubborn grout stains or marks.This makes it perfect for deep cleaning as well as quick cleanups.
What We Don’t Like
Doesn’t Kill Mold
Although the biodegradable formula is great for the environment, it’s not strong enough to kill germs and mold. So you’ll need to use a stronger cleaner if you have mold buildup on your grout lines.Technical Specs
| Type | Liquid/foam |
| Surfaces | Kitchen and bathroom tiles and grout, stainless steel, glass |
| Usage | Dirt, calcium, hard water deposit, and soap scum removal, and grout clean |
| Amount | 26 oz |
For a grout cleaner that can do it all, this Back Diamond Stoneworks is it! It has an acid-free formula that’s safe to use on ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles and grout.
This makes it perfect for cleaning shower walls, as well as floors and your kitchen backsplash.
You can also use it on any white or colored grout. This deep cleaner formula won’t damage or discolor your grout surface.
And because it comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle, you can get straight to cleaning with this solution. Simply spray it straight onto your grout and wipe it clean to remove dirt immediately.
What We Like
Renews Old Tiles
Many reviewers rave about how well this acid-free cleaner handles old stains and grout marks. It effectively removes signs of age and wear-and-tear from grouts making your tiles look brand new after one application.Safe For Natural Stone
Many grout cleaners contain harsh chemicals that aren’t safe for stone tiles and grout. But because this cleaner is acid-free, you can safely use it to clean any natural stone surfaces without damaging the delicate finish.Removes Pet Stains
If you have pets in your home, you know the hassle of cleaning pet accidents that soak into your grout. Luckily, this grout cleaner formula can tackle any pet accident!You can use it as a grout steam cleaner to efficiently remove pet stains and odors. So you won’t have to worry about pet accidents staining your tiles or grout.
What We Don’t Like
Doesn’t Remove Water Spots Or Calcium
This grout cleaner provides great deep-cleaning results for removing soap deposits and dirt. However, it doesn’t remove calcium or water spots from your grout.This means you may need to purchase a separate cleaning product for complete deep-cleaner results.
Technical Specs
| Type | Liquid spray |
| Surfaces | Any tile surface, including stone, white and colored grout |
| Usage | Clean grout |
| Amount | 32 oz |
If you have marble tiles, you need this Granite Gold Grout Cleaner! Unlike many other cleaners, it doesn’t contain any strong chemicals that can harm the surface of your marble tiles.
Instead, this cleaner has a formula that protects delicate surfaces such as marble, ceramic, and glass tile.
It also comes with a deep clean poly-fiber grout brush for scrubbing tough marks and stains on your marble tiles. This grout brush gently agitates dirt and grime on your grout for easy removal during every clean.
Lastly, this Granite Gold Grout Cleaner doesn’t leave any streak marks on your marble tiles while cleaning your grout. So you can enjoy pristine grout lines and a streak-free finish after every clean!
What We Like
Citrus Scent
This cleaner has a light citrus-scent formula that many reviewers enjoy. So you can enjoy a fresh and pleasant scent after every cleaning session.Ammonia-Free
The non-toxic formula is free from ammonia, which makes it safe to use on food preparation and other surfaces. So you can safely use this cleaner to clean the grout on any marble surfaces in your kitchenDoesn’t Dull Tile Finish
This cleaner has a formula that protects the finish on any marble or stone surface. Therefore it won’t dull or damage the delicate surface of your marble tiles even after frequent applications.What We Don’t Like
Requires A lot of Product
Many reviewers found that they had to use a lot of this cleaning product to achieve the best results. Some even ran out during big cleaning jobs.So this might not be the best option if you have large areas to clean.
Technical Specs
| Type | Liquid spray |
| Surfaces | Porcelain, ceramic, and stone |
| Usage | General grout clean, mold and mildew removal |
| Amount | 24 oz |
Grime and dirt can quickly build up within grout lines in your shower because of excess moisture. But, this Mold Armor Instant cleaner makes it easy to stay on top of cleaning grout in your shower.
This cleaner acts as a quick stain and mildew remover to instantly remove mold and mildew from your shower grout. And the easy trigger spray bottle makes it easy to apply!
You can simply unlock the trigger, spray, and wipe away soap scum, mold, and mildew from your grout. So you don’t have to worry about using elbow grease or needing to scrub hard to achieve clean grout.
Plus, you can also use this cleaner to clean your shower curtains and doors! It’s safe to use on multiple surfaces, including doors, vinyl curtains, counters, and more.
So you can clean your entire shower and bathroom with just this one product.
What We Like
Removes Odor
Not only does this Mold Armor cleaner tackle mold and mildew stains, but it also removes nasty mold odors. So your bathroom will be smelling fresh after every clean with this pick.Fast Results
Most cleaning formulas can take time to kill all the dirt, mold, germs, and bacteria in your shower. But, this Mold Armor Instantl Cleaner does it in 30-seconds!So you can save time cleaning and enjoy fast results with this cleaner!
Efficient Disinfectant
This cleaner doesn’t just clean your grout, but it disinfects it too! This clean and disinfect formula kills 99.9% of all germs, bacteria, and viruses on your grout surface.What We Don’t Like
Requires Ventilation
Because this cleaner contains bleach, it can create strong chemical fumes when you’re using it, especially in small rooms or tight spaces. So make sure you take safety precautions and ventilate the area while you’re cleaning with this product.Some reviewers also recommend wearing rubber gloves and a mask to avoid coming into contact with the chemical ingredients.
Technical Specs
| Type | Liquid spray |
| Surfaces | Tile, grout, tubs, toilets, fiberglass, shower doors, curtains, counters, and sinks. |
| Usage | Mold and mildew remover |
| Amount | 32 oz |
Enjoy floors that look brand new with this whitening ZEP Grout Cleaner and Brightener! It cleans your grout line and lifts stains to restore the original color after one application.
This grout cleaner has a pro-strength acidic formula to achieve professional grout cleaning results at home. And you can use it on white and colored grout lines.
However, because it has a strong formula, it’s best for porcelain and ceramic tiles only. So make sure you don’t use this cleaning solution on delicate tiles such as marble or natural stones.
What We Like
Removes Old Stains
Many reviewers say that this tile cleaner works just as well to remove years of dirt buildup, as it does to remove fresh stains. So it’s perfect for cleaning grout in old homes or removing stubborn grout marks and stains.Easy To Apply
Because it has an easy-pour lid, you can dispense this cleaner straight onto your grout line without making a mess. You won’t have to worry about spilling or accidentally pouring the formula over the surrounding tile while cleaning your grout.Long-Lasting
According to reviews, a little of this formula goes a long way. So you don’t have to use a lot of this product to clean your grout.This means you can enjoy a lot of cleaning sessions with just one bottle of this long-lasting cleaner.
What We Don’t Like
Requires Scrubbing
Some reviewers don’t enjoy how much scrubbing this product requires. For best grout cleaning results, you’ll have to use a bit of elbow grease to scrub away dirt and grime with this cleaner.However, many reviewers note that the scrubbing is worth it for the quality of cleaning it achieves.
Technical Specs
| Type | Gel grout cleaner |
| Surfaces | White and colored grout, tile floors |
| Usage | Deep cleaning grout, stain removal, brightening |
| Amount | 2 x 32 oz bottles |
This cleaner offers professional floor cleaning results without the hassle of heavy scrubbing. You can easily remove dirt and grease, as well as stains on your tile floor with this effective grout cleaner.
This cleaner removes all discoloration from your grout and floor tiles after the first application. So you don’t have to spend hours scrubbing away dirt and grime on your grout with this powerful Tech cleaner.
It’s bleach-free with no harsh chemicals, so it doesn’t leave any nasty fumes after cleaning. Plus it’s safe to use around children or pets in the home.
And because it’s acid-free, you can use this cleaner on almost any floor surface! It won’t damage water-safe surfaces or grout lines.
What We Like
Residue-Free
This Tech Grout Cleaner has a residue-free formula. This means you won’t have to worry about any leftover residue or buildup on your floors.So it won’t leave your tiles or grout sticky after cleaning!
Environmentally Friendly
Not only is the formula free from bleach, solvents, and harsh chemicals, but the packaging is made from recycled materials! So you can enjoy an environmentally friendly clean with this Tech Grout Cleaner.Fragrance-Free
You can say goodbye to harsh chemical smells and odors with this cleaner. It has a fragrance-free formula for a more pleasant cleaning experience.What We Don’t Like
Soapy Formula
Some reviewers note that this cleaner has a watery and soapy formula.This means you may have to wipe your floors with a very wet dish towel to remove the product. And this can add extra time to your cleaning process.
Technical Specs
| Type | Liquid cleaner |
| Surfaces | Floor, wall, tile, shower |
| Usage | Grout clean, dirt and grease removal, stain removal |
| Amount | 128 oz |
What to Look for in a Grout Cleaner
Types of Surfaces
For example, some cleaners are formulated for kitchen or shower grout. Whereas others are for use on any grout type or tile surface.
Some grout cleaners, like this Bar Keepers Friend Soft Liquid, can also clean cookware or cooktop surfaces.
There are also many different tile materials such as porcelain, marble, ceramic, or natural stone. So make sure your grout cleaner is safe to use on your type of tile as well as grout.
Ceramic and porcelain tile surfaces tend to be safe from the effects of harsh cleaning chemicals. But, marble and natural stone are more delicate and may be affected by some cleaning chemicals.
Always read the product description to make sure that the chemicals in your cleaner are safe for your tiles. For example, this Aqua Mix Heavy Duty Tile and Grout Cleaner is safe on marble and limestone.
Usage
However, some grout cleaners have other purposes, such as mold and mildew removers. For example, this Goo Gone Grout Cleaner can clean mold and mildew grout stains.
Some cleaners also remove 99.9% of bacteria, germs, fungi, and viruses from your surfaces. So consider your cleaning needs to find the best cleaning product for your grout.
Grout Color
For example, some cleaning formulas specifically target white grout. These grout cleaners ensure that the chemicals don’t taint the color of your grout during cleaning.
Whereas other cleaners may have chemicals that can damage or stain colored grout. So make sure that your grout cleaner is suitable for your grout color.
Application
There are three different ways to apply cleaner to your grout. These include a spray and wipe application, a scour and brush, or an apply and rinse formula.
Spray and wipe products don’t require scrubbing. So they can save you a lot of time and energy while cleaning.
But, these cleaners tend to contain harsh cleaning chemicals or bleaching agents that may damage or discolor your tile grout. So they may not be the best option for cleaning delicate grout surfaces.
Plus, they tend to drip on vertical surfaces. So you often need to reapply spray products when you’re cleaning walls or backsplashes.
Grout cleaners that require scouring with a grout cleaning brush can add effort to your cleaning process. But, they are especially effective for cleaning heavily soiled grout and surfaces.
For example, this Magic Grout Cleaner requires scrubbing.
Lastly, some products allow you to clean with the direct application of a pen and simply require rinsing after applying. For example, this Clorox Bleach Pen is a fun and easy-to-use grout cleaning tool.
These cleaners are ideal for spot cleaning grout. They don’t require any scrubbing or wiping, but they need rinsing after application.
Application Time
However, some cleaners need time to agitate and lift grime and discoloration from the grout surface. So make sure you follow the instructions for your grout cleaner to allow the best time for optimal cleaning results.
EPA's Certification
For example, this Soft Scrub Gel Cleanser chemical cleaner contains bleaching agents. There are also no requirements for manufacturers to list the ingredients for chemical cleaners.
But, these cleaners tend to be more effective for cleaning. So when you’re buying a chemical cleaner, always look for EPA’s safer choice label.
EPA reviews the chemical ingredients in these products to ensure they meet strict safety criteria. They test every ingredient to make sure it’s safe for your health as well as the environment.
So a product with an EPA safer choice label will ensure that your cleaner is safe to use for cleaning. For example this Krud Kutter KK32 Original Cleaner has a safer choice certification.
Grout Cleaning Tips
Follow these cleaning tips for the best grout cleaning results.
- To prevent surface build-up, make sure you clean your grout regularly. This is because sealing your grout doesn’t guarantee protection against build-up on the surface.
- Avoid using harsh cleaning tools like steel scrubbers or metal scouring pads. These may damage your grout surface. Instead, a better option is to use a scrub brush like this Casabella Smart Scrub Heavy Duty grout brush.
- We don’t recommend using vinegar to clean your grouts. Since it’s acidic, it can dissolve the cement on your grout, even if your grout is sealed. This is because cement is alkaline and dissolves in acid the same way baking soda does.
- You can use a sealant on your grout to prevent it from staining or becoming dirty. To do this you can apply either a topical or penetrating seal. A topical seal stays on the surface while a penetrating seal soaks in. Penetrating sealants tend to be best for grout on floor tiles as they can withstand heavy foot traffic. Whereas topical seals may be worn off by foot traffic over time and are best for walls or backsplashes.
Grout Cleaner Comparison Chart
| Product | Type | Amount | Usage | Surfaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grout-EEZ Heavy-Duty Grout Cleaner | Liquid spray | 32 oz | Grout clean, stain removal, brightening | Ceramic and porcelain tile |
| CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner | Liquid/foam | 26 oz | Dirt, calcium, hard water deposit, etc | Kitchen and bathroom tiles and grout, stainless steel, glass |
| Black Diamond Stoneworks Grout Cleaner | Liquid spray | 32 oz | Clean grout | Any tile surface |
| Granite Gold Grout Cleaner | Liquid spray | 24 oz | General grout clean, mold and mildew removal | Porcelain, ceramic, and stone |
| Mold Armor Instant Mold | Liquid spray | 32 oz | Mold and mildew remover | Any tile surface |
| ZEP Grout Cleaner and Brightener | Gel grout cleaner | 2 x 32 oz bottles | Deep cleaning grout, stain removal, brightening | White and colored grout, tile floors |
| TECH 17001 Grout Cleaner | Liquid cleaner | 128 oz | Grout clean, dirt and grease removal, stain removal | Floor, wall, tile, shower |
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