Best Grout and Tile Cleaners

Grout is a tough material that can be difficult to keep clean. The grout lines easily collect dirt and stains, resulting in an unsightly appearance.

Regularly wiping the tile with a Magic Eraser sponge is one solution, but for really dirty grout try hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda. This cleaning product brightens, sanitizes, and lifts yucky dirt from porous surfaces like grout. Click here for more info.

Zep Grout Cleaner

Zep Grout Cleaner is a professional-strength acidic cleaner that lifts deep stains and returns grout lines to their original color without heavy scrubbing. This bleach-free formula also works on shower grout and removes light rust stains from concrete surfaces. Because it contains strong acids, you should take several safety precautions while using this product. Make sure that you work in a well-ventilated area, and always wear protective gloves and goggles. You should also test the product in an inconspicuous area to ensure that it won’t mark or stain your tile surface.

While it’s true that not all grout cleaners are created equal, many of them do the job quickly. This top pick is a powerful cleaner that can cut through grease and grime in just minutes, turning a dreaded chore into a quick (and fun) task. It’s even safe to use on tile surfaces like porcelain and ceramic, though we recommend that you rinse the area thoroughly afterward to prevent water spots.

Simple Green Vinegar Gel

Grout cleaners can come in spray, liquid, and gel form. Sprays are easy to use but can over-spray and cover nearby surfaces, depending on the type of material and the cleaner. Liquid and gels are easier to control but are more expensive.

When scrubbing stains, it’s important to give the grout cleaner plenty of time to work (also known as dwell time). Scrub thoroughly with a toothbrush or non-abrasive nylon brush and rinse.

Avoid bleach or acidic cleaners on natural stone tile, which can corrode the grout lines. Instead, try a neutral cleaner that’s safe for your stone, or opt for a milder non-acidic solution like filtered water and baking soda.

This organic cleaner is a great choice for mold and mildew stains and other common dirt build-up, including soap scum. It contains no dyes, fragrances, or chemical solvents and is nontoxic for children and pets. Test it on a small area first to ensure the cleaner won’t discolor or damage the surface.

Sardone Tile & Grout Cleaner

This powerful cleaner is designed to fight stains and dirt on all types of water-resistant hard surfaces, including tile. It has a thick liquid consistency that helps it cling to vertical surfaces like the walls in your shower or backsplash without dripping down them, which makes it easier to get in between grout lines for deeper cleaning. It’s also made without acids, bleaches, or solvents so it’s a safer option for homes with pets and kids.

This cleaner comes in a concentrated formula you can mix with water to create your own spray bottle, and it has a mildly abrasive ingredient that scrubs away stubborn messes like soap scum and mold buildup. It’s made with non-toxic ingredients and has a pleasant rhubarb scent. The product can be used on both white and colored grout, but it’s not recommended for use on glazed ceramic tile, marble, granite, travertine, or natural stone because it could damage the material.

RMR-86

RMR-86 PRO is an aggressive mold stain and mildew stain remover five times stronger than anything else on the market. It uses special deep penetrating surfactants with Hybrid Ultrapure Sodium Hypochlorite that breaks apart and dissolves fungal stains and eliminates discoloration as well as lingering odors. It is easy to use and dramatically lowers cleaning and restoration costs by eliminating the need for hand sanding or soda blasting. Just apply and watch those deeply embedded fungal stains disappear within seconds! Don’t forget to follow up with a good EPA-registered fungicide like RMR-141 or RMR Botanical Disinfectant to kill the mold afterward.

RMR-86 is ready to use; no dilution is required. Add solution to a pump sprayer or bleach-rated electric sprayer, (preferably one with no metal parts that could corrode), and spray the area quickly using wide sweeping motions. Allow to sit for a few minutes and watch the stains disappear. This product is safe to use indoors and out and works great on wood, concrete, drywall, tile & grout, fiberglass, vinyl, and more. Browse the next article.