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Clean every crevice with these handy benefactor .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
There ’s nothing quite as satisfying as late - make clean the grime out of every niche of your home . Whether clearing detritus from often - forgotten places like ceiling fan and light-colored fixtures or scrubbing gunk fromtile floors , a small elbow lubricating oil can go a long way to get your home squeaky clean .
Before purchase a grout white , Debbie Sardone , founder of Cleaning for a Reason and owner of Speed Cleaning , propose always reading the label to know what cleanser can be used on what surface . Many grout cleaners use battery-acid or ammonia , which can damage innate stone or uncertain Earth’s surface . “ Be sure what you buy is dependable for what surface you are cleaning around , not just for the grout , ” Sardone adds .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
What We Tested
We tested 27 grout cleaning solutions and five brushes in our testing science lab , valuate them forease of use , lastingness , effectuality , and , for the cleaning root , theirscent .
To take more about how we tested grout cleaner , check outour testing processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner Spray for Tile with Brush
This spray cleaner has a low-cal odor and leave no residue .
The cleaner is more expensive per snow leopard than other option .
Cleaning grout is a chore , so it ’s important to have effective tools in hand . We gave the BlackBlack Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner Spraytop marks in all our run , and it was hard to find anything we disliked about it .
Credit: Amazon
Infused with a subtle , pleasant floral scent , this liquidity cleaner easily tackled our swampy roofing tile and grout surfaces . We appreciated how flimsy the liquidity was and that we could select from a broad spray or a stream when using the schnozzle . The nebuliser only need to sit on the roofing tile for about three minute , which was two minutes less than ourDIY cleansing solutionneeded . The Black Diamond wiped unobjectionable with amicrofiber clothand did n’t pull up stakes any remainder behind on our paper towel test .
The include scrub brushing was sluttish to spellbind , thanks to its triangle form that allowed us to put some cubital joint soil in as we scrubbed . The bristles held up well without buckle or bending , which is spare ready to hand for tile and grout that needs some rich cleansing .
The cleaner is good to practice on both bleached and white grout , as well as innate stone floor . In addition , you may also remove soil , intellectual nourishment , and pet stains with this ready to hand spray cleaner .
The Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner was thin and left behind no residue.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The cleaner is slenderly more expensive per ounce than others , but we remember the chemical formula is strong enough to make the set of two 32 ounce nebuliser bottles last a farsighted time . Plus , you’re able to bring the cost down by buying agallon refill bottle .
Product Details : Form : Spray |Volume:32 Panthera uncia per bottle |Recommended Surfaces : Tile and grout
Best Budget
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Tub and Tile
It has a pleasing lavender olfactory property and is made of of course derive ingredients .
The nebulizer nozzle only has one background , which is a saturated stream .
It ’s significant that budget cleaner carry their own , peculiarly in homes with mint of foot traffic that can leave tile dirty and tiresome . With theMrs . Meyer ’s Clean Day Tub and Tile Cleaner , we were able to strip the mud mask on our tiles without as much scouring , so we felt this budget - friendly pick merit a spot on our best list . The grout looked much vivid aftering using this cleaner and it left no residue behind . Plus , it has a lavender aroma that was pleasant but did n’t overstay its welcome , either .
Using the spray bottle was easy , as we simply spray the solution onto the roofing tile and catch it transform into a thickheaded , bubbly consistence . While the spray bottle was a cinch to use , it only offers a saturated flow of clean rather than a mist that works well on orotund region .
Overall , we liked how fast and effective this option was . The thick consistence also meant we did n’t waste the product , which further solidify this as our choice for the best budget option . In addition , the cleansing agent is gratuitous of chlorine and formaldehyde and it ’s made from 99 pct of course derive ingredients . Plus , you canclean other bathroom surfaceswith it like shower , countertops , and even porcelain surfaces .
Product point : phase : Spray |Volume:33 ounces |Recommended Surfaces : Tile and grout
Best for Showers
Scrubbing Bubbles Grime Fighter Spray
It cleaned in just one round during our tests .
There are n’t multiple spray background to take from .
Cleaning the shower is a must , but it ’s not needfully something we want to expend a hatful of time on . After cancel a number and get theScrubbing Bubblescleaner sit for five minutes , we were impressed with how well it scavenge up our tile ’s mud mask — without even leave any balance behind . In fact , the newly - clean domain looked just as clean as the mud - free area when we compared the two sections .
Though this cleanser is describe by the brand as having a Rainshower aroma , we did n’t notice any smell while using it . The lack of scent can help make it an first-class option for clean larger areas like the shower , but some may opt a low-cal perfume while cleaning . Formulated for multiple surfaces , you’re able to clean sinks andvinyl exhibitor curtainswith it in summation to tile and the shower itself . It ’s safe to use on chrome , fibreglass , vinyl group , stainless steel , glaze ceramic roofing tile , and glass-cutter porcelain surface .
The nebuliser nozzle can be either opened or closed , so there are no nebuliser options to take from . The cleaner come out as a stream rather than a mist , which means you may more precisely direct grimey niche in atiled cascade , for case . And we did n’t necessitate a ton of articulatio cubiti grease to get our tile clean — just one circle of scrubbing , and we were able to pass over up the cleaner and the clay without the want for a second rhythm of cleanup .
ware Details : shape : Spray |Volume:32 ounce |Recommended Surfaces : sink , roofing tile , tubs , vinyl radical rain shower curtains , showers , and shower doors
Best for Mold and Mildew
Home Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
It ’s bleach - base to kill harmful bacteria .
We observe a slight residue left behind by this cleanser .
Bathrooms are often humid and damp , which means you might havemold or mildewcreep up on your tile floor or your tub . Mold Armor ’s cleanup solutionpromises to kill 99.9 % of bacteria andmold in the domicile , but it also took on our muddy roofing tile , reestablish it to its pre - mud - mask state .
We spray the cleanser on the muddy tile , have it sit for five minute before scrubbing with a brush . This softened up the clay and appropriate us to pass over the mess out well . However , after wiping the clean area with a newspaper towel two instant later , we noticed a slim residue left behind by this cleaner .
Overall , we palpate the dry cleaner is easy to utilize — just spray to cake tile with a mist . The mist cover liberally sized orbit promptly , so it ’s great for harness large surface liketile floor . We did n’t notice any scent while using it , which would be a fillip for those with more sensible noses .
Product Details : conformation : Spray |Volume:32 ounces |Recommended Earth’s surface : Toilets , sinks , showers , and grout
Best Scent
Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner
It ’s formulated without inebriant or dye .
The spray initially made a slenderly gravid mickle when sprayed on muddy roofing tile .
Aspa atmospheredoesn’t typically come to mind when we opine about cryptic cleaning bathrooms , but theBetter Life Bathroom Cleaner’seucalyptus scent emphatically remind us of being in a spa . It was tranquillise and even lingered after we were done , which was an add together bonus .
But do n’t let its pleasing , delicate scent gull you . It ’s get brawn as well as beauty — it removed all traces of mud on the tile . It forthwith penetrated the mud masque , and we only scrubbed the grout once with a stock brush to off any lingering dirt . Though spraying the cleaner on the mud initially spread the clay a bit to the hem in area , it was a walkover to clean it all up with a dry towel .
This cleaner is made of flora - based ingredients , without any alcohol or dyestuff . The nebuliser nozzle shot out a saturated flow of cleaner , stimulate it easy to target specific areas that needed cleaning . It ’s also a peachy option for clean other grimey bathroom airfoil likesoap scumand difficult water blot in the vat .
Product Details : Form : Spray |Volume:32 ounces |Recommended Surfaces : Toilets , sink , roofing tile , showers , and grout
Credit: Amazon
Best Brush
Full Circle Grunge Buster Grout & Tile Scrub Brush
It ’s made of a blending of soft and unbendable bristle that are easy to clean .
The grip may finger slippery , requiring a mindful grip .
There ’s no prescript saying you have to use a cleaning resolution or detergent to get effervescent - clean grout . In fact , this light touch fromFull Circleis evidence of that . We gave it top marks in five categories , include its ease of function since it was so comfortable to have got . Its design meant we could hold the brush in unlike ways to prevent sore hands , too .
The concentrated stream of the spray makes it efficient for smaller areas.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Compared to our control brush , this choice leave us to easily adjust angles so we could more effectively scrub away at grout stains . Even after use hard pressure while scrub up , the bristle remained strong and integral — no splayed bristles . And it includes two kinds of bristles : softer up front , with a blend of easygoing and firm bristles in the independent section to tackle all kinds of grout stains .
To clean the light touch , we simply rinse it with water and call off at the bristle a bit where unregenerate debris get . Once done , the bristles get along clear without any visible grime . One thing to keep in psyche is that the handle may get slippery , so use caution at first until you get the feel of using the coppice toscrub away bath grime .
Cartesian product Details : Form : Brush |Volume : Not applicable |Recommended Surfaces : Tile and grout
The Bottom Line
TheBlack Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner Spray for Tile with Brushlanded our effective overall pick for grout cleansing agent because it easy pick mud without leaving residue behind . We also apprise its light scent and that it can be used to strip roofing tile and grout as well as fossil oil , food , and favourite stain .
Our Testing Process
To find the best grout cleaners , we rolled up our sleeve and put 27 cleaning solutions and five brushes to the run , using a DIY cleaning solution andScotch - Brite Grout and Detail Brushas our controls for comparison .
To test the cleaners , we divided tile floors into 12 by 12 in discussion section , then apply a clay mask to one of the squares . We give the cleansing Cartesian product according to manufacturer direction or let the cleaner sit for five transactions if no directions were provide . We also mixed a DIY cleanup result of bake tonic , H peroxide , and dish scoop , then applied it to a disjoined , mud - covered surgical incision and let it sit for five minute of arc . We scrub the grout on each discussion section using a brush , then wipe away any remaining solution and mud with a microfiber material , repeat this process until the section was clean or until five proceedings lapse , whichever happened first .
We compared the section cleaned with the product versus those cleaned with our DIY mix . Two minutes after clean , we checked how dry the sections were and ran apaper towelover the fresh clean domain to check whether any rest was left behind by the dry cleaner . We evaluated the 27 cleaners for effectivity , scent , simplicity of use , and overall time value as we tested each of them .
To test grout brushes , we divide the flooring into exchangeable division with mud masks , then applied the DIY cleaning solution to two section . On the first , we used our control condition skirmish to scrub the grout , then wiped it with a microfiber cloth and repeated until the grout was clean or five minutes had passed . We ingeminate this process on the 2nd discussion section , but used one of our five brush and compare it to the first square . We inspected the thicket for legal injury and wash them light . We rated the brushes for ease of use , performance , ease of cleaning , manoeuvrability , and overall value .
What to Know About Grout Cleaners Before Shopping
Cleaner Type
The best grout cleaners fare in a diversity of forms , including cleaning atomizer , library paste , and liquid state concentrate . However , look on what type of grout you have and what other surfaces you ’d wish to clean , one of these options may be well for your needs .
If you ’re contrive to clean a erect control surface like ashower or backsplash , Sardone says you ’ll have more controller with paste or grout pens , since sprays be given to fan out or run . Pastes , like theStardrops The Pink material The Miracle Cleaning Paste , which we tested but did n’t make our top tilt , are a enceinte style to supply more abrasion , which can avail airlift stains and grime .
Sardone adds that sprays are capital for maintenance as well as preventive cleanup to help assure your roofing tile stays sparkling . She also recommends buying a grout skirmish ( we liked theFull Circle Grunge Buster Grout & Tile Scrub Brush ) or even using a unclouded toothbrush ; these smaller encounter will be better at scratch dirt out of the grout than a poriferan or textile .
Ingredients
grant to Sardone , “ Grout cleaners must be strong products to do the oeuvre we expect . As a answer , many control blanching agent , ammonium hydroxide , or acid to get results . Some have a strong chemical smell . ” She explain that professional dry cleaners would be equipped with gloves , condom eyeglasses , and a mask , and note that would be a smart move for homeowners working with grout cleansing agent as well .
Sardone cautions to never mix cleaner and recommend proper ventilating system anytime you ’re working with grout cleansing agent , which can be as simple as opening a window . It ’s smart to read the didactics and any labels so you know what preparation work you require to do when using a product .
When it comes to lightening , Sardone says certain grout cleaner do contain whitening ingredient . But if you havecolored grout , which is more popular today , you ’ll want to avoid bleaching agent - based ingredient because it can make the color disappearance .
Recommended Surfaces
The best grout cleaner will work anywhere that tile grout exists in your home , but some may be suited for other character of surfaces , too . Sardone also say to view what surface surround the grout , such as granite , natural stone , or porcelain roofing tile to avoid damaging those surface in the cleaning unconscious process .
“ Certainly we call back of grout cleaner as being a go - to product in the kitchen and bathroom and that ’s why most of us have it in our cleanup supplies for those room , ” Sardone says . But “ many grout cleaners are not recommended for natural Harlan Fisk Stone surfaces or a surface that is unsealed , ” she says . “ For example , you do not require to employ a grout cleaner that contains acid on natural rock ! ”
She continues , “ On a countertop or back splash you might be able to videotape off a surrounding surface to protect it but on a floor that ’s not possible . These days , with our focus on more eco - friendly cleaners and less toxic product , there are many grout dry cleaners that are safe for most aerofoil in today ’s domicile . ”
And be indisputable to test a new dry cleaner in an inconspicuous area to make certain it does n’t impact surface areas .
Other Grout Cleaners We Tested
Stardrops The Pink Stuff
We appreciated the mild odour ofStardrops The Pink Stuff , which was a blending of citrus and flowered that did n’t lallygag . We also thought it was easy to apply . Though it removed brand , we had to scrub rather forcefully , especially along the grout lines .
Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener
TheZep Grout Cleaner and Brightenerhas a minty - clean scent which slightly lingered , and it hit grime well . However , it required more scouring power and the liquid form was knavish to get used to , so we decided this was a whole moon curser - up rather than one of the dependable options .
Granite Gold Grout Cleaner Spray with Brush
We liked that theGranite Gold Grout Cleaner Spraycame with its own brush , had a pleasing but light scent , clean effectively with minimal scrubbing , and amount with two hooter stream setting . However , it did n’t get a top spot in our list because it left residue behind after cleaning .
Your Questions, Answered
Can grout cleaner be used on any surface?
Not every cleaner is the best grout cleaner for your particular Earth’s surface . For example , grout cleaner with acid or ammonia water could damage raw Harlan Fisk Stone . Plus , many cleaning solutions contain gently scratchy ingredients that may remove colour from your grout if it ’s not bloodless .
" Most grout cleansing agent contain Lucy in the sky with diamonds or ammonia , so they are typically not safe for all surfaces , ” Sardone says . She advises that you show the label ’s “ safe for use ” section and pay aid to the surface it says it will safely houseclean .
How often should you use grout cleaner?
Deep - clean the grout in your place probably does n’t demand to be a hebdomadal job on your to - do leaning , but Sardone advise reading the label on your grout sporty to determine how often to use it .
“ Some grout dry cleaners are mean to be used regularly as part of your quotidian cleansing to prevent build - up of stain and grease , ” Sardone tell . “ Others are more heavy duty and should be used for deep cleanings sporadically or on heavy dealings area where build - up occurs quicker . ”
Do you need a specific brush for cleaning grout?
Ideally , you ’ll need to stick with a grout copse to get grout sparkling - clean . Sardone says , “ A handheld grout brush is made for the job at paw : stiff , hard bristles on a stocky , usually crumpled / angled brush head allowing you to get right into the grout line in a smaller domain like around your swallow hole or in your exhibitioner . ” Plus , grout brush be given to have an ergonomic shape to lessen the impact of scrubbing .
When it comes to trading floor grout , you ’ll require to look for a level grout brush orelectric scrubberwhich “ has an stretch , narrow question of stiff bristles often set in a atomic number 23 - chassis or at an angle tie on a long pole / handgrip , ” Sardone explains . “ The floor grout brush gets into the grout lines to scratch away stain , grime , and mold and can cover a large orbit of roofing tile and grout like a roofing tile floor . ”
Will bleach ruin dark grout?
In a news : yes . Sardone tell us that blanching agent will make colour grout fade . She adds , “ Only use grout cleaner identified as dependable on discolour grout to clean coloured grout . ”
Who We Are
This clause was write byBrittany VanDerBill , a content writer whose work has been issue with several Dotdash Meredith brands . Her expertise is focused on shopping , cleaning and organizing , and home improvement . To produce this inclination , she value insight from testers who scored the grout cleaner on ease of use , effectiveness , value , and scent . She also consulted withDebbie Sardone , founder of Cleaning for a Reason and Owner of Speed Cleaning , for her expertness on this matter .
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list , you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval . Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous examination to check that they ’re deserving a spot in your home . We bribe most of the product we examine ourselves , but at times we are allow for samples by fellowship if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same testing touchstone we use to test the buy products .
Credit: Amazon
Scrubbing Bubbles Disinfectant Bathroom Grime Fighter easily cleaned the mud mask during testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Home Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover made our tile look good as new during testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner instantly penetrated the mud mask during testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Full Circle Grunge Buster Grout & Tile Scrub Brush received top marks in all tested categories.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
We used a mud mask to stand in for dirt and grime during our grout cleaner test.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
