Finding the right cleaning solution for your home’s specific needs, though, can be a challenge, since there are so many types of products available with many different variations on use, strength, longevity, and more. To make your shopping experience a little bit easier, we’ve narrowed down the best tile and grout cleaners there are, doing thorough research on the category and considering factors such as type, formula, and application. We also spoke with Melissa Maker, founder of Clean My Space, to get an expert’s take on what to look for when shopping for these products and how and what they’re best used for Tile and grout cleaners are essential to tackle issues like “hard water and soap scum and body oils left behind after a shower,” explains Maker. “These will cling to the tile and eventually build up.” And although you may not be able to see those problems as easily on grout as on tile, “over time, your grout can discolor,” she says. “Eventually if there’s a lot of moisture left behind, that’s when you can start to get mold and mildew.” Our top pick for a tile and grout cleaner is the Clean-eez Grout-Eez Tile & Grout Cleaner, as it’s a powerful, versatile, and effective solution that’s super easy to put into use. For more recommandations, here are our picks for the best tile and grout cleaners on the market, including options designed to tackle showers, floors, and more. Who it isn’t for: People who prefer gel formulas to spray solutions. This professional-strength cleaner from Clean-eez takes the top spot on our list for its serious power and proven effectiveness, along with its simple application process. It’s a two-in-one solution that uses dual-release technology, meaning it works equally well on both tile and grout, and it tackles stains and discoloration with impressive ease. First, it removes grease and dirt from the top layers of the tile, before going deeper into the grout to remove trickier, older stains and foul odors. It’s safe to use on both white and colored grout, as well as on both ceramic and porcelain tile, and is applied via an easy spray nozzle. The bottle also helpfully comes with a cleaning brush you can use after spraying the solution to help it really take effect—just let it sit for several minutes and rinse off the area to see the beautiful results. It’s a great choice for stains that have set in deeply over time and is sure to make your tile look like new.
Type: SpraySize: 32 fluid ouncesScent: Unscented
Who it isn’t for: People who want a stronger-smelling formula. This tile and grout cleaner made by Hoover is a major crowd-pleaser. It’s a highly powerful, effective solution that attacks stained and discolored grout in kitchens, bathrooms, and more, while also removing any surrounding dirt and grime with its potent enzymatic formula. It’s designed specifically for use on sealed hard floors (vinyl, ceramic, hardwood, etc.), and it’ll leave your home smelling fresh for hours thanks to its light and lovely citrus scent. Unlike some other cleaning solutions, this one won’t leave any streaking, haze, or residue around the area on which it’s being deployed. To see the product work its magic, put the formula into any kind of hard-floor cleaning machine, although you can also use it on its own by mixing it with hot water and pouring it directly onto the area in question. Make sure to scrub it in thoroughly, and then prepare for the frustrating stains on your tiles to disappear in no time.
Type: LiquidSize: 32 fluid ouncesScent: Citrus
Who it isn’t for: People who want to avoid bleach. Gel cleaners are great because they stay exactly in the area you want them to work on, so you know you’re getting direct, focused action that won’t run off as liquid solutions often do. This highly popular option from Soft Scrub is an all-purpose household cleaner, but it’s particularly great for grout and tiles, as it’s powerful enough to blast through grimy areas and tough stains and give them a full deep-clean. It’s a non-abrasive formula, so you can also use it on countertops, sinks, showers, and other areas of your home without worry that it’ll hurt the surface. To use, just run the gel right along the grout lines in your tiles (or onto a sponge if you prefer), let it sit for several minutes, and then rub and rinse it off. Repeat as needed, but just don’t let it stand for too long. The bottle also has a helpful pointed nozzle top, which makes it easy to direct the gel onto the exact spot you need and ensure total coverage. Plus, it has a lovely coffee scent that’ll freshen up your home while you work on cleaning.
Type: GelSize: 28.6 fluid ouncesScent: Coffee
Who it isn’t for: People who want a more specific cleaner, not an all-purpose one. This fantastic all-in-one spray from Microban not only kills mold and mildew on the spot but keeps them from re-growing on hard surfaces for at least seven days. It’s formulated to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria, germs, and viruses, and even helps destroy soap scum that tends to annoyingly build up in the kitchen or bathroom. You can use this spray on showers, toilets, counters, skins, bathtubs, and more, as it’s designed to sanitize and disinfect any and all hard and non-porous surfaces that often get mold and mildew. Yes, that includes tile, marble, and grout! It eliminates odors, too, leaving behind a light, refreshing citrus scent instead. To use it, spray the solution on the area in question until it’s covered thoroughly, then after a few minutes’ time, wipe the spot clean with a cloth. It’s super simple, and super effective.
Type: SpraySize: 32 fluid ouncesScent: Citrus or fresh
Who it isn’t for: People who want a less expensive solution. If you’re struggling with mold and mildew in your home, consider picking up this much-loved stain remover spray by RMR, which targets messes that live between tiles and in grout lines, among other areas. It’s a strong, fast-acting spray that can handle even the most stubborn of stains as well as the unpleasant musty odors that often come with them. Use it in the kitchen, around toilets, on shower curtains, in brick walls, and in many other places where stains often build up. To use, just spray the formula (no mixing with water required) directly on the area, and the stains should begin to disintegrate right away (seriously—within 15 seconds!). No need for sanding, scrubbing, or power-washing after application—just let it do its job. You can even try out the solution outside, by spraying it on your patio deck, railings, or outdoor furniture if you see problem areas there. Wherever you have a pesky mold issue or stained grout that’s seen better ways, this substance will come in handy and make a world of difference to the look and smell of your home.
Type: SpraySize: 32 fluid ouncesScent: Unscented
Who it isn’t for: People who want a solution without a chemical base. Another highly effective cleaner that’s meant to target mold and mildew, this option from Mold Armor is particularly great for use in bathrooms, especially showers. It can be sprayed right onto any hard and non-porous surface including sealed grout, sinks, countertops, toilets, and more, and its bleach-based formula eliminates 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs (not to mention lingering odors) in just 30 seconds’ time. No need to spend time and effort scrubbing, either, as you can just spray the solution right onto your shower tiles, leave it there for a few minutes, and then wipe it off at the end after it’s performed its duty. It’s important to note that this formula does have a pretty strong smell, so you might want to keep your windows open while putting it to use and also consider wearing protective gloves due to its harsher chemical base. But if you’re okay dealing with the stink for a little while, it’ll be worth it to see the newly gleaming tiles and unstained grout that result from use of this powerful cleaning product.
Type: SpraySize: 32 fluid ouncesScent: Lemon
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer having a spray applicator. A strong and versatile product that’s designed to both clean and brighten grout, this solution from Zep particularly stands out for its effectiveness on floors, among other areas. It’s based on a professional-grade acidic (and bleach-free) formula powerful enough to deep-clean grout lines and lift up stains without any heavy scrubbing required. It can be used on both white and colored grout lines on tile floors and countertops, making it a handy cleaner to have around the house and use in multiple rooms. It doesn’t come with a spray applicator, which might be a pain for some, but to use it, you just pour it directly onto the grout and watch it take hold; when you’re done, wipe it off with a cloth. The company recommends re-sealing your grout afterwards to keep the lines staying clean and stainless for longer, but that’s up to you—even if you don’t go that route, this solution will make a big difference on your floors. Just be warned, you can’t use it on marble, chrome, or stainless steel, as the acidic formula might damage the space.
Type: LiquidSize: 32 fluid ouncesScent: Unscented
How to Shop for Tile & Grout Cleaners Like a Pro
Type
Tile and grout cleaners typically come as either gels or liquids, the latter of which can usually be sprayed. Both types are equally effective, but gel solutions often have to be diluted with water when applied directly onto a problematic spot. Spray liquids are generally the easiest to use, although they aren’t as precise as gel cleaners that come with an application nozzle. For showers in particular, Maker recommends using foam cleaners. “One of the challenges when you’re cleaning a vertical surface is getting a product to stay put so it doesn’t drift all over the place or pool in a corner,” she says, so a foam solution can really come in handy.
Formula
When shopping for a tile and grout cleaner, take a close look at the type of formula, as some are bleach-based, some are acidic, and others are enzymatic. All can be effective, but take note that it’s recommended to use bleach-based cleaners sparingly, as prolonged usage can actually damage grout over time. Plus, the more chemical- and bleach-based formulas typically have stronger smells, which can be irritating to those with allergies or smell sensitivities.
Application
Many tile and grout cleaners are applied by simply spraying or pouring them onto the necessary area and then waiting a few minutes while they take action. Some options, though, are designed for use with a hard-floor cleaning machine. When shopping, consider how often you plan to use the cleaning product and in how many areas in order to determine which application type is best for you.
Questions You Might Ask
What’s the best way to clean tile and grout?
First things first, make sure you’re wearing gloves, to keep your hands protected. Then, apply one of the tile and grout cleaning products to the area following the item’s instructions, waiting as long as they recommend for the solution to set in. Afterwards, use a sponge or rag to rinse and wipe out each area, making sure no residue or moisture is left behind. For particularly stubborn stains, let the cleaner sit longer or use it multiple times. “Different factors will affect how frequently you will have to use a tile and grout cleaner,” including how many people use your bathroom regularly, how much grime they’re typically producing, and so on, says Maker. “On average, though,” she says, “you probably want to think about using it once a week or every two weeks.”
Can you use tile and grout cleaner to clean anything else?
“I wouldn’t,” says Maker. Since tile and grout cleaners are formulated for those areas specifically, “you could risk ruining your floors” if you used it on non-tile surfaces.
Can you use all-purpose cleaners on tile and grout?
In theory, yes, says Maker, but it probably won’t do much. “All-purpose cleaner is just designed to be a surfactant—to lift dirt from the surface—whereas a tile and grout cleaner has a different job to do,” she explains.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. She frequently covers home products and did significant research on spice racks for this story, including speaking to Melissa Maker, founder of Clean My Space.
