Grout is common in kitchens because tile is relatively easy to clean, it looks nice, and it can blend in with a variety of decors. However, your kitchen is a very busy area that sees a lot of traffic every day, and this can lead to unsightly grout stains that make your entire floor, wall, or backsplash look dingy and dirty. No matter how hard you scrub, it’s difficult to get it clean without using a specialized grout cleaner, scrub brush, and a little elbow grease.
There are hundreds of different grout cleaners available from different companies that all claim to do the same thing. Some work to lift out stubborn grout stains with minimal scrubbing on your part, and others require you to work at it until the stains come out. If you have a big kitchen, buying the wrong grout cleaner can mean you waste hours every few weeks scrubbing tile and grout, and there are so many other things you could be doing. This is why I picked out 10 high-quality grout cleaners and included a short buyer’s guide you can use to narrow down the grout cleaners until you get the best grout cleaners for your home.
Ideally, your grout would stay clean by itself with a little work from you. However, it’s the perfect area for dirt and grime to get trapped, and this can make your whole kitchen look dirty. A good grout cleaner will strip the dirt and grim from the grout to make it look like new.
1. Skylarlife Home Mold & Mildew Remover
This is a gel-based grout cleaner that helps to lift mold and mildew from your kitchen, shower, or pool area. This is a fast-acting formula that will cling to tile, grout, and silicone sealant around sinks, windows, and baths once you apply it. You can also easily apply it to shower-heads and faucets without a problem. However, this solution does take between six to eight hours to work, so it’s a good idea to apply it at night and let it sit overnight before scrubbing it away in the morning. It works on a broad range of grout colors from black to white, and you should only need minimal effort to remove the dirt and grime.
Since this is a gel grout cleaner, it won’t slide down any included or vertical surfaces. This ensures that it manages to get every area you apply it on clean, and you’ll get an even coating with the narrow no-mess applicator tip. This tip also makes it easier to clean up because it won’t accidentally smear it all over your kitchen when you apply it. It claims you won’t have to scrub the grout to remove the grime, and it doesn’t have a strong smell when you apply it.
Benefits:
- Gel-based formula
- Won’t slide down vertical surfaces
- No-mess applicator tip
Drawbacks:
- Takes six to eight hours to work
- Can be too harsh for some grout
- Formula can be too thick for very narrow grout
2. Black Diamond Stoneworks Grout Cleaner
This is an acid-free grout cleaner by Black Diamond Stoneworks that will clean grout, granite, ceramic, and marble without damaging it. Along with taking care of mold and mildew stains, this cleaner will effectively cut through grease, grime, and set-in kitchen stains that can make your grout look dingy. You get 32 ounces in each bottle, and this is more than enough to tackle a nice-sized kitchen or bathroom to help restore your grout to a clean state. Since this cleaner comes made in the United States, it’s safe and effective and meets very high quality control standards.
You can use this grout cleaner on white, black, grey, or other colored grout without worrying about it stripping out the color. It can take out soap scum, food spills, dirt, and more, and you can use it both residentially and commercially. This is a fast-acting cleaner that allows you to clean your grout with minimal interruption to your normal routine, and the spray bottle makes application quick and easy. You shouldn’t use it on painted surfaces, but it’s ready to scrub away after two or three minutes. It doesn’t contain a bleaching agent, and it doesn’t work well on calcium stains.
Benefits:
- Available in 11 styles
- Works in a few minutes
- Strong enough for commercial use
Drawbacks:
- No bleaching agent included
- May have to scrub hard for it to work
- Could take up to two applications to see a difference
3. RMR-86 Instant Mold & Mildew Remover
If you’re fitting out a new kitchen, you want the best grout cleaners on hand and ready to use to keep it looking like new for years to come. You can choose from four sizes when you pick RMR-86’s product, and this comes designed to be a powerful stain remover that fights mold, mildew, and everyday grime and dirt that can stick into your grout. It has a simple point and spray design that makes it easy to get the cleaner right where you want it, and it’ll soak into the grout and go to work lifting the stains and making your grout look like new. It is a slightly thicker formula that works well on all types of grout and several surfaces.
With this grout cleaner, there is no hard scrubbing required. Instead, you simply spray it on and watch it go to work within minutes lifting the stains and breaking them up before you rinse it off. It’ll remove stains from decks, bathtubs, shower walls, wood surfaces, brick, concrete, bathroom or kitchen tiles, and much more without stripping anything off. This is a cost-effective product, and a little goes a very long way. This makes it great for small and larger kitchens.
Benefits:
- Available in different sizes
- Works on several surfaces
- Lifts stains within minutes
Drawbacks:
- Has a slightly stronger smell
- Will bleach fabric
- Can irritate your skin or eyes
4. IT JUST Works! Grout-EEZ
No one wants to get down on their hands and knees to scrub their grout, and this is where this grout cleaner comes in. This cleaner will effectively remove dirt, grease, and set-in stains from your grout while stripping the grime away to leave you with a clean kitchen that you can’t wait to show off. You get two bottles of the cleaner and a brush head that will connect to any standard broom pole to help you work the product into your grout to get the most effective clean possible. Since this is a faster-acting product, it makes it easy to use it around your normal schedule without interrupting your routine.
The grout brush that comes with this grout cleaner has a unique V-shape that allows you to get right up against the walls to reach all of your grout and ensure you get the cleaner everywhere. One bottle of this product will cover 250 square feet in an even layer, and the dual bottles will cover 500 square feet. There is a satisfaction guarantee on this product that ensures you’ll like the results you get. It has an easy-pour top that makes it easy to apply it precisely where you want it.
Benefits:
- Covers up to 500 square feet
- Brush head included
- Works very quickly once you apply it
Drawbacks:
- Have to protect your baseboards
- Have to rinse it two or three times
- Difficult to contain the product
5. HOOVER FloorMate Grout Cleaner
This grout cleaner comes from Hoover, and you can choose from a 32 or 64-ounce bottle. It’s great for cleaning those stubborn stains off indoor and outdoor showers, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. This cleaner comes with a newly formulated detergent that works to clean stains away while deodorizing. It has a fresh linen scent that lingers long after you apply and rinse off the product, and this can help your whole house smell fresh and clean each time you use it. It comes with a highly concentrated formula that allows you to use far less of the product while cleaning a larger area.
You can use this grout cleaner on marble, granite, tile, and natural stone without worrying about leaving a slippery, waxy buildup in its wake. This is a 100% biodegradable formula that is non-toxic, and this makes it safe to use around kids and pets. It has no phosphates, and it’s safe to pour into your septic system. The product comes from a company in the United States, and it meets very strict standards to ensure that you get a quality product each time you use it.
Benefits:
- Very concentrated formula
- Free of phosphates and non-toxic
- 100% biodegradable formula
- Safe on natural stone and marble
Drawbacks:
- Scent is very strong when you first open the bottle
- Not strong enough for commercial-grade stains
- May have to apply it more than once
6. Granite Gold Grout Cleaner
Granite Gold’s grout cleaner comes in a 24-ounce bottle with a formula that is effective at removing mold, mildew, dirt, and other common buildup in your grout. It has a very light citrus scent that lingers after you use it, and you can use it on grout of any color without worrying about it fading or bleaching it. The spray bottle application method ensures that you get your spray wherever you want it, and this includes around cabinets and under furniture without a problem. It works well on ceramic, slate, porcelain, tile, stone, grass, concrete, and many more surfaces.
Every bottle of grout cleaner you purchase from Granite Gold comes with an agitator brush completely free. This brush comes with stiff poly-fiber bristles that agitate the grime and dirt out of your grout without scratching any surfaces as it does so. This is a non-toxic, acid-free formula that is 100% biodegradable. It has no harsh ammonia or phosphates in it, and this makes it a safer choice to use around your pets or kids. It also works relatively quickly, and it leaves no residue to clean up when you rinse it away.
Benefits:
- Agitator brush included
- Light citrus scent
- Non-toxic formula
Drawbacks:
- Need to scrub a lot
- Bristles on the brush can flatten
- Doesn’t work well on heavily stained areas
7. Rejuvenate Grout Deep Cleaner
When you purchase this grout cleaner to tackle your deck or kitchen, it uses a bio-enzymatic formula that will keep cleaning the grout and tile long after you apply it. This cleaning action allows you to remove grime and dirt as well as older and more set-in stains. There is a light bleaching agent in this formula that will help to restore your grout to the original coloring without fading it or causing discoloration, and you can use it on a larger range of colors without a problem. This is a Greenguard certified formula that is non-toxic, safe, and free of acid which means you can use it around your family without a worry.
This grout cleaner is strong enough to use commercially, but you can still use it at home. It gets developed and manufactured in the United States, and this means that every batch goes through quality control testing to ensure it works well. You can use this cleaner with the Rejuvenate Click n’ Clean Spray Mop if you have a larger area to clean. The easy-pour top gives you a mess-free application, and it ensures that you get the cleaner everywhere you need in your kitchen.
Benefits:
- Available in three sizes
- Easy-pour top included
- Greenguard certified formula
Drawbacks:
- Have to apply it twice to see a difference
- Need a grout brush to scrub it
- Can leave a sticky feel on your floor
8. Mapei Heavy-Duty Grout Cleaner
This versatile grout cleaner from Mapei will effectively get rid of body oil, soap scum, grease, algae, mildew stains, and wax from your tile to restore it to a clean state. It works very well on high-traffic areas, neglected areas, or areas where it’s difficult for you to really get into and give a good clean like between appliances or under heavier furniture. This product comes designed to effectively strip away acrylic and synthetic wax coatings and floor finishes, so you do want to be careful if you decide to use it on your hardwood flooring because it can be too powerful.
This grout cleaner will work well on ceramic, natural stones, grout, Saltillo, terra cotta, terrazzo, quarry tiles, paers, concrete, and masonry surfaces. This product comes covered by Amazon’s A-Z Guarantee. If the product doesn’t meet your standards and you’re not 100% satisfied, Amazon will refund you the purchase price. It comes in a larger quart size that allows you to cover much more area with a single purchase, and it has a screw top to ensure it doesn’t accidentally spill. The ergonomic handle ensures that you can easily carry it to your next project site.
Benefits:
- Works well in high-traffic areas
- Covered by Amazon’s A-Z Guarantee
- Strips away waxes from flooring
Drawbacks:
- Need a respirator and gloves to use
- Can irritate your eyes and skin
- Not safe around kids and pets
9. Aqua Mix Grout Cleaner
Maybe you’re updating your apartment decor and you want to add tile, or you’re still searching for a grout cleaner that will take on your set-in stains. This is a powerful degreaser and cleaner that can easily take on heavily-soiled areas to remove layers and layers or dust, grease, and general grime. It works well if you have any neglected areas in your kitchen or bathroom, and it’ll go to work and start lifting the stains almost as soon as you apply it. For the best results, you should leave this grout cleaner sit for 20 to 30 minutes and let it work before you scrub at it and rinse it away.
This grout cleaner will strip away your floor finishes and wax, but it’ll remove algae, mildew stains, soap scum, grease, and ground-in dirt. You can safely use it on porcelain, ceramic, travertine, slate, marble, limestone, and granite without worrying about it damaging it. It contains sodium hydroxide, and this is a whitening agent that can restore grout colors quickly and easily with a single application. There is a no-mess pour spout attached with an ergonomic handle.
Benefits:
- Cleans set-in stains
- Works on a variety of hard surfaces
- Works to restore grout colors
Drawbacks:
- Strips wax and finishes
- Have to scrub a lot with it
- May need to wear a mask
10. Marblelife Maxout Deep Grout Cleaner
The final grout cleaner on my list comes from Marblelife. This is MaxOut Concentrate that uses simple agitation with minimal scrubbing to remove stubborn stains and surface grime that can make your kitchen look worn out and dirty. It’s a eco-friendly product that is safe to use around your kids and pets, and it starts working as soon as you apply it. It’ll get under the stain and work to lift them out of your grout so all you have to do is gently scrub them away and rinse your floor.
There are no harsh chemicals or odors with this grout cleaner, and this makes it safe to use in smaller kitchens or areas with poor ventilation. When you buy this product, you get a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t like the end results, the company will refund you your purchase price with no questions asked. It’s 100% safe to use on your grout without discoloring or bleaching it. You should let it soak between 15 to 20 minutes after applying it to give it plenty of time to work.
Benefits:
- Eco-friendly product
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- MaxOut Concentrate formula
Drawbacks:
- Has to sit for 15 to 20 minutes
- Requires a good deal of scrubbing to work
- Can make your floor slick
Grout Cleaner Buyer’s Guide
You want to get a good product when you start shopping for your ultimate grout cleaner, but there are so many options for cleaning grout available that it can take time to narrow down your choices. There are several criteria you can look for in the best grout cleaners, and I’ve rounded up the most important aspects to consider in the ultimate grout cleaner below.
Why Use Grout Cleaners
When you first install your tile in your kitchen, apartment, bathroom, laundry room, or out on your patio, it looks fresh and new. However, general use allows dirt and other contaminants like grease and mud to get trapped in your tile and grout. Eventually, this will lead to discoloration, and it can cause your new tile floor or wall to look dirty and unkept. Quality grout cleaners will gently remove this buildup along with some elbow grease while restoring your grout to ensure that it doesn’t look grimy. You usually apply the grout cleaning solution, wait a few minutes, and then scrub it off before rinsing your floor.
Many people choose to go with darker grout to help hide the grimy look, but you should clean floor tile grout routinely to help extend the length of your floor’s life.
Set Time
How long can you go without using the area you want to use your cleaner on? If it’s something like a spare bathroom, you could potentially leave your cleaner to sit for hours without anyone disturbing it. However, your kitchen usually has a higher volume of traffic, so you need something that works quicker. Double-check and see how long your product recommends it sits on your grout for before you wash it off. This can range from a few minutes to eight hours.
Strength
These types of cleaners come in many different strengths. If you get a commercial-grade product, it’ll have a stronger formula than you’d use at your home. If you don’t get the right strength, you could find yourself refinishing your flooring because the cleaner accidentally stripped protective coatings, waxes, or other finishes off. Also check how it reacts with stainless steel or marble. You want to look and see which surfaces the product recommends and which it tells you to avoid because some won’t work well on ceramic or porcelain while others will.
Although tile and grout is very popular in the bathroom, you’ll find it in a lot of kitchens because it’s relatively easy to clean and maintain with the variety of stains and grease you introduce in the kitchen.
Coverage
Generally speaking, a lot of the products on my list were on the cost-effective end of the spectrum. But, some require you to clean them two or three times, and this can take up a lot of product. You want to find something that will at least cover the square footage of your kitchen once, if not twice. This can vary widely from product to product, but concentrated solutions usually cover more area than diluted ones.
Safety
You want to be safe when you use your cleaner, especially if you have pets or kids running around that could accidentally get into it. If you get a fast-acting formula, you can use it while your kids are outside playing games. However, it’s generally a safer idea to get a non-toxic formula that is biodegradable. This way, it won’t hurt anyone if they get it on them, and it’s safer to use for the environment. However, these formulas can be slightly weaker than commercial-grade ones because they don’t contain a lot of the harsh chemicals that the other products do.
White grout is more popular than colored grout, but clean white grout can be an ongoing struggle, but quality grout cleaners will effectively strip out any contaminants that can cause discoloration while helping to seal your floors to prevent a lot of staining going forward.
Besides the best grout cleaners listed above to restore your grout and tile floors to their original color, you can also DIY grout cleaners that can be made with baking soda / hydrogen peroxide, along with a toothbrush or grout cleaning brush to help you get through grout lines and remove mold and mildew.
Bottom Line
Whether you have grimy grout or stained grout, keeping your grout clean and looking like new is important to making your kitchen look clean. I’ve outlined several quality grout cleaners for you to compare.
The buying guide on grout cleaners will help you pick out the best grout cleaner for your needs without breaking your budget, and you can use the grout cleaners to restore the bright, clean, and new look to your tile.
