Find the best Tile and Grout Cleaners to remove dirt, stains, and discoloration. Tested and reviewed for effectiveness, ease of use, and value—restore your surfaces today!
Even after wiping countertops and mopping floors, dirty grout and stained tiles can make your home feel less than spotless. Fortunately, tile and grout cleaners can transform discolored grout and restore tiles to their original shine—whether it’s your kitchen backsplash or shower walls.
To help you find the best options, we tested 27 cleaning solutions and five brushes in our Des Moines lab, evaluating them for effectiveness, scent, ease of use, and value. We also consulted Melissa Maker, founder of Clean My Space, for expert tips on tackling stubborn grime in tile and grout lines.
Eucalyptus & Mint – Eco-Friendly and Effective
1. Better Life Natural Tile and Grout Cleaner
Best of: Powerful, Plant-Based Cleaning for Sparkling Tile and Grout, naturally!
Of all the tile and grout cleaners we tested, Better Life earned our top spot for its effectiveness, ease of use, and versatility. This cleaner works on a variety of surfaces, including tile, showers, sinks, and toilets, and comes in a convenient two-pack for extended use.
When we tested it, the cleaner quickly removed stains with minimal scrubbing. The foaming spray nozzle is easy to use, dispensing a generous amount of product with each spray. The tea tree and eucalyptus scent is pleasant and calming without being overpowering. We also appreciate that the cleaner is made primarily with plant-based ingredients, setting it apart from many other options on the market.
The only downside is that the initial spray can be a bit messy. However, this is still an excellent choice for cleaning tile, grout, and much more.
What Stands Out
- It’s versatile for doors, sinks, and more.
What Could Be Improved
- The initial spray can cause a mess.
Effective Cleaning for Tough Stains
2. Full Circle Grunge Buster Grout & Tile Scrub Brush
If you prefer using a brush to clean your tile and grout, the Full Circle Grunge Buster Scrub Brush is an excellent choice. Its unique iron shape is comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver. The brush features a row of dense, soft bristles that effectively tackle both grout and tile.
During our tests, we found that both sections of the brush removed stains with equal effectiveness. The outward-facing bristles allow you to adjust the brush angle, making it easier to reach tight corners and nooks. Even after extensive use, the durable bristles held up well and didn’t spread, proving their long-lasting quality. Cleaning the brush was simple, requiring just a quick rinse and scrub to restore it to like-new condition.
At such an affordable price, this brush is a convenient option for tackling stubborn grime. However, you may want to wear gloves while using it, as the wooden handle can become slippery when wet.
What Stands Out
- Its unique shape can get into corners and angles.
What Could Be Improved
- The wood handle can get slippery when wet.
Powerful Stain Removal for Kitchens and Bathrooms
3. Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner
For those who prefer cleaning solutions with eco-friendly ingredients, Goo Gone offers a sustainable and highly effective option for tile and grout. The liquid spray works on mold, mildew, soap scum, dirt, and hard water, quickly and efficiently removing stains.
During testing, we were impressed by how this cleaner left no residue and caused minimal mess. Its strong, direct spray ensures precise application, and the mild citrus scent is pleasant without lingering in the air. The main downside is that this cleaner is priced higher than many other options.
However, its versatility makes it a great value. Safe for use on porcelain, ceramic, stone, and fiberglass, this cleaner is useful beyond just tile and grout. Considering its performance, the higher price is well worth it.
What Stands Out
- The cap ensures precise application.
What Could Be Improved
- The price is high considering the size and quantity.
Powerful Stain Removal for Tile and Grout
4. Soft Scrub Cleanser with Bleach
What Stands Out
- You can use it on stovetops, not just tile and grout.
What Could Be Improved
- The bleach could be irritating for some.
During testing, we found the Soft Scrub Cleanser with Bleach to be highly effective and easy to use. The gel comes out in a controlled flow, and the slim nozzle ensures precise application. The price is also quite reasonable for a two-pack.
We were particularly impressed by how well it cleaned stains from showers, toilets, sinks, and even stovetops—something many similar cleaners fail to do. The inclusion of bleach helps whiten tile and grout, leaving surfaces spotless without any lingering residue. However, the bleach does produce a strong odor during and after use, which may be overpowering in small spaces or for those sensitive to scents. A mask can help if you’re using it in such areas. Despite this, it remains an effective and affordable cleaning solution for your home.
Powerful Stain Removal for Tile and Grout
5. Ultimate Grout Cleaner by Black Diamond Stonework’s
What Stands Out
- You can pick from two spray settings.
What Could Be Improved
- The price is higher than most two-packs.
Instead of buying separate cleaning solutions and brushes, why not opt for a complete kit? This excellent set from Black Diamond includes two bottles of liquid cleaner and a triangle-shaped brush, providing all the tools you need to eliminate tough tile and grout stains.
The fast-acting cleaner delivers a thin, absorbent liquid without leaving residue behind. With two spray settings (broad or tight stream), you can customize the flow to suit different stains and surfaces. It tackles grease, soap scum, and even pet urine, all while emitting a light, fresh scent that isn’t overpowering.
The included brush is easy to grip and comfortable to hold, with thick, firm bristles that help scrub away stubborn dirt. While the price may be a bit higher, the large bottle sizes make it a great value for tackling multiple cleaning tasks.
Best Tile & Grout Cleaner Brush Set
6. OXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set
What Stands Out
- The small brush has a wiper blade for getting into tight, narrow spaces.
What Could Be Improved
- They aren’t as effective on tile cracks.
For a budget-friendly yet effective option, the OXO Deep Clean Brush Set includes two brushes designed for tackling tile and grout stains.
The large brush features durable nylon bristles, perfect for scrubbing larger surfaces like shower doors and stovetops. The small brush, although less durable and prone to bristle turning, is equipped with an angled wiper blade to reach tight spaces like drains and crevices.
Both brushes have non-slip, ergonomic rubber grips for easy handling, and cleaning up residue is quick. While these brushes may leave some residue in tile cracks and aren’t as effective as thicker brushes, their affordable price, ease of use, and practical design make them a solid choice.
Powerful Acidic Solution for Stubborn Tile Stains
7. Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener
What Stands Out
- It brightens without using bleach.
What Could Be Improved
- The liquid comes out quickly because there’s no applicator or nozzle.
If you’re struggling with faded or discolored grout, Zep’s brightening grout cleaner is a great solution. This liquid formula cleans grout lines and restores the original color without using bleach, unlike many other whitening cleaners.
Available in a two-pack at a reasonable price, the bottles are large enough for multiple uses. The formula has a refreshing minty scent that fades quickly, and it leaves no residue behind. However, without a spray nozzle, the liquid can be difficult to apply precisely, and it requires significant scrubbing with a brush or sponge. Additionally, it’s not suitable for countertops or stone surfaces. Still, for tile and grout, it’s an excellent choice.
Effective Cleaner and Sealant for Showers and Tubs
8. Skylarlife Grout Silicone Caulk Whitener
What Stands Out
- The tip is precise for getting into the grout.
What Could Be Improved
- You have to wait 6-8 hours after applying.
For stubborn grout stains, the Skylarlife Grout Silicone Caulk Whitener is a powerful solution. This gel cleaner is highly effective at removing deep stains from grout and tile, and it’s safe for use on showers, sinks, sealant, and silicone caulk.
The gel is easy to apply, thanks to its precise tip that dispenses the right amount with a simple twist of the cap. While some scrubbing is needed, it’s minimal, and the product’s mild, bleach-like scent fades quickly after use.
However, this product isn’t fast-acting—it requires 6-8 hours to work. Additionally, it’s on the pricier side for its small size. But if you’re willing to wait, the effectiveness and precision make it worth the investment.
Powerful Cleaner for Stubborn Bathroom Stains
9. Scrubbing Bubbles Disinfectant Bathroom Grime Fighter Spray
What Stands Out
- It can be used on many surfaces.
What Could Be Improved
- There’s no mist option.
Showers can suffer from hard water and grime buildup, but with Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter, you can quickly restore your shower’s shine. This versatile cleaner works not just on showers but also on fiberglass, vinyl, chrome, porcelain, and stainless steel surfaces.
During testing, we were impressed by how effectively it cleaned grout without leaving any residue behind. The spray nozzle ensures precise application, though it lacks a misting option. Despite that, its accuracy and minimal scrubbing make it a solid choice. The subtle rainshower scent is pleasant but fades quickly, and the two-pack offers excellent value at a low price.
Multi-Surface Cleaning Made Easy
10. Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Floor Cleaner Spray
What Stands Out
- The ingredients are eco-friendly and biodegradable.
What Could Be Improved
- It can take a few squeezes to get enough liquid.
To tackle stains on tile floors, consider this affordable and versatile cleaner from Bona. The large bottle offers plenty of solution and features a convenient nozzle with two spray options—linear or mist—allowing you to target grime effectively.
During testing, this cleaner proved highly effective, effortlessly removing dust, dirt, and grime from tile surfaces. It’s also safe for use on stone, vinyl, and laminate floors, making it a multi-surface solution. The eco-friendly formula is safe for people and pets, and it dries quickly, leaving your floors shiny without being slippery. Additionally, the unscented formula is perfect for those sensitive to fragrances or with allergies. While the spray nozzle may require a few squeezes to get started, it’s easy to use and delivers excellent results on various floor types.
Powerful Mold and Mildew Remover
11. Mold Armor 32-Ounce Trigger Spray
What Stands Out
- The nozzle releases enough mist for a large coverage area.
What Could Be Improved
- The price is high for just one bottle.
Mold Armor’s liquid solution effectively tackles mold, mildew, bacteria, and viruses. The spray nozzle delivers a precise mist for generous coverage with minimal mess, making it easy to clean surfaces like showers, sinks, and countertops with little scrubbing.
The light lemon scent and minimal bleach odor are a bonus, but the bleach-based formula may not suit everyone. While slightly pricier than average, it offers reliable performance with easy residue cleanup.
Removes Mold & Grime Naturally
12. Method Bathroom Cleaner Spray, Eucalyptus Mint
What Stands Out
- This eco-friendly formula is great for light stains.
What Could Be Improved
- The scent is strong, and one ingredient is corrosive.
This eco-friendly cleaner is perfect for showers, tubs, chrome, and fixtures, tackling light stains and messes with ease. Its plant-based, biodegradable formula is dispensed through a wide-cone spray nozzle for precise application, though the nozzle may sputter if not held at the right angle.
During testing, it left tile and grout shiny and bright with minimal scrubbing required. The eucalyptus mint scent is refreshing but might be strong for some users. While it contains corrosive potassium hydroxide, gloves can address any concerns. Affordable and versatile, it’s an excellent choice for everyday cleaning.
Gentle and Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solution
13. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Tub and Tile Cleaner
What Stands Out
- It’s made primarily from plant-derived ingredients and smells great.
What Could Be Improved
- It’s not as effective on heavy-duty stains.
If you enjoy a scented cleaning product, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is a great option. The lavender scent is pleasant, fills the room, but doesn’t linger long.
This eco-friendly solution, made with plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, works well on toilets, showers, tubs, and countertops, effectively removing soap scum and hard water buildup. While it’s not ideal for heavy-duty messes, it excels at brightening grout and tackling light stains with minimal scrubbing. Plus, it leaves no residue behind, making cleaning quick and hassle-free.
Effective Scrubbing for Tough Stains
14. Casabella Smart Scrub Heavy Duty Tile and Grout Cleaner Brush
What Stands Out
- Sturdy bristles
- Double-sided for better coverage
- Comfortable grip
What Could Be Improved
- Some reviewers said the bristles were too stiff and thin
Say goodbye to using a toothbrush and switch to a tool designed for tight grout lines. With a triangular head and dual sides of bristles, this brush easily cleans vertically, horizontally, and into corner grout lines. The stiff bristles hold up under pressure, while the handle’s soft grip ensures comfort during use. One GH tester, who’s used this brush for years, says, “It’s much sturdier than other grout brushes, and the bristles don’t bend easily.” Pair it with your favorite grout cleaner to keep your tiled walls and floors looking like new.
Our Testing Process
We tested 27 tile and grout cleaners and five brushes in our lab, evaluating each on effectiveness, scent, ease of use, and overall value.
We divided the floor into four 12×12-inch sections, applying a mud mask to focus on grout lines. After an hour, we applied each cleaning solution to one section and let it sit for the recommended time or 5 minutes if no time was specified. We also used a DIY solution of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and Dawn dish soap, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
After the designated time, we scrubbed the grout with a brush and wiped the area clean. We noted ease of use, scent strength (if applicable), and compared the quality to the price. We repeated the process with the DIY solution for comparison and checked for residue and dryness.
For the brushes, we applied the DIY solution to two sections and scrubbed with both a control brush and a designated brush, evaluating comfort, effectiveness, and durability. After rinsing the brushes, we checked for residue and wetness.
How to Shop for Tile and Grout Cleaners Like a Pro
Type:
Tile and grout cleaners come in gels, liquids, and foams, each with pros and cons. Gel cleaners are precise, ideal for grout, but may need dilution. Spray liquids are easy to use, cover large areas, but lack precision. Foam cleaners penetrate porous surfaces like grout well, making them great for showers and vertical surfaces. Steam cleaners, though pricey, are chemical-free and blast grime without scrubbing.
Formula:
Look for bleach-based, acidic, or enzymatic formulas, each suited for different surfaces and messes. Avoid frequent use of bleach-based cleaners as they can damage grout over time. If sensitive to chemicals, opt for cleaners with EPA Safer Choice labels.
Application:
Consider how you’ll apply the cleaner. Some are sprayed or poured, while others work with hard-floor machines. For stone, choose cleaners with scrub brushes or sponges for better penetration. For hard water and soap scum, consider resealing grout after cleaning.
Compatible Surfaces:
Check if the cleaner is safe for your surfaces. Multi-surface cleaners are versatile, but avoid harsh chemicals on delicate surfaces. Always spot test if unsure.
Questions You Might Ask
What’s the best way to clean tile and grout?
First, wear gloves to protect your hands. Apply a tile and grout cleaner according to the label’s instructions and let it sit as recommended. Use a sponge or rag to wipe away any residue or moisture. For tough stains, let the cleaner sit longer or repeat the process. Maker suggests cleaning once a week or every two weeks, depending on how dirty your grout gets.
Can you use tile and grout cleaner on other surfaces?
Maker advises against using tile and grout cleaner on non-tile surfaces, as it’s specifically formulated for tile and grout and could damage other floors.
Can you use all-purpose cleaners on tile and grout?
While all-purpose cleaners can lift dirt, they are not as effective as tile and grout cleaners for stubborn stains. For tougher grime, you’ll need a specialized cleaner.
How often should you clean tile grout?
Cleaning frequency depends on dirt buildup and location. High-traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens need more frequent cleaning, while less-used areas can be cleaned a few times a year. Showers, sinks, and toilets should be cleaned at least once a month.
About Tile and Grout Cleaners
With many options for Tile and Grout Cleaners available, consider which features are most important to you before making a purchase. Always review warranties and return policies to ensure a satisfactory buying experience.