Cleaning tiles isn't the most exciting way to spend a day, but the best grout cleaners make the job much easier, and provide extremely satisfying results.
Dirty grout is unhygienic and can ruin the look of a room, leading to a build-up of dirt, grime and mildew. Cleaning grout is therefore an important job, even if you only do it every so often.
Tiles are a key feature in both kitchen and bathroom design, and the best grout cleaners will not only give your tiles a spring clean but they can be transformational for your space.
Finding the best formulation isn’t always easy, so we’ve done the hard work for you. These are the best grout cleaners which are easy to use and incredibly effective - giving you great results with minimal fuss.
Best Grout Cleaners
If you really don't like cleaning grout, and you're looking for a cleaner that lasts a long time, look no further than Everbuild Forever.
This cleaner comes in a pack of two 200ml bottles and contains a mould shield to provide long-lasting protecting against bacteria, mould and mildew. It's designed to cover approximately 20m2 of tiles.
It also features an antibacterial coating called SteriTouch which helps to fight off discolouration and restore dirty grout to a bright, white finish. It doesn't get rid of grime, however.
What's more, it's easy to use. Simply apply to the grout lines using the applicator, leave it to dry (which takes around an hour) and wipe away any excess residue with a damp cloth.
While the UniBond Grout Reviver isn't specifically a grout cleaner, it is an excellent anti-mould product that serves as a great fix for restoring your grout.
You can buy the reviver separately, but it's worth paying slightly to get the built-in sponge applicator. It takes up to around an hour to see the results, and once it’s ready you’ll be left with a water-resistant, fresh ice white coat of grout.
It's only suitable for use on fully glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles, however.
The HG Grout Cleaner is an affordable product boasting some impressive credentials, with minimal scrubbing leading to incredible results.
Using a powerful and buffered cleaning agent, this grout whitener will remove stubborn stains on your tiles and walls with minimal scrubbing - simply apply and scrub, wait a few minutes, and you’ll be left with restored, clean grout.
This is a great product for regularly maintaining your grout, and its speedy results (it works in under 5 minutes) and ready-to-use formula makes it suitable for those with busy households.
A little goes a long way with this grout cleaner. Pro-Kleen’s grout cleaner is one of the more powerful models available ensuring you get a lot of bang for your buck.
It makes grout and tiles look brand new through a powerful concentration which removes discolouration caused by mildew, mould and soap scum.
To use, simply spray and rinse off 10-15 minutes later. It can be used regularly to reduce the need for regrouting.
Because it is so strong, however, be sure to ventilate the room in which you are working, and make sure wear gloves and other protective clothing as exposure can cause skin irritation.
Some grout cleaners are unable to tackle the stubborn grime or stains, but the LTP Grimex grout cleaner is a fantastic heavy duty solution to eliminate dirt, grime and old wax layers from all natural and artificial stone and tiles.
To use, dilute one part LTP Grimex in 10 parts warm water, then apply with a cloth or sponge before wiping off thoroughly. After just 5-10 minutes you should notice the reaction.
This isn’t a product that should be used for everyday cleaning of floors or walls that have been sealed, but you can use it to renovate surfaces including terracotta, slate, stone and marble. It also works on external driveways, patios and paths.
The All Stone Xtreme Cleaner boasts a high performance and concentrated high alkaline cleaner and degreaser which ensures a deep clean to grout joints.
It's suitable for removing ingrained dirt, grease and grime, and can also be used to clean neglected areas or areas subject to wear and tear.
To use, carefully apply the solution to a pre-wet surface with a sponge or a mop, allow to sit for 3-5 minutes for cleaning, then scrub with a brush, sponge or nylon pad. It can require hard brushing, but once applied it is very fast-acting.
How to Choose the Best Grout Cleaner
Choosing grout cleaner for your home will depend on several factors, such as:
- The surfaces it can be used on
- The product's specifications
- How significant the dirt is in your grout
- How easy-to-use you need it to be.
Some cleaners are designed to specifically remove mould and mildew, but others are best suited to tackling grime. A lot of dirt can grow in our grout, so knowing which one is best for you, and the work surfaces you have, is important.
Applying grout cleaner can be a pain. It doesn’t always work first time, and heavy duty models - as effective as they are - can cause skin irritation if you’re not properly protected.
Make sure you know, therefore, how easy a product is to use before you buy, so that you’re not left uncertain before applying. What's more, be sure to read the instructions so that you know what to expect during the cleaning process.
How to Prevent Mould and Mildew
You don't want to be regularly scrubbing at your grout to banish mould and mildew, even though the grout cleaners in this list make it a much easier job. Try these tips to keep mould and mildew at bay.
Ensure good ventilation: in bathrooms or wet rooms, removing heat and moisture (such as when you've showered) can help to prevent the moist conditions needed for mould and mildew to grow. Open a window while showering or buy one of the best bathroom extractor fans.
Keep your tiles dry: it can be surprising to see how wet your bathroom (and even your kitchen) can be at the end of the day, so invest a few minutes each day into drying your tiles with a towel to extend the time between deep cleanings
How to Clean Your Grout
Before you use your grout cleaner for the first time, consider your own safety as well as the safety of anyone else in your house.
Follow these simple rules to ensure that you use your cleaner properly:
- Carefully read the instructions before use
- Always wear protective clothing, including gloves and goggles
- Spread grout onto the tile and scrape it into joints using a squeegee or float
- Avoid scrubbing the cleaner into the grout too hard - this could dislodge the actual grout
- Use a small toothbrush, or similar brush, to clean any awkward areas
- Rinse the cleaned area thoroughly - using a shower head, for example
- Repeat the treatment, if necessary.
- Use one of the best bathroom sealants to seal the grout
Jack has worked in journalism for 11 years and is the News Editor for Homebuilding & Renovating, a role he has had since 2019. He strives to break the most relevant and beneficial stories for self builders, extenders and renovators, including the latest news on the construction materials shortage and hydrogen heating. In 2021 he appeared on BBC's The World at One to discuss the government's planning reforms.
He enjoys testing new tools and gadgets, and having bought his first home in 2013, he has renovated every room and recently finished a garden renovation.
