The Best Tile and Grout Cleaners We Tested

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When it comes to cleaning grout and tiles, a tough and precise cleaner is absolutely imperative. Whether you’re trying to restore your grout’s color or remove common stains, keeping a tile and grout cleaner on rotation during deep cleanings will leave your floors or shower walls looking like new again.

We tested 28 popular tile and grout cleaners, evaluating each on a variety of factors including their formula, application, surface compatibility, dry time, and more. We also reached out to Carylanne Brown, Grove guide at Grove Collaborative, for expert insight on what to look for when buying a tile and grout cleaner.

It gets rid of tough messes fast and has a fresh scent derived from natural ingredients.

It only has one spray option.

Cleaning tile and grout in the bathroom requires an effective cleaner that can get rid of soap scum, hard water buildup, and other types of grime—that’s exactly where the Better Life Bathroom Cleaner excels. We used this spray to clean up stains from a mud mask mess, and after one pass with a scrub brush, a two minute sit time, and a wipe of a wet towel, the stain was entirely gone.

Our favorite part about this cleaner, however, is its fresh and spa-like scent derived from tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils. The scent lingered for a bit after spraying, but it wasn’t overwhelming and instead made the area smell clean.

The overall formula is also plant-based (primarily corn and coconut), so it’s not as harsh for those with sensitivities (but still works as great as a synthetic cleaner). At just 20 cents per ounce, this cleaner is an excellent value.

Just note that you can’t use this with brass, marble, wood, or granite. It also only has one spray option (a linear stream), but we don’t mind this because it allows for more precision on grout and tight corners. As a daily or deep cleaner, we think this is the best option for a squeaky clean bathroom and shower.

Type: Spray | Size: 32 fl. oz. | Scent: Tea tree and eucalyptus | Compatible Surfaces: Tile, grout, glass, porcelain, ceramic, chrome

It effectively removes stains and has a subtle scent; it’s also EPA Safer Choice Certified.

It’s a bit more expensive than other cleaners, and the ingredients list isn’t disclosed.

The Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner is not only EPA Safer Choice Certified (which means it meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s safer product standards), but it’s also quite effective at removing stains—particularly the mud mask.

We liked the subtle citrus scent that dissipated quickly, as well as the spray nozzle that allowed for a precise application and didn’t cause a mess compared to similar products.

Although this cleaner is slightly more expensive per ounce than a few other products on our list, it’s worth having an effective, eco-friendly cleaner. We also love that it’s safe to use on a variety of surfaces and can clean soap scum, hard water buildup, and mold and mildew stains.

Type: Spray | Size: 28 fl. oz. | Scent: Citrus | Compatible Surfaces: Tile, grout, porcelain, ceramic, granite

Scrubbing is not required to remove certain stains, and it’s compatible with a lot of surfaces.

It only has one spray setting, and it’s a little messy.

For those who have grouted tile showers, where severe stains like mold and soap scum occur, we recommend Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter. In our testing, this cleaner got rid of stains quickly. We lightly scrubbed, let the cleaner sit for five minutes, wiped it away with a towel, and the area was completely clean.

You may not actually need to scrub though: The label says it’s not required for some stains, and that you might only need to rinse it after a sit period. We love a low-maintenance moment.

While we did not notice any overwhelming fragrances in this cleaner (we got the “rainshower” scent), it does also come in citrus, floral fusion, and petal paradise for those who want something a little more aromatic.

Keep in mind that this cleaner only has an on and off setting, and we found it to be a bit messy, especially since the formula is foamy. However, if you don’t need precision to clean your shower or don’t mind cleaning up the excess with a microfiber towel, it’s an effective product to keep on hand. In fact, we even recommend it as one of our all-time-favorite bathroom cleaners.

Type: Spray | Size: 32 fl. oz. | Scent: Rainshower | Compatible Surfaces: Tile, grout, glass, vinyl shower curtains, glazed porcelain, glazed ceramic, chrome, fiberglass

It has the cleaning power to remove all sorts of stains, including crayon and tomato.

We wish the lemony aroma was a bit stronger.

Grouted tile floors throughout a home, especially in a kitchen, can be susceptible to a variety of stains. We tested the Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner Spray on crayon, dark soda, dirt, and tomato paste, and all were easily cleaned using only a couple of sprays. There was a nice shine on the floor too, but no slippery residue.

We liked that the spray nozzle had two settings to maximize coverage or target specific areas. Our favorite part, apart from the obvious cleaning power, was how quickly it dried (in just two minutes). It has a mild lemon scent too, which could be a plus for those with sensitivities, but we would’ve loved a stronger aroma for that lingering freshly cleaned smell.

Type: Spray | Size: 32 fl. oz. | Scent: Unscented, Lemon mint | Compatible Surfaces: Stone, no-wax sealed tile, laminate, grout, and luxury vinyl (LVT)

It’s unscented and effectively removes tough stains.

It can leave behind a slight residue.

Mold and mildew are notoriously tough to clean, especially in showers and hard-to-reach areas like the corner of a grouted floor. The Mold Armor Mold and Mildew Killer + Quick Stain Remover is the best pick for the job because of its speedy, no-scrubbing, and disinfecting formula.

We sprayed this cleaner on a dried mud mask and let it sit for five minutes, lightly scrubbed and wiped the stain away completely, and saw no noticeable difference between the tested area and untested grout. It’s also unscented, which could be an important factor for those already dealing with a harsh substance like mold.

We did notice that this cleaner left behind a slight residue, which is something to consider if you’re using it in a high-traffic area. Despite this, we still think it’s the most efficient and effective option for dealing with mold and mildew, particularly in those nooks and crannies where it likes to hide.

Type: Spray | Size: 32 fl. oz. | Scent: Lemon | Compatible Surfaces: Sealed grout, tile, porcelain, ceramic, chrome

It’s easy to apply and is great for severe stains.

It has a long application time and only works on light grout and tile.

For stained grout, we recommend the Skylarlife Grout Silicone Caulk Whitener. We found it really easy to use thanks to its precision tip; simply unscrew the cap and apply the gel along the grout. Although it requires a sit period of six to eight hours for optimal results, its effectiveness in penetrating tough grout stains makes it worth the wait.

We also like that no scrubbing is required, and it can be used on other surfaces such as silicone sealant around windows and sinks, showerheads, and washing machine gaskets.

For those who have dark or black grout, this is not the product for you since it’s only suitable for white or light surfaces. If you’re looking for an effective cleaner to use on light grout during deep cleanings though, this gel is a necessary addition to your cleaning product arsenal.

Type: Gel | Size: 5 fl. oz. | Scent: Unscented | Compatible Surfaces: Silicone, caulk, grout, plastic, tile, porcelain, ceramic

The shape makes it comfortable and easy to use, and it’s made with eco-friendly materials.

The handle may require some care and maintenance.

A good brush does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to cleaning tile and grout. The Full Circle Grunge Buster Grout & Tile Scrub Brush was, first and foremost, very comfortable to hold and efficient to use because of its U shape. It was easy to maneuver without causing any soreness or cramping, even after scrubbing for a while or when applying extra strength.

We liked the combination of soft and hard bristles. They removed tough stains and extended out to reach corners and angles. They didn’t stain either, and they kept their shape after scrubbing grout. Afterwards, it was even super easy to clean.

The handle is made with bamboo and recycled plastic, which we appreciate as an eco-friendly option. However, it’s important to keep in mind that with excess moisture, the bamboo may disintegrate over time, so you may not want to store it in your shower or tub.

Type: Brush | Size: 4.3 by 1.5 by 5.5 in. | Material: Bamboo, recycled plastic | Compatible Surfaces: Tile, grout, porcelain, ceramic

We love the Better Life Bathroom Cleaner for its spa-like, naturally derived scent and overall effectiveness on tough stains. If you’re looking to pair that cleaner with an ergonomic scrub brush, make sure you pick up the Full Circle Grunge Buster Grout & Tile Scrub Brush.

To find the best tile and grout cleaners, we tested 28 popular products in our lab. First, we noted and considered the type, formula, application, and compatible surfaces. We also considered how quickly each one dried, how much scrubbing each one required, their scent if any, and how easy they were to use.

For the sprays and gel, we tested them by first applying a mud mask mixture to a 12 by 12-inch section of grouted tile flooring. In one square, we tested the products, and in another we tested with a DIY mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and Dawn dish soap. We let the solutions sit on each square, scrubbed them with a Scotch Brite brush, and rinsed with water. Lastly, we used a microfiber cloth and towel to wipe up any excess and a dry paper towel to inspect any residue or stains left behind.

For the brushes, we used the same 12 by 12-inch area and a mud mask mixture. We considered how comfortable it was to hold each brush, their ability to get into the grout, and how much pressure we had to apply; we compared all this to the Scotch Brite brush. Afterwards, we inspected the brushes’ bristles to see how they held up during the test and how easy it was to clean off debris. We performed the same microfiber cloth, towel, and paper towel dry test.

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Choosing between a tile and grout cleaner depends on a few factors—mostly the severity of your cleaning job and how well it fits into your cleaning routine.

“A gel or foam might stay in place longer on grout lines and work on vertical surfaces like shower walls, while a liquid cleaner may cover larger surface areas quickly and work better on horizontal surfaces like floors,” Brown says. “Pick the type or format of tile and grout cleaner that best suits the task at hand.”

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Depending on the formula, the cleaner you opt for will work on certain stains, have a certain amount of sit or application time, or require other tools or products. For instance, the Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter is a slightly foamy spray that is most efficient for showers since it doesn’t require scrubbing.

“A scrub-and-rinse formula might require more elbow grease but may be more effective for deeply ingrained stains, whereas a spray-and-wipe formula could be faster but might be less powerful for tough grime,” Brown says.

Not all tile and grout cleaners work on contact. Most need to sit for a few minutes before you start scrubbing or wiping, while others like the Skylarlife Grout Silicone Caulk Whitener require an application time of six to eight hours.

“The application process can affect both the cleaning experience and the effectiveness of the cleaner,” Brown says. “Spray-on cleaners might be quicker but could lead to overspraying, while foaming or gel cleaners that are applied via a squeeze tube or poured on slowly can stick to surfaces longer for deeper cleaning.”

While plenty of tile and grout cleaners are compatible on many surfaces, delicate ones like natural stone, granite, and marble may require a specialized cleaner. If you want something that works on a variety of surfaces, go for something versatile and effective like the Mold Armor Mold and Mildew Killer + Quick Stain Remover or the Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner Spray that works best for floors.

“A cleaner formulated specifically for porcelain or ceramic tiles may not be safe for natural stone surfaces, and vice versa,” Brown says. “Make sure to select a cleaner that is compatible with the surfaces you're cleaning to avoid damage and always check the product label to ensure it’s safe for your tile and grout material. I always recommend testing your new cleaners in an inconspicuous area to ensure it is safe for your surfaces.”

When it comes down to it, just check the label before buying so you know you’re getting the most bang for your buck if you have multiple materials to clean.

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Most tile and grout cleaners require that you use a secondary tool, such as a firm-bristled brush and/or microfiber cloth. Brown also recommends investing in some reliable cleaning accessories to make the process easier and safer, like gloves to protect your hands and nails and a mask if you’re cleaning in a poorly ventilated area.

It’s common for grouted tile to be found in bathrooms and showers, where stains and buildup like mold, mildew, hard water, and soap scum are most common. According to Brown, most tile and grout cleaners, especially those with antifungal or antimicrobial properties or surfactant-based formulas, can help remove all these and more, but each cleaner will vary in effectiveness.

“It all depends on the cleaner’s ingredients,” she says. “If you are concerned about mold, it might be best to call a professional as it can be a risk to you and your family’s health to touch and potentially spread mold during the cleaning process.

Most people looking to clean their grout also want to restore their color and remove that pesky dinginess. An effective tile and grout cleaner can achieve this, but others are formulated for the sole purpose of restoring color.

“If grout is deeply stained or discolored, restoring it to its original color might require a more intensive cleaning solution, or you may need to use a grout-specific cleaner that contains bleaching agents or grout whitening properties,” Brown says. “In some cases, professional cleaning or grout restoration might be necessary if the discoloration is very stubborn or old.”

Most tile and grout cleaners do not provide a protective seal on their own. If you want to protect or seal your tile and grout, you’ll have to look for a cleaner that clearly states this. Separately, Brown says that this layer doesn’t always last long.

This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with four years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, we tested 28 tile and grout cleaners in our lab and evaluated them based on their type, formula, application, and surface compatibility. Daniela also consulted Carylanne Brown, Grove Guide at Grove Collaborative.