Discover the Top 9 Grout Cleaners for 2025: Expert Reviews & Ratings

Discover the Top 9 Grout Cleaners for 2025: Expert Reviews & Ratings

Grout cleaning can transform the look of your tiled surfaces, making them sparkle like new. Whether you’re tackling bathroom mold, kitchen grease, or years of grime, the right grout cleaner makes all the difference. We’ve scoured expert reviews, user feedback, and hands-on testing results from 2025 to bring you the top 9 grout cleaners that deliver outstanding performance. From eco-friendly sprays to heavy-duty gels, this guide covers their features, pros, cons, and real-world testing scenarios, along with a buying guide to help you choose.

Top 9 Grout Cleaners for 2025

1. Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner

For those looking for an all-purpose grout cleaner, the Black Diamond cleaner is our overall best grout cleaner pick. It effectively removes dirt, soap scum, and pet accidents. This spray is also safe for porcelain, ceramic, and marble surfaces. It even comes with a firm bristle brush for an effective scrub. The Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner worked fabulously during testing. We easily scrubbed away mud, leaving no residue behind when wiping everything up with a microfiber cloth. The spray bottle is comfortable to hold, and unlike most grout cleaners in this guide, it features two nozzle settings¡ªa broad and tight stream spray¡ªthat are perfect for small and large cleaning projects alike.

• Pros: Versatile for multiple surfaces, includes a brush, dual spray settings.
• Cons: May require multiple applications for heavily soiled grout.

2. Soft Scrub With Bleach Cleaner Gel

In our tests, it was more effective for tile grout whitening than any other cleaner, and the difference between our grout before and after cleaning was drastic. While we appreciate how well this bleach-based product works, bleach can damage grout if not used appropriately. For that reason, it may be best to reserve this pick for periodic brightening rather than regular cleaning. Follow the manufacturer’s directions, and don’t let it sit on grout for longer than the recommended 1-minute soaking time.

• Pros: Exceptional whitening, affordable, minimal scrubbing needed.
• Cons: Bleach-based, not for frequent use, squeeze bottle less convenient.

3. Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner

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¡ªthat’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.

• Pros: Eco-friendly, pleasant scent, effective on multiple stains.
• Cons: Not compatible with brass, marble, wood, or granite; single spray setting.

4. Grout-Eez Super Heavy-Duty Grout Cleaner

Created by a professional floor cleaner of 25 years, Grout-Eez has become a cult-favorite best grout cleaner on Amazon. With over 7,400 perfect five-star reviews, this heavy-duty, professional-strength grout cleaner starts attacking dirt and grime as soon as you spray it on. Most users recommend letting it sit for five to 10 minutes before scrubbing floors and tiles and rinsing with clean water a few times. Verified purchaser Heather writes in her review, “After only 10 minutes and a slight amount of elbow grease, this product successfully did what I’ve been trying to do for over two years. My grout wasn’t dark brown anymore.”

• Pros: Professional-grade, fast-acting, safe for colored grout.
• Cons: Strong odor, requires thorough rinsing.

5. Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener

Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener is one of the most popular brands on the market¡ªand for good reason. It deep-cleans and lifts stains using acids that are strong enough to do the job but safe enough to have around your family and four-legged friends. This viral TikTok grout cleaner is truly a fan favorite. After videos of Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener showed dirty grout magically brightening in just 20 seconds, this $7 cleaning product became a mainstay on our list of top cleaning products.

• Pros: Fast-acting, budget-friendly, no-scrub formula.
• Cons: Not safe for marble or natural stone, strong scent.

6. Star Drops The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste

This is a miracle in a jar. I have tried many grout cleaners, and nothing touched the stains in the grout on my bathroom floor UNTIL THE PINK STUFF. I bought the paste. I tried a small area of grout with a toothbrush, rinsed it, and let it dry and it looked like new! I’ve done the whole bathroom that way and have the sore knees to attest to it but it worked! Then I moved on to other hard-to-clean surfaces ¡ª the hard water build-up on the shower door, gone. Came out sparkling.

• Pros: Affordable, versatile for multiple surfaces, effective on tough stains.
• Cons: Paste requires more effort to apply, time-consuming for large areas.

7. Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner

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¡ªparticularly the mud mask. 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.

• Pros: Eco-friendly, versatile, pleasant citrus scent.
• Cons: Slower on heavy stains like toothpaste, slightly pricier.

8. Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Stain Cleaner Remover Gel

Dealing with grout and caulk that’s seriously stained or covered in mold and mildew? This gel from Skylarlife can provide effective cleaning and whitening without any scrubbing. While we tested it for cleaning grout lines in our entryway, it also works well on caulk and sealant around sinks, tubs, and even windows. Though the heavy-duty formula is highly concentrated, it still needs to sit on surfaces for 5 to 6 hours to deliver its full effects.

• Pros: No scrubbing needed, effective on mold, works on caulk.
• Cons: Long wait time, not ideal for quick jobs.

9. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Tub and Tile Cleaner

The cleaning brand may be gentle on the planet, but its tub and tile cleaner effectively cleaned our grout, leaving no speck of mud or residue behind. Our grout was left brighter and whiter than before. We particularly loved how fast and effective it was to use. Its spray mechanism made it super easy to apply, but we do wish the nozzle had a wide setting, too. However, we love that the product comes out thick and adheres to the tile, so if you’re cleaning a vertical surface, it won’t run down the wall.

• Pros: Eco-friendly, pleasant scent, fast-acting.
• Cons: Single spray setting, less effective on heavy stains.

Comparison Table of Top Grout Cleaners

Product	Type	Compatible Surfaces	Notable Features	Price (Approx.)	Link
Black Diamond Ultimate	Spray	Tile, ceramic, porcelain, marble	Dual spray settings, includes brush	$37	Buy Now
Soft Scrub With Bleach	Gel	Tile, grout	Whitening, no scrubbing	$5	Buy Now
Better Life Natural	Spray	Tile, grout, glass, ceramic	Eco-friendly, spa-like scent	$16	Buy Now
Grout-Eez	Spray	Tile, grout	Professional-grade, fast-acting	$23	Buy Now
Zep Grout Cleaner	Gel	Tile, grout	No-scrub, budget-friendly	$7	Buy Now
The Pink Stuff Paste	Paste	Tile, grout, multiple surfaces	Affordable, versatile	$6	Buy Now
Goo Gone Grout Cleaner	Spray	Tile, grout, porcelain, granite	Eco-friendly, citrus scent	$15	Buy Now
Skylarlife Mold Gel	Gel	Grout, caulk, sealant	No scrubbing, mold-focused	$15	Buy Now
Mrs. Meyer’s Cleaner	Spray	Tile, grout	Eco-friendly, fast-acting	$8	Buy Now

Real-World Testing Scenarios

Testing Methodology

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 used a mud mask to stand in for dirt and grime during our grout cleaner test. Credit: Better Homes & Gardens. Three different editors tested similar products in their own bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, consisting of natural stone, ceramic, and porcelain tile and both white and colored grout, for side-by-side comparisons. We compared the store-bought cleaners to the same DIY grout cleaner solution (baking soda, soap, and hydrogen peroxide).

Key Findings

• Black Diamond: Easily scrubbed away mud in a shower with ceramic tiles, leaving no residue after a microfiber cloth wipe.
• Soft Scrub: Whitened grout drastically on a kitchen backsplash in just one minute, but required careful timing to avoid damage.
• Better Life: Removed mud mask stains from a bathroom floor in two minutes with a light scrub, leaving a fresh scent.
• Grout-Eez: Restored dark brown grout to its original white in a high-traffic entryway after 10 minutes of soaking.
• Zep: Brightened grout in a bathroom shower in 20 seconds, but the strong scent was noticeable during application.

Buying Guide for Grout Cleaners

What to Look for in a Grout Cleaner

Before purchasing a grout cleaner, Debbie Sardone, founder of Cleaning for a Reason and owner of Speed Cleaning, advises always reading the label to know what cleaners can be used on what surface. Many grout cleaners use acid or ammonia, which can damage natural stone or unsealed surfaces. “Be sure what you purchase is safe for what surface you are cleaning around, not just for the grout,” Sardone adds.

• Type of Stain: If you have floor tile that gets a lot of foot traffic and simply has dirt buildup, you might not need a very strong cleaner, but if you have tile in a bathroom that doesn’t get great ventilation and has started to grow mildew or mold, you might need a stronger solution with bleach.
• Surface Compatibility: Choose an overly harsh product, and you could wear away the protective seal and risk cracking and crumbling. Stone surfaces like marble, granite, limestone, and quartz can be stained or etched by the wrong product.
• Eco-Friendliness: Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of eco-friendly grout cleaners on the market. However, products like Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner and Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner are alcohol, bleach, and chlorine-free.

How to Use a Grout Cleaner Effectively

• Spray or apply the cleaner directly onto the grout.
• Let it sit for the recommended time (usually 1-10 minutes).
• Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush for stubborn stains.
• Wipe clean with a wet cloth or rinse with water.
• Air dry for 24 hours and consider applying a grout sealer, like Seal It Green Xtreme, to prevent future stains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best grout cleaner for mold and mildew?

For mold and mildew, Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Stain Cleaner Gel is highly effective, requiring no scrubbing but a 5-6 hour wait time. Alternatively, Soft Scrub With Bleach Cleaner Gel whitens and kills mold spores quickly in just one minute.

Can I use a grout cleaner on natural stone tiles?

Not all grout cleaners are safe for natural stone like marble or granite. Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner and Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner are explicitly safe for these surfaces, while acid-based cleaners like Zep should be avoided.

How often should I clean my grout?

For high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms, clean grout every 3-6 months to prevent buildup. For less-used areas, annual cleaning is sufficient. Regular maintenance with a mild cleaner like Mrs. Meyer’s can extend the time between deep cleans.

Are eco-friendly grout cleaners effective?

Yes, products like Better Life and Goo Gone are EPA Safer Choice Certified and effectively remove stains like mud and soap scum, though they may require more scrubbing for heavy mold or grease compared to bleach-based cleaners.

Do I need a special brush for grout cleaning?

A stiff-bristle grout brush, like the Full Circle Grunge Buster, enhances cleaning efficiency. For tough jobs, a cordless scrubber like the Rubbermaid Multi-Purpose Cordless Power Scrubber can save effort.

Conclusion

The right grout cleaner can revive your tiled surfaces, whether you’re battling everyday dirt or stubborn mold. Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner stands out for its versatility and ease of use, while Soft Scrub With Bleach Gel excels at whitening. For eco-conscious households, Better Life and Goo Gone offer effective, safer alternatives. Use our comparison table and buying guide to pick the cleaner that suits your needs, and enjoy sparkling grout in 2025. For more cleaning tips, check out Good Housekeeping’s cleaning guides.