The best grout cleaners of 2025 handle (most of) the dirty work, just in time for spring cleaning. (Amazon)
I love a good multi-purpose cleaner as much as anyone. As an apartment dweller, I rely on them to keep my space fresh without having a bunch of dedicated bottles causing clutter. And as a longtime home writer who happens to test a lot of products for a living, I typically have my pick of the litter.
But once in a while, a generalist won't cut it, and it's time to bring in the reinforcements. That's especially true when I need to clean grout, where dirt, dust, soap scum and other nastiness always seem to build up like blocks in a game of Tetris. Scrubbing tile is the bane of my cleaning existence … or at least, it was.
In anticipation of having some friends stay at my place, I put some of the best grout cleaners and best tile cleaners to the test — against regular grime and some extra stubborn, sticky substances (read more about our testing below ... it included mud masks and toothpaste!). The results were, quite frankly, game-changing.
From a spa-worthy tile spray (you read that correctly) to a professional-level brightener, these best grout cleaners of 2025 really got the job done. Over here, you can find more expert-recommended cleaning products. (And in case my landlord is reading this, yes, all the gunk came off my tiles in the end.)
Size: 32 oz. | Formula: Spray | Surface types: Tile/grout | Fragrance: Tea tree and eucalyptus
My award for best grout cleaner overall goes to this non-toxic tub and tile cleaner from Better Life, which was not only effective but (dare I say it?) pleasant to use.
It made stubborn grime, including mud mask smears and caked-on toothpaste disappear from my shower walls: I spritzed a few sprays over the given substances and was able to wipe most of them off within seconds, using only a microfiber towel.
The spray nozzle is comfortable to hold and shoot (it distributes enough formula to get the job done, but it's not excessive). I appreciate how the bottle is clear so I can see how much formula it has left.
According to Better Life, this cleaner is made without sulfates, added alcohols, added parabens or petroleum solvents. Instead of harsh or synthetic fragrances, it's infused with essential oils (tea tree and eucalyptus) for a light, spa-like scent.
I'd recommend it for refreshing grout, as well as an everyday solution for tub and tile maintenance.
Size: 32 oz. | Form: Bottled liquid | Surface types: Tile/grout | Fragrance: Unscented
For another solid grout cleaner, with an even greater brightening effect, consider this illuminating product from Zep.
I used a microfiber towel to apply it to the dingy grout on my bathroom floors, turning the bottle upside down to get the towel wet. Then I scrubbed at the mess with a small brush, as well as a mini Rubbermaid spin scrubber I've become particularly fond of.
The solution broke down mud and toothpaste with ease and lifted the bold red and blue of any Aquafresh that remained from my testing. And it had no problem lifting dirt, scum and residual product I'd left to linger on my bathroom floor (it was left sparkling).
Note: While this product doesn't have a strong chemical scent like some other potent products, it's very acidic (which is why it's so good at eating away buildup), so I'd recommend using a scrubber and gloves to apply it, taking extra precaution to ensure nothing gets in or around your eyes.
Size: 32 oz. | Form: Spray | Surface types: Tile/grout, ceramic, porcelain, marble | Fragrance: "April Fresh" scent
If you're dealing with particularly stubborn dirt and stains, this fast-acting grout cleaner from Black Diamond is one of the best in the game.
Not only did it break down goopy toothpaste and tough mud on my shower wall, but it was able to swiftly lift charcoal gray stains left from my initial tests (aka the mess that made me just a little bit nervous).
The bottle is easy to spray and I found the light "April Fresh" scent pleasant enough. While I focused most of my attention on ceramic and stone tile, this product is also safe for marble surfaces. It also comes with its very own brush, though I was able to lift gunk by scrubbing firmly with a microfiber towel.
Note: As this is another strong formula, you'll want to read the instructions closely and protect yourself accordingly. (I also recommend running fans and opening windows when cleaning, especially with potent products).
Tile material: Take note of the product description (and any restrictions) to gauge a cleaning product's capabilities and make sure it's safe for the intended surfaces (for example, some of the best grout cleaners can damage unsealed or softer stones, like marble).
Application: Like most cleaning products, grout cleaners typically come in one of three forms: a bottled liquid, spray or paste. Bottled liquids are good for potent formulas and targeted applications (where you only need a dab of product or want to be really careful where you put it), whereas sprays are ideal for larger surface areas. Pastes are best for areas that could use a good scrub (i.e. grout covered in sticky or gritty substances).
Ingredients: I try to prioritize natural and gentler cleaning ingredients where possible, particularly when it comes to everyday use and when cleaning indoors. Always make sure to follow cleaning product instructions carefully and take proper precautions to protect yourself.
Fragrance: If you're going to be using a cleaning product, you want it to smell good (or at least not nauseating!). Look for natural essential oils over synthetic fragrances and be sure to use gloves, goggles and/or a mask where more potent ingredients, such as bleach and acids, are involved.
Sometimes, things have to get dirtier before they get cleaner, or at least that was my mantra going into this.
I didn't clean the walls or floor of my bathroom for several weeks leading up to testing, allowing dirt, soap scum, dry shampoo and other products to build up, then used the cleaning solutions to see how they'd shape up in real-life instances. With that out of the way, I plastered my tiled shower walls and bathroom floors with stubborn mud and sticky toothpaste (and left them there for days).
I applied the grout cleaners and attempted to remove the stains with just a dry microfiber towel, then a wet microfiber towel, to gauge performance. I also used sponges (and our favorite spin scrubbers) where warranted.
I considered factors like application (ease of use), versatility (across floors and substances) and fragrance. At one point along the way, a friend asked "What if all of the dirt doesn't come off by the time you're through?," to which I responded, "Then I guess I have more work to do!"
So many cleaners, so little time! Products meant for grout specifically topped my picks, but I also tested some of the best tile cleaners and other bathroom sprays.
Zep Home Pro Miracle Grout Cleaner & Protectant ($5): I like how this grout cleaner comes in spray form, which makes it a bit more user-friendly than our top pick. That said, I found it less potent and it didn't brighten the grout as well.
Zep Multi-Purpose Foaming Bathroom Cleaner ($4): While not a specialized grout cleaner, and not quite as effective as those mentioned above, this product was able to break down mud and toothpaste from tiles, as well as grout with a smudge more patience.
Wet & Forget Shower Spray ($20): This formula didn't dissolve the mud mask and toothpaste from shower tiles quite as quickly as some others, but it did a good job lifting gunk between shower tiles.
Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner ($10): I was excited to try this product because I, and many of the experts I've spoken to, rely on Goo Gone for tackling sticky messes at home. It was able to clean my grout, but it took longer than our top picks to clear the toothpaste from tiles.
Clorox Bathroom Bleach Foamer ($5): Clorox's foamer is made with bleach for sanitizing — while it washes, it whitens! It de-gunked my grout, and it's been able to get many other everyday stains, including red wine from my quartz countertops, out. But it smells strong and can stain colored surfaces, so it's best reserved for targeted areas or particularly challenging (read: colorful or moldy) jobs.
Stardrops "The Pink Stuff" Bathroom Spray ($10): This spray was able to lift the mud, as well as the toothpaste, off my grout. It took more finessing to clear toothpaste from larger tiles (so, it's ideal for traditional scum, dirt and grime, but perhaps not so much lots of slime).
Mr. Clean "Clean Freak" Spray ($5): While not as quick as my top picks, this product broke down substances from tiles well. I liked the grapefruit scent and how it sprays easily and continuously. From my testing, it also appears to be streak-free as the brand claims.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Tub and Tile Cleaner ($8): I use Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day's Daily Shower Spray in my regular cleaning rotation, and this is slightly quicker at breaking down gunk between tiles. It didn't do as well as our top picks, but is a good weekly cleaner with a nice scent.
Branch Basics "The Concentrate" ($55): Branch Basics' concentrate comes recommended by experts — including yours truly — for its clean ingredients, versatility and, when diluted correctly, value (it's equal to nine cleaning spray bottles, plus a tub of laundry detergent). It didn't eat away mud and toothpaste as aggressively as my top picks, but I'd say it's good for regular tile cleaning.
(back top)
With vigor! Different formulas warrant different applications and yield different results, so I always recommend consulting product instructions and any safety precautions before use. Sponges (I like this extendable wand from Scotch-Brite) break down grit, while brushes are good for smaller grooves. Consider a spin scrubber for a power boost.
Glad you asked! A steam cleaner is a great tool for naturally sanitizing surfaces and breaking down gunk that has built up on grout and in other cracks and crevices (her are some expert-approved steam cleaners). You can use one with water as a natural way to clean or incorporate a solution when you have a more challenging mess on your hands and H2O alone won't do.
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
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