NBC Select senior editor Nikki Brown and I both tried out this grout cleaning solution from Zep and while the bleach smell is quite strong, we found that it works extremely well in cleaning and lightening the grout in our bathrooms. Since this is a liquid and not a spray, a little goes a long way With that said, I recommend using it with a scrub brush to get a more thorough clean and a pair of rubber cleaning gloves to prevent it from splashing on your hands. Also, since the scent is powerful, be sure to open a window and/or have a fan going while you clean to help it filter out more quickly.
Experts I spoke to also recommend using a grout sealant to give your grout a fresh start. As opposed to cleaning grout itself, this pen works similarly to White-Out, essentially sealing older soiled grout with a fresh strip of bright white coverage. It also dries quickly, doesn’t have a strong smell, according to the brand, and it’s simple to use — all you have to do is press down on the tip repeatedly to start using it.
This spray is ideal for cleaning grout and grime, including mold, mildew and soap scum, which often start to accumulate around your shower and bathtub. It’s safe to use on porcelain, ceramic tiles, natural stone like granite and fiberglass, according to the brand. The brand recommends spraying it directly on the surface and letting it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge and doing a rinse after.
“When we moved into our house, one of our bathrooms had some pretty dingy grout,” says NBC Select weekend editor Bethany Heitman. “A few squirts of this cleaner and some gentle scrubbing and it looked brand new.” The set comes with two bottles of cleaner and a brush attachment that’s compatible with any broom pole, according to the brand. You can use this grout cleaner on white or colored grout and is safe for ceramic and porcelain tile, according to the brand. “I also appreciate that it doesn’t have an overwhelming scent,” says Heitman.
To use several of the products above to their fullest extent, you’ll need a good tool to get your grout clean, so it’s smart to start with a slender brush with stiff bristles. Grout is a porous material, so you have to use an abrasive tool to thoroughly clean it and get rid of dirt and grime. This set has two slim brushes — one large one and another small one for cleaning grout of different widths. This set is ideal for clearing out grout, but the small brush also has a wiper blade on the end for cleaning small crevices around your sink and tub.
This electric cleaning brush comes with a head specifically made for cleaning grout. The brush requires four AA batteries, which are included, and can scrub up to two times faster than manual scrubbing, according to the brand. In addition to cleaning grout, you can use this tool to get in cracks and crevices of appliances or to clean sneakers.
This popular multipurpose tool from Bissell works miracles on bathroom surfaces, especially dirty grout. It’s a steam cleaner that has a long pointy end to it so you can aim a powerful flow of steam directly onto your grout to lift up the dirt and grime. While it’s important to use a device like this with caution — the steam gets very hot and can lead to burns — it’s also extremely satisfying to see it in action. A newer version of the brand’s previous Steam Shot (which NBC Select staff members Rosalie Sparaco and Zoe Malin love), this new model is safe to use in family households, according to the brand, and it comes with multiple attachments including a scrub brush and an angled applicator.
Use a thin stiff-bristle brush, such as Oxo Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set, to scrub in between the tiles. It’s best if the brush is thin in shape so it can more thoroughly clean the crevices.
Rinse off the cleaning solution and residue with a wet microfiber cloth or a handheld shower head (if cleaning grout in the shower). Thoroughly dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Repeat the process if necessary to begin seeing a difference.
Mix three parts baking soda to one part hydrogen peroxide in a bowl until a paste forms. The baking soda is an abrasive and will help remove dirt and grime.
Apply the paste along the grout, pressing it in as needed. Use a thin stiff-bristle brush to thoroughly scrub in between the tiles.
Rinse with a wet microfiber cloth or a handheld shower head. Dry thoroughly.
Repeat the process if necessary to begin seeing a difference.
In addition to cleaning solutions, you can use cleaning appliances, such as a handheld steam cleaner like the Dirt Devil Handheld Steam Cleaner. The heat from a steam cleaner can help raise stuck-on grime on the grout, making it easier to clean.
Before using the steam cleaner, read and follow the instructions on the product manual carefully. Steam cleaners are effective appliances, but are potentially dangerous if used improperly.
With the steam cleaner’s thin nozzle attached, point the steam cleaner at the grout and blast the steam all around the tiles, going over the same spots a few times.
Rinse the tiles and grout with a wet microfiber cloth or a handheld shower head and wipe dry as needed.
Frequently asked questions
Grout is a type of mortar made of cement used to fill between tiles and bricks. This includes tile floors, walls and backsplashes. When it comes to tile floors, such as the one in a bathroom, grout often becomes dirty for several reasons, according to Jennifer Rodriguez, chief hygiene officer at ProHouskeepers. “Dirty grout is mainly caused by the buildup of dirt, grime and mildew, often exacerbated in high-traffic or damp areas,” she says. “Regular foot traffic can grind dirt into the grout, and moisture can lead to mold or mildew.” Grout is typically white, but over time, dirt and grime cause it to appear gray or brown.
Aside from manually cleaning grout, it’s also a good idea to take steps to defend against dirt and grime in the future, according to Melissa Maker, founder of cleaning site Clean My Space. “Prevention involves regularly cleaning and sealing grout with a grout sealer to reduce its porosity,” she says. “Think of sealing grout like putting a ‘top coat’ on nail polish.” You can also prevent your grout from getting dirty by regularly using a squeegee to clean up excess moisture on the walls of the shower and any glass.
A grout sealant comes in the form of a paste or thick liquid that you can apply with a squeeze bottle or other applicators. It can drastically improve the appearance of grout and make it look cleaner. “Applying a high-quality grout sealer once a year helps to prevent potential contaminants and detritus from getting into the porous surface of your grout, making it far more resistant to water and stains,” says Courtney Walsh, a cleaning expert at Homeaglow. “ Typically, you can get away with re-sealing once every two years but annually is often best, especially in homes where bathrooms have high usage, poor ventilation or hard water.”
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
