"Cleanliness is next to godliness." With that said, grout stains usually look gross, and they can be as well the result of mildew, mold, and other substances you do not want in your house. Unfortunately, grout is not something we notice until it becomes filthy, dark, and dingy. Luckily, with the best grout cleaner, you can restore its former glory.
Cleaning grout can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, but it will never be the same when you invest in the best-rate grout cleaners. This article will guide you and offer you tips and recommendations for deciding on the right grout cleaner to use. But before that,
Why Do You Need Grout Cleaners?
Grout is basically a mixture of water, sand, and cement and serves as a space-filler connecting sections of filling voids, pre-cast concrete, and sealing joints like those between tiles. However, since it is slightly porous, soap scum, dust, and dirty water can coat it and even soak it into it over a long period, especially if it isn't properly sealed. Moreover, this dirty, moist environment usually offers the ideal foothold for mold and mildew to take root.
Therefore, with grout cleaners, you can remove even the stubborn dirt and stains that detergents can't. Also, you will protect your tiles and grout from future stains. Besides being a less expensive grout cleaning solution, it's less time-consuming and less labor-intensive.
With that in mind, let's check out the best-rated grout cleaner products on the market. Read on!
1. Soft Scrub (28.6 Fluid Ounces) with Bleach Cleaner Gel
- Easy to use gel that powers through tough stains like juice,...
- Non-abrasive formula cleans most surfaces including countertops,...
- Use on bathtubs, countertops, showers, sinks, stovetops, tiles,...
- This product is Orthodox Union certified Kosher
- This package includes one 28.6 fluid ounce bottle of Soft Scrub...
If you're dealing with tough stains and you're looking for the best grout cleaner to rescue you, count on the Soft Scrub 28. 6 Fl Oz. with Bleach Cleaner Gel. This bleach cleaner is suitable for large areas like countertops, tub edges, or floors. In addition, it comes with a pointed nozzle top that makes it easy to dispense and target your application where it is needed.
So, when cleaning, run it straight along the grout lines, wait for a few minutes, then brush and rinse. And since it is a gel, it remains where you apply it to better penetrate through the stained grout and bleach out stains rather than flowing as liquids can. Therefore, you can use this gel to clean shower grout, kitchen backsplash, countertops, tiles, and toilets.
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2. Granite Gold Grout Cleaner & Scrub Brush for Natural Stone Surfaces
- EXCEPTIONAL GROUT CLEANER – The 24 ounce bottle of Granite Gold...
- USE ON ANY COLOR GROUT – This superior grout cleaning spray is...
- APPLY TO MANY SURFACES – You can use this heavy duty grout...
- INCLUDES AGITATOR BRUSH – Every spray bottle comes with a...
- SAFE, ACID-FREE FORMULA – The grout cleaning solution is...
Granite Gold Grout Cleaner is one of the best-rated grout cleaners suitable for cleaning natural stone surfaces since it contains harsh chemicals that can etch the natural stone. However, it is formulated without ammonia or acid. This formula is also safe on white and colored grout. Furthermore, it effectively removes mildew, mold, dirt, and other build-ups on grout.
This Granite Gold Grout Cleaner is versatile and easy to use; you will notice that your grout brightened after sitting for 5-10 minutes. Besides being safe on stone, you can use it on porcelain, ceramic, tile, concrete, slate, and glass. It is biodegradable and non-toxic and has a pleasant citrus smell, plus the package comes with a strong poly-fiber brush that agitates grime and dirt; however, it doesn't scratch stone surfaces.
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3. IT JUST WORKS! Super Heavy-Duty Grout Cleaner (Grout EEZ)
- ✔️ Grout-eez is a heavy-duty professional strength cleaner...
- ✔️ This 2 In 1 Cleaner Gives You Everything You Need In One...
- ✔️ Makes stains almost magically disappear (No need to spend...
- ✔️ Grout-eez Produces amazing Results No Matter How Many...
- ✔️ Return’s your grout to its original color (There's no...
If you're looking for the best grout cleaner that's ideal for heavy-duty cleaning, count on the Grout Eez Super Heavy-Duty Grout Cleaner. This professional-strength formula is easy to use. In other words, it's a spray-on cleaner. Simply spray it on your grout and wait for about 10 minutes, then wipe away the dirt lurking in your grout. This Grout-Eez is safe for both porcelain and ceramic tiles and is capable of returning the original color of your grout.
Additionally, the Grout Eez cleaner eliminates tough stains, so you don't need to hire a professional. No matter how long the dirt and grime have been on your grout, this cleaner will offer you amazing results. However, although the Grout Eez cleaner is safe to use for most tiled surfaces except for natural stone, it contains chemicals that produce fumes. We, therefore, recommend you open the windows or turn on your ventilation fan if you will be applying it in an enclosure space. Besides, ensure you wear protective gear ( gloves and goggles while doing so.
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4. Ultimate Grout Cleaner (1-Quart) By Black Diamond Stoneworks
- ????BEST GROUT CLEANER Acid-Free safe for white and colored...
- ???? STRONG ENOUGH FOR COMMERCIAL USE. A deep cleaner for grease,...
- ???? GUARANTEED TO CLEAN EVEN THE DIRTIEST GROUT, best way to...
- ???? NOT FOR CALCIUM,OR WATER SPOTS. Made in San Clemente CA USA
- ???? BEST GROUT CLEANER FOR CLEANING GROUT Acid-Free safe for...
When it comes to the best grout cleaners, Ultimate Grout Cleaner by Black Diamond Stoneworks will always be on the top of the list. This grout cleaner cleans even the grimiest grout, and users can testify that it does a great job. It usually removes grease, soap, and oil deposits without hassle. This acid-free cleaning solution is safe for marble, ceramic, and porcelain tiles. When applying, spray it on and wait for about 1-3 minutes, then use a brush to scrub well and rinse it off. You can also use it with a grout steam cleaner for additional cleaning power.
Additionally, you can use this cleaner on natural stones. However, it is not designed to remove calcium and mold deposits, so you need to buy a separate cleaner. Also, it may take a bit of time and energy to get the cleaner's full benefit, but the results are worth it.
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What are the Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Grout Cleaner Products?
1. Cleaning power
When shopping for the best grout cleaners, the most vital thing you want from these cleaners is to clean grout. So, the cleaner should be soft to polish your grout tiles without scratching them but sturdy enough to get rid of grout discoloration because of dirt, mold, and mildew. However, how strong of a grout cleaner you need highly depends on how dirty your grout is. A milder cleaner is fine if you're looking forward to preventing gunk from building up on your tiles and grout.
2. Active ingredients
When looking for the best grout cleaner, we recommend you counter-check the active ingredients so that you can have an effective cleaning. Then grout cleaners should be strong to clean soap scum, erase mold, lift dirt and brighten your tiles with ease.
Whitening and brightening: Although chlorine bleach is occasionally a go-to ingredient in whitening products, in this case, it's not necessarily the best option. Bleach is usually associated with some health concerns, for instance, respiratory damage, and it can release harmful airborne substances when mixed with other cleaning products.
However, you can still use it in small doses. We, however, recommend you looking for products containing feldspar. This naturally occurring mineral is usually crushed into a fine powder, which works great on hard surfaces, including tile and grout.
Mold and mildew removal: You will want a cleaner depending on your mold situation. So, here are some ingredients that believe in removing mold and mildew removal. Hydrogen peroxide, an acid, or chlorine bleach. For instance, a mild acid-based grout cleaner with citric or oxalic acid is the least harsh of these cleaning formulas and won't damage stainless steel, chrome, or tile. On the other hand, an oxygen bleach-containing hydrogen peroxide is relatively strong.
Moreover, chlorine bleach is considered the strongest and most caustic. However, it's important to note that bleaching formulas should only be used if you want to whiten your grout tiles, as they can also lift color from colored grout or stained grout. Besides, all these ingredients will successfully kill bacteria and germs, which, when used in low doses, can be handy, especially in kitchen and bathroom areas.
3. Healthy safety
Before using your best grout cleaner, it is wise to read the product's label. Some grout cleaners usually come with safety warnings and outlined the necessary steps to protect yourself. However, others don't include this information. If the information isn't included, check out the ingredients to see if they are dangerous or read through reviews to see precautions taken by other users.
Ammonia and chlorine bleach can be poisonous and caustic if wrongly used. In addition, both chemicals can cause eye and skin irritation and even respiratory damage. However, their grout-whitening powers are usually daunting, especially where stubborn grout stains, mildew, and mold are concerned.
Conversely, high levels of phosphates have been associated with irritation in humans and negative effects on water systems and aquatic life. Nonetheless, they're also handy in cutting through soap scum, softening water, and enhancing cleaning grout product's efficiency. Meanwhile, the U.S has been increasing phosphate regulations since the 1960s, removing this additive from most cleaning products and detergents, although not all.
For grout cleaners that include acidic ingredients, we recommend you use protective gloves and a respirator. For other pH-neutral ingredients, these safety precautions might not be necessary though it depends on individuals.
4. Application method
There are usually two ways to apply the grout cleaner: scour with a brush or spray and wipe. Scrubbing with a brush and the cleaner need a little work; however, this method can be very effective on heavily soiled grout and floors. For cleaning tools, you can use a toothbrush on small grout lines. A scrub pad or brush is best for backsplashes and floors. Some brands offer both the liquid cleaner and a broom head or scrubbing tool. We recommend you use gentle pressure and avoid forceful scrubbing to prevent scratching the surrounding tiles.
Conversely, spray-on products usually claim to work without scrubbing, which saves time and energy. However, these cleaners might have solvents, harsher acids, or chlorine bleach. So, it is wise to weigh the benefits of saving your elbow grease or potentially releasing toxins particles into the home environment.
6 Simple Rules to Follow When Using Grout Cleaners
It's important to consider your health safety and the safety of other people in the house before using the grout cleaner. Follow these simple steps if you're using the cleaner for the first time for optimum results.
1. Carefully read through the instructions of the cleaner before use
2. Always ensure you wear a respirator, protective clothing like gloves and goggles
3. Avoid scrubbing the tile cleaner vigorously into the grout since it might dislodge the actual grout.'
4. Use a small toothbrush or a grout brush to clean any tight spaces
5. Rinse the cleaned area carefully, using a shower head, for instance
6. Repeat the cleaning process treatment if need be.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Grout Cleaners
1. How do you whiten your tile grout?
First, allow the grout cleaner to "soak" into your dirty grout for about 15 to 20 minutes. Giving the grout cleaner more "dwell time" allows it to brighten, eventually whitening the grout. You can then wipe the grout clean.
2. How do you clean dirty grout lines between floor tiles?
Apply grout cleaner on the grout lines and allow it to stay there for 5 to 10 minutes, then get a toothbrush and scrub.
3. Is hydrogen peroxide recommended for grout cleaning?
You can use it though it won't be effective as using the right grout cleaner. Put some hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle, then simply spray on the grout to eliminate mold and mildew. You can reapply if necessary, then scrub and rinse.
4. Does toothpaste actually clean grout?
You can use it though it won't be effective as using the right grout cleaner. First, put some white non-gel toothpaste on your grout, then scrub with a toothbrush. Next, rinse with a cloth soaked with liquid dish soap and water, then wipe clean when you are done.
