The 3 best grout cleaners of 2026, tested by experts

Scrubbing tile is the bane of my cleaning existence, but the best grout cleaners make this chore a little easier. Whether you're freshening the shower grout in your home or diving into a deep clean after settling into a new place, these formulas help lift dirt, soap scum, mildew and other nastiness.

To put them to the test, I relied on my experience as Yahoo's resident cleaning expert: Armed with just a microfiber cloth as backup, I used these grout-cleaning products on both everyday grime and extra-stubborn, sticky substances, including caked-on toothpaste and mud mask smears. As I cleaned the grout, I paid close attention to each product's ease of use, fragrance, and its ability to tackle other surfaces. The results were, quite frankly, game-changing. From a spa-worthy tile spray (you read that right) to a professional-level brightener, these best grout cleaners get the job done.

Best grout cleaners of 2026

Factors to consider when choosing a grout cleaner

✓ 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 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 when more potent ingredients, such as bleach and acids, are involved.

How we test grout cleaners

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 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!"

Other grout cleaners we tested

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 :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 :While not a specialized grout cleaner, and not quite as effective as our finalists, 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 :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 :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 :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 out, including red wine from my quartz countertops. But it smells strong and can stain colored surfaces, so it's best reserved for targeted areas or particularly challenging jobs. 

Stardrops "The Pink Stuff" Bathroom Spray :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 :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 :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 it is a good weekly cleaner with a nice scent.

Branch Basics "The Concentrate" :Branch Basics' concentrate comes recommended by experts — including yours truly — for its clean ingredients, versatility and, when diluted correctly, value (it rings in at $55 but is 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. 

Grout cleaner FAQs

How do you use grout cleaner?

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.

What are the best steam cleaners for tile and grout?

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 (here 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.

What cleans grout best?

Many products will get the job done. The best grout cleaner for your bathroom really depends on the type of surface and areas of concern. Is your grout sealed or unsealed? How much build-up are you plowing through? At the end of the day, a formula cleans grout best when used properly. Professional cleaning experts recommend cleaning grout every week for general upkeep and then diving in for a deeper clean every month.

Best grout cleaners specs comparison chart

Update, July 13, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best grout cleaner remains unchanged.

We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.