Grout cleaning can be the best way to make bathroom tiles look like new. However, with so many options on the market, it can be hard to find the product that is right for you.
In this article we break down everything from strength to application, to help you find the grout cleaner that best meets your specific needs.
1. Long Life Grout Cleaner (Top Pick)
Long Life Grout Cleaner is number one on our list for good reason. It is easy to use, and it’s fast. Just spray it on your grout, wait ten minutes, then give it a light scrub. Done. Your grout will look like new.
The fumes can be pretty overpowering, especially if cleaning in a confined space like a shower recess. Wear a mask and safety glasses to avoid problems.
The spray bottle is convenient for most bathroom and kitchen jobs. For large floor areas, you will need to get the 2-litre bottle.
What We Like:
- Very effective
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Little scrubbing required
What We Don’t Like:
- Spray bottle is too small for floors
- Fumes can be quite strong
- Need a face mask and googles in small spaces
2. Shower, Tub, and Tile Power Scrubber Brush
The Power Scrubber Brush takes the work out of scrubbing shower tiles. Simply place the brush head onto a cordless drill and let technology do the work for you.
This cleans far better than hand-scrubbing and it doesn’t leave scratches either. The flat brush cleans bath tiles and still gets to the grout in the seams while the rounded bush easily cleans corners.
The only work you have to do is holding the drill. This can get tiring, and some drills may heat up quickly if you run them for too long against resistance. These are small points though, using the power scrubber is fast and efficient.
What We Like:
- Easy to use
- Fast and efficient
- Far less effort than scrubbing
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires a drill
- Uses up battery power fast
- Drill will get hot with constant use
3. Natural Grout Cleaning Methods
Any guide on grout cleaning has to mention the traditional methods. You can clean grout with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. For better results, replace the vinegar with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
You will need a good scrubbing brush and some elbow grease. Apply the solution to your grout and scrub the dirt away. Repeat as many times as needed. This will be a lot of work for large areas, but for a small area, it’s fine. Natural methods are best used when your grout is relatively clean and just needs a quick scrub now and then.
What We Like:
- Cheap
- No need for chemicals
- Good for top-up cleaning
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires a lot of scrubbing
- May not work on calcium build-up
4. Grout Pen
If you want to recolour old grout, then a grout pen is a good choice. This isn’t really a cleaner, but it will make your grout look new.
To use a grout pen, clean your tiles first, then use the pen to draw over the grout lines. You may need a second application, but it’s a pretty simple process. If any of the paint gets on your tiles you can just wipe it away with a damp cloth.
These pens are available in a variety of colours. You can touch up white grout to make it look new, or stain the grout if you want to make it darker.
What We Like:
- Makes grout look like new
- Easy application
- Easy clean up
What We Don’t Like:
- For large areas, the pen may run out
5. CLR Bathroom And Kitchen Cleaner
CLR is a trusted brand that has been around for a long time. It’s not a typical tile grout cleaner, but the spray bottle is convenient for cleaning up soap scum and other dirt that collects in your tile seams.
To use it for grout cleaning or tile cleaning, just spray some on the dirty area and leave for a few minutes. Then wipe or scrub it off.
It isn’t specifically made for grout, so some stains, like mould, may not come off so easily. But for calcium build-up this is a great cleaner.
The fumes are pretty strong so a mask is essential.
What We Like:
- Easy and fast
- Versatile, works on many surfaces
- Removes some stains that other cleaners don’t
What We Don’t Like:
- Strong fumes – you need a mask with this product
- Requires some scrubbing
- Not designed for mould
Grout Cleaner Buyer’s Guide
Your Options For Grout Cleaning
Most of us have had filthy grout at one time or another. Most people give up on having bright white grout and settle for dull green instead.
If you are wondering how to clean grout, freshly grouting tiles is one solution. You can also hire a grout cleaning machine to get the job done. But there are cheaper solutions available that can be just as effective.
Visit Bunnings to find some good inexpensive cleaners. For less intensive jobs, you can probably find what you need at Coles or Woolworths.
How Strong Do You Need?
Strength is the main consideration for a grout cleaner. Grout tends to hold stains that regular cleaners can’t remove. If you have mould build-up or a lot of dirt, you will need a powerful cleaner to bring your grout back to white.
If you have darker grout or grout that is moderately clean, then you can use a milder cleaner.
Purpose Of The Cleaner
Some cleaners are specifically designed for bathroom tiles while others are general-purpose cleaners that can be used for grout.
For a heavy-duty clean, it’s best to go with a cleaner that is designed specifically for grout. For lighter jobs, a general cleaner may be good enough.
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How Much Effort Will it Be?
Consider the method of application. Some cleaners can be sprayed on and wiped off, while some require you to scrub. For larger jobs like a floor, you want to make it as easy as possible on yourself. For smaller jobs like a shower recess or kitchen area, it isn’t as important.
Grout Cleaning FAQs
What is the best grout cleaner in Australia?
Our recommendation is to use a is purpose-made grout cleaning product. These products come in handy spray bottles, are inexpensive, simple to use, and take only 10 minutes to loosen the dirt and stains from your grout. In this article we reveal our top pick, where to purchase, and discuss a few other great grout cleaning options as well.
You have a few options for cleaning grout: 1. Use a grout cleaning product which you can spray and leave, then wipe off after 10 – 20 minutes, followed by some light scrubbing. 2. Use a tool that scrubs at high speed (check out our article for where to purchase). 3. Use natural products like vinegar and baking soda, which will require more scrubbing but is also the cheapest option.
After cleaning, the best way to bring your grout back to life is by using a product like the Grout Pen (view article for best place to purchase). These products are affordable, easy to use, and come in a range of colours so you can select the best one to suit your bathroom or kitchen.
Bleach is one of the most powerful cleaners available and both Oxygen bleach and Chlorine bleach will be effective on your grout. However, the fact that bleach can be corrosive to many materials including the tiles surrounding your grout makes it not very suitable. Your best bet is using a purpose-built grout cleaner.
If your bathroom is fairly new and is cleaned regularly, you may not need to use any chemicals for cleaning. Make up a mix of vinegar and baking soda and apply this to your bathroom tiles and grout. Leave it for 20 minutes and then give it a gentle scrub and rinse.