Read this comprehensive tile and grout cleaning tool review to help you pick the best one to help you get your grout clean and looking like new.

Toothbrush. Using an old toothbrush is a common way to clean grout. After scrubbing the grout, it is easy to rinse and wipe both the tile and grout with a sponge to make sure the entire surface is clean. It can take awhile to clean this way and it is not comfortable for most people to be on their hands and knees the entire time it takes to clean a tiled floor. A toothbrush with extra firm bristles will do the best job.

Small Grout Brush. Slightly larger than a toothbrush with more bristles, these specially designed brushes usually have tapered bristles and upswept or curved ends to help you get into corners, crevices and pits in the grout. Starting at not much more than a toothbrush and easy to find at local stores, they can do a better, quicker job, especially if there are stains, mildew or excessive dirt to deal with.

Triangle Grout Brush. One side of the plastic triangle has a few rows of stiff bristles, such as those made by Carlisle and the other sides are for gripping. Many types can be used either handheld or attached to a pole, allowing you the versatility to use it for multiple tiled surfaces. They can be purchased for around $5-$10.

Professional Grout Cleaning Brushes. With v-shaped or tapered heavy-duty bristles, rotating heads and compact designs, these brushes are what the pros use to clean grout and tile and make it easy to reach all the nooks and crannies in the kitchen, bathroom or other tiled areas. You can purchase a decent one for about $30. You can find good ones at janitorial supply companies or online.

Two-in-One Tile and Grout Brush. One of the newest tile and grout cleaning tools is dual-sided with one side of wedge-shaped bristles to clean the grout and another side for the tile. It is easy to flip it back and forth as you work across the floor or other surface. Many also have adjustable length handles, making it comfortable for everyone to use. Prices are similar to other professional brushes.

“Eraser” or Sponge-like Cleaners. Some are similar to a sponge, like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and clean the grout and tile as you gently rub. Others, like StainEraser Tile Grout cleaner, are made of rubber and require a little more elbow grease to rub dirt and stains away similar to a pencil eraser. Some leave a rubber residue that needs to be wiped, swept or vacuumed up. They do not need chemicals or any other product to get the tile and grout clean. They range from $1-$20 each. Ones intended specifically for grout are usually a bit more expensive but will do a better job, especially for problem areas. Be sure to read the labels carefully as some of these will scratch or damage some tile.

Power Brushes/Scrubbers. These tools cut down on the time and effort you spend cleaning since the battery-powered motor does much of the work for you. Some have rotating brushes while others use attached sponges or scouring pads, depending on the surface you are cleaning. Most run about 30 minutes on a single charge. Prices are from $20-$100 or more depending on what you are looking for. Handheld, smaller ones are cheaper than ones with larger brushes/pads or those attached to long handles or poles. Look for those made by a quality manufacture for best results such as Black and Decker’s Scumbuster or Power Scrubber.

Steam Cleaners. Using regular tap water heated until it turns to steam, steam cleaners do a great job removing dirt and grime without any scrubbing or chemicals. They can be used on delicate tile and grout without worrying about scratching, discoloration or other damage. Handheld, household models cost around $50 to a few hundred dollars. Professional machines cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, but can be rented for around $50 for a half-day.

Mildest grout cleaner:

These are all gentle cleaners that are okay to use even on unsealed grout.

Vinegar: Used for daily cleaning and as a disinfectant, vinegar can be diluted with equal parts water or applied full-strength. Put vinegar or vinegar/water solution into a spray bottle and spray the grout. For disinfecting, let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub with a medium-weight, non-metal brush. The bristles should be stiff, but not too hard – you don’t want to damage the grout or tiles. Scrub in circles rather than straight-lines for a more thorough cleaning. Rinse with a mop or wet sponge, then dry with a towel.

Baking soda: When made into a paste with a little water or vinegar, baking soda is a terrific grout cleaner. Just dab it on, scrub in circles, rinse and dry. For a better cleaning, try leaving the paste on for a few minutes before scrubbing. You can also make a paste with 1/3 each of baking soda, salt and vinegar. The addition of salt helps the cleaner get into all the little crevices and spots that may be in the grout. Be sure to rinse and dry when you are done.

Lemon juice: Grout can discolor and stain with time, and those areas often need extra attention. Lemon juice does a great job removing many grout stains and discolorations. Apply the lemon juice to the affected area, let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then wipe it off with a damp sponge. If staining remains, try cleaning it or try the lemon juice again before using a harsher product.

Milder Chemical Cleaners:

All of these contain some chemicals but are not as harsh as the next group. When working with any of these products, be sure to keep the area well-ventilated, wear gloves and follow the directions on the bottle.
Bleach: Dilute the bleach with water – 1 part bleach to 3 parts water – before cleaning with it. Bleach is especially good for removing mold and mildew. It kills the mold and disinfectants too. It also removes stains and discolorations from white grout. Do not use beach on colored grout – it will discolor the grout. Be careful when using bleach and any other cleaners, especially those containing ammonia.

General Household Cleaners: Basic household cleaners that you typically use can be effective grout cleaners. Many contain bleach, providing the benefits of bleach with another cleaner without mixing them. When using a powder-based product, make sure it is non-abrasive and will not damage the grout or scratch the tile. Use as with other products, being sure to rinse extra well.

Harsher Chemical Cleaners:

These are best to use when other products have not worked. They are good for infrequent, heavy-duty cleaning when it is needed. Always read all directions carefully before you start, keep the room well-ventilated and use gloves and protective eyewear when cleaning with any of these products.

Commercial Grout Cleaners: These are designed specifically for cleaning grout and can be purchased at stores that sell household cleaners. Pick products that are designed for what you need – general cleaning, disinfecting, removing stains and discolorations, getting rid of mold and mildew, etc. Products that are pH-balanced will be the gentlest on the grout. Others can erode the grout with frequent use. Avoid colored cleaners on white grout as they can discolor the grout. Carefully follow all the directions on the container. Generally, they are applied and allowed to remain on the grout for a few minutes before cleaning and then rinsing.

Professional Grout Cleaners: Designed to provide the most heavy-duty cleaning available, these products contain the harshest chemicals. You can find them at hardware or janitor supply stores. Be careful using and storing these cleaners. Before using these strong chemicals, you may want to consider renting a steam cleaner like the professionals use to see if it can get the grout clean without the use of strong chemicals.

Do’s

Do use a throw mats in areas of high traffic area such as entry ways, walk ways, and in front of the kitchen sink.

Do clean regularly to avoid gunky build up

Take the time to clean the tile and scrub out the grout.

Do get the area of tile your are working on wet before starting.  A A little time to soak in may save you some time scrubbing.

Do use a tile disinfectant.  This is great for killing germs, bacteria, mold, and mildew.  (Un-killed mold and mildew could damage the tile.)

Make sure when you are done that you dry the area thoroughly. This will allow the tile to last longer.

It is necessary, but definitely a good idea to use a  kneeling pad or a soft cushion, especially if it will be for a long time.  Your knees  will be glad you did.

DO seal your grouts or have them sealed  on a normal basis (every 2 to 3 years.  This helps them maintain their original color and keeps the dirt out!

DO change chipped, cracked, or broken tiles as soon as possible. Not changing out broken tiles can ultimately lead to more expensive problem later on down the road.  Mold and mildew can get trapped in the tile and break them down faster.  (This goes doubly for tile roofs.)

Do have fun.   Take the time to admire work work when you are done!

Don’ts

Don’t use harsh adhesives which can damage the tile grout.

Don’t allow water to sit on tile for to long because it can get under the tile and cause damage.

Don’t mix ammonia and bleach, (which creates lethal chlorine gas.)

do not use harsh chemicals. Eventually, these can destroy the grout and tiles. It might be a good idea to use a mild cleaner first and then gradually increase the strength to the level a required to remove spots.

Do not use coarse scrubbers that may scratch the tile.

Avoid colored cleaners that can stain the grout.

Keeping tile and grout clean is very important for lengthening the life of tiled areas. Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind while you clean your tile and grout.