A dingy bathroom is not a pleasant place to be. Unattended grout lines and tiles can harbor nasty odors, as stains and mildew build up in the microscopic crevices, leaving you with visibly darkened, discolored, and unsightly floors and walls. Not only does this make the entire space seem unkempt and less inviting (because it is!), but there’s potential health risks in leaving dirt and bacteria to fester. If you’re looking to renew and revitalize your bathroom, then check out the top 5 bathroom grout cleaners listed below, as these are sure to help you get the job done quickly, safely, and effectively.
5 Best in Class Bathroom Grout Cleaner Options
When it comes to making sure your bathroom stays clean and hygienic, tackling soap scum, mildew, discolored staining, and bacteria/dirt build up is a must. Fortunately, there are several top-of-the-line bathroom grout cleaners that can help you keep your bathroom looking fresh and new. Below, we’ve outlined 5 of the best in class options for cleaning grout lines and tiles in bathrooms.
1. ROG3 Ultimate Bathtub and Shower Cleaner. Rog3 Ultimate Bathroom and Shower Cleaner is a powerful, multipurpose cleaner that can be used to deep clean bathrooms and showers. It’s designed to remove hard water stains, soap scum, body oils, grease, mildew, and other stubborn dirt and grime from tile, grout lines and walls. Powered by an alkaline cleaner (2-butoxyethanol & sodium hydroxide), this unique formula is non-acidic, and works quickly to dissolve soap residue and dirt particles for easier cleaning. It’s safe to use on a variety of surfaces including stone, porcelain, ceramic tile, glass and more. Plus, it’s also non-abrasive, safe for pets, and family members, so it won’t scratch your surfaces while still providing a thorough clean, and there are no potential health risks involved.
| Type of Spray Action | Foaming Spray |
| Best Use | Fiberglass, Cast Iron, American Standard Bathtubs, Grout, Tile, Carpet. |
| Activation Time | 10 Minutes. |
| Distinctive Scent | Unscented |
2. Microban 24-hour Bathroom Cleaner. Microban 24-Hour Bathroom Cleaner is a powerful, multipurpose cleaner that is designed to eliminate germs and bacteria in just one use. It is an effective cleaner for tough bathroom messes such as soap scum, mold, and mildew. Its main feature is that it kills germs on site, but works for up to 24-hours after to protect the surface, and only needs to be applied every 7 days. A common concern with strong cleaners like Microban 24-Hour Bathroom Cleaner is that it may damage the tile or grout in your shower if left on too long. To avoid this potential issue, it’s important to follow the directions on the label and make sure you thoroughly rinse off all surfaces after cleaning.
| Best For Preventing Mold & Mildew Growth | |
| Type of Spray Action | Straight Spray |
| Best Use | Plastic, Painted Surfaces, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Glazed Porcelain and Ceramic, Sealed Granite, Marble, and Wood. |
| Activation Time | Immediate. Allow to Air Dry. |
| Distinctive Scent | Citrus. |
3. Clorox Plus Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover. Clorox Plus Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover is a powerful cleaner designed to remove mold and mildew from bathroom surfaces. It contains chlorine bleach, so it’s critical to wear gloves and protective eyewear when using this product. Additionally, it’s recommended to test this cleaner in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface. This will prevent any potential damage or discoloration caused by the strong cleaners used in this product. It’s also essential to rinse off all surfaces thoroughly after use, as chlorine bleach can be corrosive if left in contact with grout or tile for too long.
| Best Used For Killing Germs on Grout Lines | |
| Type of Spray Action | Straight Spray |
| Best Use | Glazed/Unglazed Ceramic Tile, Plastic, Vinyl, Fiberglass, and Grout |
| Activation Time | 5–10 Minutes Before Rinsing. |
| Distinctive Scent | Unscented – Bleach |
4. Routine Clean CLR – Mold & Mildew Clear. CLR continues to do what it does best with this highly effective stain removing foam. The wide spray nozzle offers a larger area of coverage, making it ideal for those open shower walls, and the omission of any perfumes eliminates any discomfort while using it. Remember to work quickly, as this is not a leave-on foam and will slide down walls and vertical surfaces relatively soon after being applied. Finally, Routine Clean CLR isn’t built to kill mold or mildew, so if you’re dealing with either of those, be sure to get a cleaner designed to deal with them.
| Best For Removing Mildew and Stains | |
| Type of Spray Action | Foaming Spray |
| Best Use | Ceramic, Hardwood, Fabrics, Glass, Metals, Brick, Concrete, Marble, Laminate, Cured Oil-Based Surfaces, Hard Plastics, Wood, Fiberglass, Grout. |
| Activation Time | 10 Minutes. |
| Distinctive Scent | Unscented. |
5. Granite Gold Grout. Granite Gold Grout Cleaner is a powerful cleaner designed to restore the look of grout lines, tile floors and other non-porous surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas. It is specifically formulated to remove dirt, stains, and mildew from grout lines, leaving behind a clean and shiny surface. This cleaner is safe for use on all types of natural stone surfaces, including granite, marble, limestone, and slate. It contains no bleach or ammonia, so it won’t damage or discolor the surfaces it cleans. Additionally, it’s easy to use – simply spray it directly onto the affected area and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush or cloth.
| Best For Bathrooms With Natural Stone Tiles | |
| Type of Spray Action | Straight Spray. |
| Best Use | Glass, Ceramic, Stone, Porcelain, Colored Grout. |
| Activation Time | 2–3 Minutes. |
| Distinctive Scent | Citrus. |
What To Keep In Mind When Purchasing Bathroom Grout Cleaner?
When shopping for the perfect bathroom grout cleaner for your home, there are a few questions you’ll want to ask yourself before picking up one of the cleaners above.
- What Type of Grout Do You Have? First and foremost, what material is your grout made out of and what color is it? If your grout is too badly darkened to see, you may want to choose a grout cleaner that works on all types, as this might be a safer bet for you. It’s important to note here that some grout cleaners only work on white grout, others on colored, and some on natural stone.
- What Spray Action Do You Require? If you’re working with your bathroom tile on the floor, a spray, or foam will easily get the job done as the horizontal surface will keep it in place. If you were to use a spray or foam on your shower tiles, then you’d have to reapply to the grout lines once it runs off or drips down – this can waste product and make cleaning less effective. Gels are the most efficient at staying in place for longer, but do require a lot more effort to rinse them away.
- How Large is the Job? If your grout lines are very badly stained, to the point where you can’t even tell what color they are, then a strong bleach-based cleaner might be a good choice. This would whiten up the grout, kill off the germs, and remove the mold and mildew all at once. But, if the grout is only slightly discolored in some places, you could go with a cleaner that’s a little less abrasive. Keep in mind that bleach is NOT good for grout, as it’s very abrasive and can make the grout crumble, so if you go this route then make sure to read the instructions very carefully.
Can I Use Toilet Bowl Cleaner For Grout?
It’s generally not recommended to use toilet bowl cleaner for grout, as the powerful chemicals in the cleaner can cause damage to the tile and grout over time. The most common chemicals used in toilet bowl cleaners include hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, bleach, phosphoric acid, and citric acid. These strong chemicals can strip away the sealant or protective coating on ceramic tiles, eat away at grout lines, and even cause discoloration if left in contact with colored grout for too long. Instead, it is recommended to opt for a milder cleaning solution such as a vinegar and water solution or a commercially available bathroom grout cleaner. This will help you achieve the desired results without damaging your surfaces!
Note: you absolutely do not want to use toilet bowl cleaner for grout in your shower, either, as not rinsing the mixture off well enough can cause you to inhale the vapors that are left in contact with the grout. This could pose a health risk, which is why we recommend using family-safe, non-toxic, and pet-friendly commercial bathroom grout cleaner instead.
Are You Looking to Prevent Mildew in the First Place?
While you should be deep cleaning your bathroom tiles and grout on a regular basis, if you want to make your job easier for you, there are a few ways to prevent mildew from forming in the first place.
- When showering, always open up your window to give the moisture and humidity an escape route. You also want to run the exhaust fan in the bathroom, as this will help suck up the moisture produced by the hot water.
- After you’re done showering, dry the shower walls off. If you step out of the shower and get water on the floor, make sure to dry off this area too. The easiest way to do this is to purchase a squeegee.
- Take the time once per year to reseal the bathroom grout and tile lines. This will prevent moisture from getting into them and turning into mold and mildew, and it will also help prevent stains from penetrating deep into the grout’s surface.
Adding ROG3’s Ultimate Shower and Bathroom Cleaner to your regular cleaning schedule is a great way to keep your grout and tiles free from stains, mildew, and harmful bacteria. The ROG3 kit is one of the best commercially available bathroom grout cleaners, due to its alkaline formula, which is non-acidic, non abrasive, making it safe to use on your grout, your tiles, your glass shower doors, and walls. Learn more about ROG3 by getting in touch at 1-800-585-2325, or by filling out the contact form here.