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Checklist · 11 picks · 5 categories

grout and tile

Edited by Zach · updated Oct 30, 2026 · How I pick

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Dingy grout makes a whole bathroom look older than it is, and it's one of the most satisfying before-and-afters you can pull off in an afternoon.

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Bob Vila reviewed 14 grout cleaners and tools: Soft Scrub's bleach gel whitened white grout with no scrubbing, Black Diamond's spray brightens colored grout without bleach, and The Pink Stuff is the cheap all-rounder. A power scrubber or drill brush saves your wrists, and a handheld steam cleaner lifts grime from grout lines with just water. Once it's clean, a sealer helps keep moisture out, and a grout pen turns stubborn white grout bright again. Each card shows the drawback the testers called out. Work with a window open and gloves on, and never mix cleaners.

Who this is not for. Skip this if you just want an everyday clean; the Spring Cleaning list has the sponges, sprays and mops for a regular wipe-down.

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Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.

My budget

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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.

The must-haves

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01 Cleaners

the first pick is the one I would start with
Best grout cleaner

budget pick · Gel bottle

Soft Scrub With Bleach Cleaner Gel

Best for white grout that's gone gray

Bob Vila's best overall grout cleaner after comparing 14: it whitened grout very well with no scrubbing, and the smell is pleasant, not harsh.

Heads up. Bleach can damage grout over time and lift color from dyed grout, so save it for white grout and occasional brightening

1 outlet. Bob Vila best Overall grout cleaner.

under $15

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mid pick · Spray bottle

Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner

Best for colored grout you can't bleach

Bob Vila's runner-up grout cleaner: an easy spray that works fast with little scrubbing and brightens without bleach.

Heads up. Strong smell, leaves residue unless you rinse well, and it won't remove water spots

1 outlet. Bob Vila runner-Up grout cleaner.

$15-25

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02 Scrub & shine

Best grout cleaner

budget pick · Compact

The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste

Best for burnt-on messes and stained sinks

The viral cleaning paste that clings to grime on stovetops, sinks, pans and grout.

Heads up. Too abrasive for delicate surfaces. Spot-test first

1 outlet. NBC Select best Amazon cleaning gadget.

under $15

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03 Scrub tools

Best grout brush

mid pick · Handheld

Rubbermaid Multi-Purpose Cordless Power Scrubber

Best for shower grout without the elbow grease

Bob Vila's best grout-cleaning tool: a battery-powered scrubber that's precise in grout lines and works well with any grout cleaner.

Heads up. Only lifts surface dirt without a cleaner, and it runs on four AA batteries

1 outlet. Bob Vila best Grout-Cleaning Tool.

$25-50

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budget pick · 3 brush heads

Useful Products Drill Brush Power Scrubber

Best for big tile floors if you already own a drill

Bob Vila's best drill attachment for grout: three brush heads with medium-stiff nylon bristles that clean without scratching, on a quick-change shaft.

Heads up. Even the smallest head is too big for thin grout lines, and it works better with a cleaner

1 outlet. Bob Vila best Drill Attachment grout cleaner.

$15-25

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04 Steam

Compare these 3
PickTierPriceBest forEvidence
Bissell 2075A PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 Steam Mopmid$100-150tile floors and shower walls with one machine1 outlet
Phueut Pressurized Handheld Steam Cleanerbudget$25-50shower grout and small bathrooms1 outlet
Steamfast SF-370 Multipurpose Steam Cleanermid$50-100steam cleaning the whole bathroom, then the couch1 outlet
Best steam cleaner

mid pick · 6.125 lb

Bissell 2075A PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 Steam Mop

Best for tile floors and shower walls with one machine

Bob Vila's best steam mop: it switches between a stick mop and a handheld steamer, and its grout brush easily knocked dirt out of grout lines.

Heads up. No hose, and the handheld part gets heavy on bigger jobs

1 outlet. Bob Vila best Mop steam cleaner.

$100-150

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budget pick · 3.9 lb

Phueut Pressurized Handheld Steam Cleaner

Best for shower grout and small bathrooms

Bob Vila's best bang for the buck steam cleaner: compact, with a 12-piece kit, about 8 to 12 minutes of steam per tank, and a cap that stays shut while it's too hot.

Heads up. No trigger lock for continuous steam, and the short cord means switching outlets

1 outlet. Bob Vila best Bang for the Buck steam cleaner.

$25-50

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mid pick · 8.42 lb

Steamfast SF-370 Multipurpose Steam Cleaner

Best for steam cleaning the whole bathroom, then the couch

Bob Vila's best steam cleaner for upholstery: on-demand or continuous steam with 15 attachments for grout, tile, appliances and more.

Heads up. No onboard storage for attachments, and you can't adjust the steam

1 outlet. Bob Vila best for Upholstery steam cleaner.

$50-100

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05 Seal & refresh

Compare these 3
PickTierPriceBest forEvidence
Rainbow Chalk Markers Grout Penbudgetunder $15a quick grout glow-up in a rental bathroom1 outlet
FILA Groutproof Grout Sealerbudget$15-25sealing freshly cleaned shower grout1 outlet
Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Goldsplurge$25-50stone or porcelain tile you want to protect long term1 outlet
Best grout sealer

budget pick · 7 ml pen

Rainbow Chalk Markers Grout Pen

Best for a quick grout glow-up in a rental bathroom

Bob Vila's best grout pen: it turns dingy grout back to bright white, and it's easy to use.

Heads up. Only works for white grout

1 outlet. Bob Vila best Pen grout sealer.

under $15

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budget pick · 24 oz

FILA Groutproof Grout Sealer

Best for sealing freshly cleaned shower grout

Bob Vila's best bang for the buck grout sealer: a very easy spray that guards grout against moisture and humidity.

Heads up. The sprayer can tire your hand on bigger projects

1 outlet. Bob Vila best Bang For The Buck grout sealer.

$15-25

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splurge pick · 1 qt

Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold

Best for stone or porcelain tile you want to protect long term

Bob Vila's best overall grout sealer: easy to use, dries crystal clear, and works on granite, marble, slate, porcelain and more.

Heads up. The odor can be strong

1 outlet. Bob Vila best Overall grout sealer.

$25-50

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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me

Side by side

Questions people ask

Can I use bleach on colored grout?

Bob Vila says chlorine bleach can lift color from dyed grout, so bleach cleaners are generally best on white grout only. Black Diamond's bleach-free spray is the pick for colored grout.

Is it safe to mix grout cleaners?

No. Bob Vila warns that mixing bleach with other cleaning products can release harmful fumes. Use one cleaner at a time, wear rubber gloves, and keep the room ventilated.

Can I steam clean any tile?

Bob Vila says to skip porous or unsealed surfaces, spot-test a hidden area first, and only put water in the tank unless the maker says otherwise.

Related lists

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