So in an attempt to clean my bathroom faster (especially using these 13 tricks for cleaning a bathroom), I decided to look for an alternative solution. Customers swear by it, saying it leaves grout and other surfaces looking like new. Need Help? Floors and shower walls will require more maintenance on your end to keep the dark black color. The package should have included a few extra pen tips, so you could replace them. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. I think if we had gone with white or even a gray grout, it wouldnt have had the same effect. TECH 128 oz. Great & way to use! Consider the surface surrounding the grout, as well, because some cleaners can damage stone and marble. Oscillating heads scrubs 60 times per second, interchangeable accessory brushes give you the right tool for the job and four AA batteries are included. What do buyers say? Black grout doesnt necessarily show dirt, but it definitely can get dirty. It was easy to use. There are several important factors to consider when choosing a grout cleaner to tackle these stubborn stains. You can see in this photo above that this is not something we did the first time in our guest bathroom because it was our first time doing it, and there are several spots now that we have to redo before we seal everything. I used this a couple of months ago. The pen has a 52 percent 5-star rating, and even recognized as an Amazon Choice product. For something you can literally tackle the whole bathroom with, this four-piece drill brush kit is a great multipurpose pick. I could not believe that I did not run out of paint. This easy yet effective solution is one of the best homemade grout cleaners because it eats away at tough stains and gets deep into the porous grout. All in all, it was given a 5-star rating for its bottle design and value, and its performance was quick to follow with a 4-star ratingonly being cut down for its lack of versatility. Plus, it's super satisfying to see dingy grout become sparkling white again. ), we have officially done a proverbial crap-ton of tiling jobs between our own home and our investment properties. JELD-WEN 72 in. If you're looking to remove grime from your bathroom and still have time for other weekend activities, this is the grout cleaner for you. Additional reporting was done by Mackenzie Dunn, a writer and editor with expertise in the fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle spaces. Our top choice, theBlack Diamond Stoneworks Ultimate Grout Cleaner, has a fast-acting formula and a mild scent and is suitable for use on marble and ceramic surfaces. The best way to do this is to remove the old grout and replace it with new. Browse our top list of vacuum cleaners, from handhelds to uprights, that will de-shed your home with ease. You can try a grout pen if you want an effective but easier solution! You might need more than you thought if you are painting between smaller tiles, though. It made my floor look new. If mold and mildew is your main concern, this spray cleaner can help keep the problem at bay. Now that our kitchen tile is officially finished (!!!! (I put every day in quotes because I clean my house, but I do NOT clean my bathroom shower grout daily. Some people might prefer black grout because it provides a more visually interesting look. No matter what method you choose, make sure to allow the cleaner to sit on the grout lines and work its way in. Speaking of elbow grease, if you don't want to use as much, an electric brush is a good choice because it does the hard work for you. We keep finding ourselves using black grout in our projects many times over, from bathrooms to kitchens. You can get a Grout Pen in white, terra cotta, brown, gray, beige, cream and even black. With some cleaners, you simply spray on and wipe off, while others will take a fair amount of scrubbing. If you have old grout that you can barely tell was originally white, this is your cleaner pick. Its fine; Im still credible.). Another method is to mix a solution of vinegar and dish soap and spray it on the grout. Then, scrub the stain off vigorously to reveal clean, good-as-new grout. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. our process. To use it, just spray it on your surface, wait one to three minutes, and then use a grout brush to loosen the grime. Its not impossible in any scenario, though. Whether or not you have white or colored grout is also important to think about since cleaners with whitening agents like bleach could discolor grout that's not white unevenly. For tile and grout, it's recommended you use the product at full strength. They note to wear protective eye gear, as well as gloves, when using the grout cleaner, since it contains a strong acid and commercial detergent. We are sorry to hear that you are experiencing difficulties with our product and we want to thank you for your feedback. For regular brushes, a narrow or angled brush is helpful for targeting grout lines, and a brush head with a larger surface area will come in handy if you have a large floor to tackle. I have spent numerous hours on my hands and knees, scrubbing the nooks and crannies of tiled bathroom floors. However, its good to reseal the grout once youve used the paint pen to make it last longer. We thank you for your feedback as it allows us to continue to improve our products and how they may best serve our customers! Hope I ordered enough. How strong of a cleaner you need depends on how dirty your grout is. Can you use a black grout pen on white grout. Easy to use. I thought my grout was unsalvageable. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. When it comes to shower grout, you need a tough product that can take on stubborn mold and mildew, like this spray from Home Armor. Clean-eez Cleaning Products Grout-Eez Super Heavy-Duty Grout Cleaner, Grout-EEZ Super Heavy-Duty Grout Cleaner, Concentrated and Effective, Best Multi-Purpose: As you can see in this picture in the top right corner, we still have black from where we originally used the grout to get the top line of the tile. Very good item. Our tester said the process took about 30 minutes, and worked better than they anticipated, especially since they were facing tough grime. I had no trouble with it drying up before I was done. Now, our tester does note that the bottle design is most ideal for floors, not walls. The shower floor grout was rust stained when I bought my house. You also want to consider how much elbow grease is involved. The Grout Pen comes in different colors and sizes, to match the grout color between the tiles in your space. I have used product before.It Works well on my floor. It would be best to find a cleaner with a neutral pH balance as your routine, everyday cleaner. Mackenzie is a writer and editor for The Spruce with expertise in the fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle spaces. "The dirt and mildew scrubbed away relatively quickly, and when we gave it a final once over with a soft sponge and a few sprays from the showerhead, the difference was astounding.."Rachel Ellison, Product Tester, Type: Liquid spray | Amount: 3 fluid ounces | Intended Use: Tile and grout cleaner. Notably, it does have a very strong chemical smell, so when you're going through your cleaning process, open up your window wide. I thought my grout was unsalvageable. Another thing you may want to take into consideration is that using black grout can be super messy. If youre just looking to prevent gunk from building up on grout thats already reasonably clean, then a milder cleaner may be fine. The liguid covered easily and looks great! Type: Liquid spray | Amount: 32 fluid ounces | Intended Use: Tile and ceramic cleaner, Doesn't work on calcium, mold, or water spots. https://www.bustle.com/life/best-grout-cleaners, Best Grout Cleaners. You'll also need to consider what kind of surface your grout is in and read the product label it's always a good idea to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area before tackling the rest of the surface, too. However, it should be diluted when using it on a surface other than tile and grout. All Rights Reserved. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Here you'll find a really talented bearded dude I married and myself making our 1980s Cape Cod into a forever home on a serious budget, with a huge dose of sarcasm and humor along the way. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. Grout is one of those hard-to-clean places that often gets neglected in regular cleaning and then becomes more of a pain to clean over time, resulting in dingy, yellowed-looking grout or worse moldy grout. Your grout will always look black from a distance, but when you get up close, it may lose some of its luster and depth of color over time. Might be ok for a normal floor but basically a waste of money for the shower. Need Help? My package contained the pens, the cardboard label, and nothing else, at all. Yes! Customers say that while it may take a bit of elbow grease to scrub out the stains, the results are worth it. What is the best homemade tile grout cleaner? Black grout can be a beautiful addition to your home. It was ultimately the most effective in the bathroom, and wasn't a suitable fit for cleaning kitchen tile grout. Perfect for picking up crumbs and dust on the daily, these hard-working robot vacuums are the ones we tried and loved. That means you want something tough, but also safe, because, of course, all those feet are precious. 2000-2022 Home Depot. One way is to create a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. The pen will cover a 60-meter distance of grout area, and its water resistant (which is obviously a necessity for the bathroom). "Suzie Dundas, Product Tester, Type: Liquid spray | Amount: 32 fluid ounces | Intended Use: Kitchen degreaser. Then, scrub it away with a firm brush and thoroughly rinse the area with fresh, clean water. 2000-2022 Home Depot. 2000-2022 Home Depot. The sizes either come in 5mm or 15mm pen width, to match both smaller and larger grout spaces. Most cleaners come as sprays or foam sprays, which are easy to apply but can be difficult to use on vertical surfaces as they drip easily. We researched dozens of grout cleaners and had our testers use the best options for a month, using them on surfaces around their homes to evaluate effectiveness, smell, and formulation. Made of bamboo and recycled plastic, this grout brush from Full Circle is the perfect shape for getting in grout lines but is also large enough to be used on tile floors, counters or tubs so you don't have to use multiple brushes for different areas of your bathroom. While it's not as effective on tough stains and buildup as other cleaners on this list, it noticeably brightened our grout and worked better after sitting for 5-10 minutes. Needed to use 2 or 3 times on grout to get best effect. A grout cleaner and brightener in one, it promises to have your grout as white as white can be in just minutes, with little to no scrubbing required. Since grout is often indented between tiles and is more porous than other surfaces, it absorbs dirt, grime and water more than most surfaces and can require extra elbow grease, stiff scrub brushes and specific cleaners to effectively clean. If you arent about that life or just dont have the time, a grout pen can provide a great solution to getting black grout or any grout color you may desire! Theyre permanent in the sense that once they dry, the ink is waterproof and wont come off easily. The tips held up nicely, as well. Her work has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, HelloGiggles, Real Simple, MyDomaine, and more. It also has a pleasant citrus scent and can be used almost anywhere counters, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, tile, sealed granite, sealed marble, glazed tile, formica, corian and stainless steel. Plus, it's slender and easy to store. Pour the cleaner onto the grout lines and let it sit for approximately 10 minutes. Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links. This spray from Granite Gold is formulated without acid or ammonia, so it's safe on natural stone and white and colored grout. Kind regards, Rejuvenate Customer Care Team, Very easy to use. We love our pets. Before you decide whether or not black grout is for you, youll want to determine where youre going to put your grout. "With light-handed brush strokes, grime pilled up and dispersed down the wall. While it works on almost any surface,including denim fabric, driveways, and even engines, it works especially well on the tile found in kitchens because it contains a degreaser. You can snag this pen over on Amazon for just under $9 (for the 5mm) or $12 (for the 15mm). Knowing what surface you can use grout cleaner on will also help you understand how multipurpose it is and whether or not you can use it on other areas of your home as well. Its not safe for all surfacesit's not recommended for marble, stone, metal, or Corianbut it is bleach-free, so you dont have to worry about it discoloring colored grout. Need Help? If only I knew how hard I was really making it for myself. The color is great. Now it's beautiful! Its name says it all: Grout-Eez. Her work has appeared in several leading publications. We also used black grout with white subway tile in the guest bathroom at our first investment house. Up next, check out the best cleaning products for the bathroom. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. We hope you stay a while :). If your grout is sealed, the type of cleaner is crucial to maintaining the integrity of your sealed grout. Grout-Eez is safe for both ceramic and porcelain tile (Warning: It is not safe for natural stone.) Our whole bathroom looks brand new after using the grout pen! Krud Kutter KK32 Original Concentrated Cleaner/Degreaser, Krud Kutter Concentrated Cleaner and Degreaser Review, Best for Floors: This two-piece brush set from OXO includes two sturdy cleaning brushes with tough bristles. I had to order more. The different brush heads attach to a drill (not included) and can cover every spot in a bathroom. I was only able to use the grout pen for a few squares of grout when the tip wore out. #N460-3 Lunar Surface Eggshell Direct to Metal Interior/Exterior Paint, Home Decorators Collection 61 in. Living in a city with lots of history (such as Chicago or New York) means living in apartment buildings with lots of charmand lots of dirt. During this process, and after, testers noted the strength of the smell and how long it lasted in their home. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), I used this a couple of months ago. "After three weeks of daily shower use, the slimy feeling has yet to return on the areas where we used the spray, making us think its helping delay new mildew re-development. If youre also in a situation where you live in an apartment with lots of charm, you may find your bathroom floor in need of a little TLC. Lastly, the form of the cleaner is important to take into account. A grout pen is very similar to a paint pen, but its used specifically to color over existing grout. Julie Evans is a writer and editor who has worked with a host of diverse companies including Microsoft, USA Today, Realtor.com, Brit + Co, CafeMom and SheKnows among others. Who else recommends it? Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. The 6 Best Grout Cleaners, According To Experts. What Is the Optimal Temperature for a Greenhouse? The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. A million times. Product was easy to use and it did a nice job of painting the grout. If youre installing grout for the first time, I would highly suggest that you just get black grout to begin with. Apply cleaning mixture onto the grout, wait 5-10 minutes, scrub and rinse. Plus, as I said earlier, removing grout can be super laborious. Both of these ingredients are very effective at lifting stains and bleaching stubborn dirty grout. No information on how long for the product to dry, how to, or if, the grout needs to be prepped, no information on what to use, or not use, to clean it, after it dries, no information or warnings on whether it is harmful to get on skin, etc. Since it's in gel form, it's easier to target than a spray, and you can use it on grout, tile, tubs, countertops, toilets and more. To clean grout with a toilet bowl cleaner, look for a brand that contains sodium hydrochloride and/or sodium hydroxide. However, if you use a black grout pen and then decide you want white grout again (or vice versa), you do have the option to repaint over the black grout with a white grout pen! Instead of scrubbing with a sponge or even a toothbrush, you may want to try this magical Grout Pen! I switched the tips and continued the job. Most traditional cleaners are not recommended for use on natural stone like marble and unsealed granite as the chemicals they contain can etch natural stone. Speaking from experience, using this in both our laundry room and our guest bathroom its labor-intensive work. We got our tub refinished, & the floor looked pitiful. Get the gunk out of grout by mixing a solution of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap into a paste. The pen is a water-based formula that covers over stained areas that can have mold and dirt build up on the grout. If you use a cleaner that lacks a neutral pH balance, it will break down your sealant, which can lead to lightening of your black grout, which can make it lose some of its color or make it look more like dark grey concrete versus actual black grout. It was like using a felt pen. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Pen applicator with reversible nib for ease of use. Make sure to properly ventilate the area as well since the fumes from toilet bowl cleaners can be harmful. Bustle and Best Reviews also picked the Black Diamond Stoneworks Ultimate Grout Cleaner. Home Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover, Mold Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Review, The Best Shower Tile Cleaners to Make Your Shower Shine, Best for Kitchen: When it comes to grout cleaners, this one from The Floor Guys received 4-star ratings from our tester for its performance, smell, and overall value. But cleaning up pet hair? No residue is left behind, just grout that looks cleaner and brighter. To conclude, they rated each product's value based on the job it could perform at its price point, and if the product would need to be refilled or replaced in a quick manner. Black Diamond Stoneworks Ultimate Grout Cleaner, Clean-eez Cleaning Products Grout-Eez Super Heavy-Duty Grout Cleaner, Home Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover, Krud Kutter KK32 Original Concentrated Cleaner/Degreaser. I give this an A+++. There are cleaners designed specifically for shower or kitchen grout, while others can be used on any type of grout. To test the bottle design, they cleaned floors, walls, countertops, and smaller items, and noted how easily they could put the product where they needed it to be. Again, it elevates the space and gives it a level of luxury that wouldnt have been there had we not used black grout. This professional-strength formula is about as easy to use as it getsjust spray it on, wait five minutes, then wipe away any lurking dirt and grime, including grout haze you might have post-grouting. This was the perfect solution. The brush head nestles right into the grout crevices, removing built-up dirt with ease. https://bestreviews.com/home/cleaning/best-grout-cleaners. The small brush has a built-in wiper blade to remove dirt from drains and crevices. It's not designed to remove mold or calcium deposits, but can tackle basic stains with a bit of elbow grease. Otherwise, this product is as promised, as long as you follow the safety instructions on the back of the bottle. I wanted to make sure it did not wash away before I wrote this review. Just know: you must wear protective eyewear, as well as gloves, when using this product. First, what kind of stains do you have? It's paint in a pen and makes the old grout look like new :-). And it looks great! They were very happy to send me some more tips. Solid Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, Instantly restores grout to its original color, Easy to use marker pen lets you be precise in your application. However, if your grout is covered in tough stains and deposits, youll want to choose a stronger one. Primed Steel Left-Hand Inswing Full Lite Active/Stationary Patio Door w/Internal Blinds, Buy SAFAVIEH Evoke Gray/Ivory 5 ft. x 5 ft. Square Border Medallion Distressed Area Rug EVK220D, Home Decorators Collection Special Buys The Company Store, BEHR PREMIUM 1 gal. I'm Carmen. The Krud Kutter is undoubtedly going to become our primary cleaner for grease stains or cooking build-up. This article was written by Julie Evans, a freelance writer who has contributed to The Spruce since 2017. The product only works upright so won't really do walls well. In that case, your maintenance should be pretty low because kitchen grout doesnt usually get too dirty or wet. Finally, mop the area thoroughly to get rid of any lingering cleaner residue. All Rights Reserved. Jordans tile guy, who has installed both Beverly and Arch and his team that does tile for his group of investors he works with, recommendsAqua Mix Sealers Choice Goldbecause it provides excellent protection and seals in just a few hours. You can easily cover this with paint, but again, just something to be aware of. The gel formula is great for getting deep into those crevices, and leaves them looking brighter and whiter (that is if they were white before). No rinsing is required, but our tester notes it did require a bit of scrubbingmuch like other cleaners. While the drill does all the hard work for you, it is good to note that the brush tends to splatter excess grime around the bathroom that usually requires a quick wipedown. Breathe deeper by adding a top-rated air purifier that reduces dust, allergens, pet dander and more to your home. Again it did another 1/3 of the job. 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"Rachel Ellison, Product Tester, Type: Gel cleanser | Amount: 28.6 fluid ounces | Intended Use: Sink and shower cleaner, Non-abrasive scrub is good for most surfaces, Good for countertops, showers, and toilets, For a cleaner that will leave your grout gleaming and tackle the rest of your house too, customers swear by Soft Scrub With Bleach Gel. Used this to brighten up grout in a shower. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. If you have a large floor to tackle, this affordable brush with an extendable, telescoping handle will help you cover a larger area in less time. For grout that's lost its oomph, try this formula from Zep. You may be asking yourself, Is black grout hard to maintain?. It can be challenging to keep clean, especially if its in an area that is either high in foot traffic or is near a lot of water. As you'll see from other reviews, the tips do disintegrate quickly, you'll never use all the product in the pen. Home Topics Cleaning Cleaning Products. When considering safety, they studied the product label, ingredients, and safety precautions that must be followed by the user. It kills 99.9 percent of bacteria and 99.9 percent of germs, including cold and flu viruses. The Best Grout Cleaners and Brushes, Tested by HGTV Editors, Best Overall: Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner, Best Gel: Soft Scrub With Bleach Cleaner Gel, Best for Natural Stone: Granite Gold Grout Cleaner, Best Long-Lasting: Microban 24-Hour Bathroom Cleaner + Sanitizing Spray, Best DIY Grout Cleaner: Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide + Soap, Best Overall: Full Circle Grunge Buster Grout Brush, Best Detail Brush: OXO Deep Clean Brush Set, Best Electric: Rubbermaid Power Scrubber With All-Purpose Grout Head, Best Multipurpose: Drill Brush Tile + Grout Scrub Brush Kit, Best for Large Floor Jobs: Grout Brush With Long Handle, Kids Can "Play" House Cleaning With This Tiny Dyson Vacuum Replica (That Works! Ultimately, our tester gave it a 5-star rating for performance, bottle design, and value, and noted that it has a milder smell than other cleaners on the market. In addition, crack a window in your space, before conquering your grout's grime. Some say that the bathroom looks sharp and clean, and takes away the horribly dirty look from before. Should Grout Be Darker or Lighter Than the Tile? But I now have a bad tip in the full pen so I called the company. Does a great job for renewing whiteness of grout; have bought this multiple times and will no doubt use again in the future. Found best to use in one direction only. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Like other grout cleaners, you should also take safety precautions like wearing your rubber gloves, putting on protective eyewear, and avoiding contact with your skin, since this product's ingredient list is very chemical-heavy. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. To make this list, she considered each pick's strength, type, and application. The most important thing you want from a grout cleaner is, of course, clean grout. This grout cleaner from Black Diamond attacks grease, oil, and soap deposits with a vengeance, and its acid-free formula is safe for ceramic, marble, and porcelain tiles. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. I wanted to make sure it did not wash away before I wrote thi Great & way to use! In that case, you just want to make sure that your pen only goes on the grout and not on the tile. You can also make your own cleaner with Oxiclean and warm water. The felt tip wore away about 1/3 of the job. I even turned the tip over to use the other end, but the pen didn't cover much more grout. She reviews toys and home improvement products for The Spruce. Grout cleaners also come in sprays, and gels, which may influence your choice depending on your preference. Jordan has also designed multiple flips with his team of investors that he works with, and they have all had tile somewhere. But the other 1/4 I just could not get rid of. The most crucial thing after grouting your tile, especially if your black grout will be in a bathroom or on a floor, is to seal it properly. I just dont. From deep cleaning to spot cleaning, our editors share the best carpet cleaners for every lifestyle after testing top-rated machines. Most toilet bowl cleaners contain strong chemicals that may damage grout, so if you are planning on trying this, test it out on an inconspicuous area first. But if you want a more basic, acid-free grout cleaner that penetrates grease, oil, and soap stains effectively, pick up the Black Diamond Stoneworks Ultimate Grout Cleaner. The bleach in the formula works to kill germs on everything from your kitchen countertops to your shower and toilet.. TECH grout is 100 percent odorless and 100 percent biodegradable, yet it promises to get out your toughest grout stains. Shop our editors' most-loved vacuum cleaners for every surface and budget. The right cleaner and brush can make the job much easier, though. Rejuvenate Products is fully committed to your satisfaction and we would be very grateful if you would please contact our customer care division, toll free at (877) 959-1234 so that we may provide you with the assistance you require. and the only change it'll make to your grout is it'll bring back its original color. Cultured Marble Vanity Top in White with White Sinks, Wine Enthusiast Swedish 126-Bottle Wine Rack, Nourison Essentials Blue Green 10 ft. x 14 ft. Plus, it's comfortable to use and rests upright for faster drying. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. The nozzle top is a bit limiting, which is why the bottle received a 3-star rating.