We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Cleaning Cleaning Products The 13 Best Tile & Grout Cleaners of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Say farewell to stubborn grime. By Rachel Simon Rachel Simon Rachel has written for Dotdash Meredith's Ecommerce team since 2020, covering home goods, tech, fashion, beauty, and more. She's interviewed dozens of experts and is always on top of the latest trends and product releases. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 16, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process More to Consider How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Even if you wipe the countertops and mop the floors, dirty grout and stained tiles can keep your home from feeling sparkling clean. Luckily, tile and grout cleaners can fix discolored grout and make your tiles look brand new, whether it's your kitchen backsplash or shower walls. To find the best tile and grout cleaners, we tested 27 solutions and five brushes in our Des Moines lab, evaluating each on effectiveness, scent, ease of use, and value. We also spoke with Melissa Maker, founder of Clean My Space, for her expert insight on clearing stubborn residue from your tile and grout lines. Our Top Picks Best Overall Tile & Grout Cleaner: Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner at Amazon $29 Jump to Review Best Overall Tile & Grout Cleaner Brush: SALE Full Circle Grunge Buster Grout & Tile Scrub Brush at Amazon $28 $8 Jump to Review Best Eco-Friendly Tile & Grout Cleaner: Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner at Amazon $18 Jump to Review Best Gel Tile & Grout Cleaner: SALE Soft Scrub Gel Cleanser with Bleach at Amazon $24 $16 Jump to Review Best Tile & Grout Cleaner Kit: Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner Spray for Tile with Brush at Amazon $34 Jump to Review Best Tile & Grout Cleaner Brush Set: OXO Clean Brush Set at Amazon $9 Jump to Review Best Brightening Tile & Grout Cleaner: SALE ZEP Grout Cleaner and Brightener at Amazon $27 $22 Jump to Review Best Tile & Grout Cleaner for Deep Cleaning: Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Stain Cleaner Remover Gel at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best Tile & Grout Cleaner for Showers: Scrubbing Bubbles Grime Fighter Spray at Amazon $19 Jump to Review Best Tile & Grout Cleaner for Floors: Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner at Amazon $9 Jump to Review Best Overall Tile & Grout Cleaner Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon What Stands Out It’s versatile for doors, sinks, and more. What Could Be Improved The initial spray can cause a mess. Of all the tile and grout cleaners we tested, this option from Better Life won our top spot thanks to its effectiveness, ease of use, and versatility, among other features. You can use it on various surfaces including tile, showers, sinks, and toilets, and it comes in a two-pack so you can get plenty of use out of your purchase. When we tried this cleaner, it removed stains with impressive speed and required minimal scrubbing. The solution's foaming spray releases from a spray top that's direct, simple to use, and releases an ample amount of product. While this is a scented solution, the fragrance of tea tree and eucalyptus is calming and doesn’t overpower a room. We also love that the cleaner is formulated primarily with plant-based ingredients, unlike many other options on the market. One downside with this pick is that the initial spraying can cause a slight mess. Still, this is a fantastic option for tidying up tile, grout, and so much more. Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Scent: Tea tree & eucalyptus | Surfaces: Toilets, sinks, doors, tile, showers, grout Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Overall Tile & Grout Cleaner Brush Full Circle Grunge Buster Grout & Tile Scrub Brush PHOTO: Amazon $8 at Amazon What Stands Out Its unique shape can get into corners and angles. What Could Be Improved The wood handle can get slippery when wet. If you prefer using a brush to clean your tile and grout rather than a spray, opt for the Full Circle scrub brush. The unique iron shape was extremely comfortable to hold and maneuver during testing. The brush has a row of dense and soft bristles that tackle grout and tile. During our tests, we found that both parts of the brush removed stains with equal power, and the section of bristles that extended outward allowed us to adjust the angle of the brush and get into nooks and corners. Even after scrubbing, the durable bristles remained strong and didn’t spread out, demonstrating their endurance after continued cleaning. Cleaning the brush was also hassle-free, as it only required a quick rinse and scrub before the bristles looked brand-new. With such a low price tag, this brush is an affordable and convenient option for tackling stubborn grime. You might want to wear gloves while using the brush because the wooden handle can get slippery when wet. Type: Brush | Size: 4.33 x 1.5 x 5.51 inches | Scent: None | Surfaces: Grout, tile Best Eco-Friendly Tile & Grout Cleaner Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $18 at Amazon $7 at Ace Hardware Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.2/5 Effectiveness 4.4/5 Scent 4.3/5 Value 4.7/5 What Stands Out The cap ensures precise application. What Could Be Improved The price is high considering the size and quantity. For those who prefer cleaning solutions with eco-friendly ingredients, this option from Goo Gone is sustainable and highly effective on tile and grout. The liquid spray works on mold, mildew, soap scum, dirt, and hard water, effectively and quickly removing any stains in its path. During our tests, we were pleased to see that this cleaner left no residue on the areas it cleaned and caused minimal mess overall. Its stream is strong and direct, ensuring precise application, and the citrus scent is sweet yet mild enough that it won't linger in the air afterward. On the downside, the price of this cleaner is higher than most other options. That said, this versatile product is safe for porcelain, ceramic, stone, and fiberglass, so you can get a lot of use outside of just tackling tile and grout. And considering how well it works on tile and grout, the higher price isn’t a dealbreaker. Type: Spray | Size: 28 ounces | Scent: Citrus | Surfaces: Tile, shower, grout, porcelain, stone, fiberglass Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Gel Tile & Grout Cleaner Soft Scrub Gel Cleanser with Bleach Amazon. $16 at Amazon $13 at Walmart $5 at Home Depot What Stands Out You can use it on stovetops, not just tile and grout. What Could Be Improved The bleach could be irritating for some. During testing, we found this Soft Scrub option to be extremely effective and easy to use. The solution comes out in a quick yet controlled flow, and the thin size of the nozzle allows for precise application when aiming the gel. As another bonus, the price is also very reasonable for a two-pack. When we tested this gel cleaner, we were deeply impressed by how effectively it cleaned stains from showers, toilets, sinks, and even stovetops (unlike many other similar cleaners). Thanks to the inclusion of bleach, it noticeably whitens tile and grout, leaving the area looking clean without any pesky residue. That said, the bleach leaves a powerful odor during and after use, and it could be overpowering for small spaces or those with sensitivities. Still, you can wear a mask while using this effective cleaning solution around your home. Type: Gel | Size: 12.6 ounces | Scent: Bleach | Surfaces: Sinks, stovetops, showers, toilets Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Tile & Grout Cleaner Kit Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner Spray for Tile with Brush PHOTO: Amazon $34 at Amazon What Stands Out You can pick from two spray settings. What Could Be Improved The price is higher than most two-packs. Rather than buying a cleaning solution or brush, why not choose a kit that includes both? This fantastic set from Black Diamond comes with a two-pack of liquid cleaner bottles and a triangle-shaped brush, giving you all the tools you need to tackle pesky tile and grout stains. This fast-acting and effective spray releases a thin, absorbent liquid without leaving any residue behind. You can choose from two spray settings (broad or tight stream) to pick the flow that fits the stain and surface best, and the solution can tackle various messes including grease stains, soap scum, or even pet urine. It has a light, fresh scent that doesn’t feel too strong. As for the brush, its shape makes it easy to grip and comfortable to hold, and the bristles are thick and firm. While we wish the kit's price was lower, the bottles are big enough for many cleaning tasks. Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Scent: April fresh | Surfaces: Tile, grout, stone Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Tile & Grout Cleaner Brush Set OXO Clean Brush Set PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon $13 at Macy's $9 at The Container Store What Stands Out The small brush has a wiper blade for getting into tight, narrow spaces. What Could Be Improved They aren’t as effective on tile cracks. If you want a set of high-quality brushes to tackle tile and grout stains, opt for the OXO Deep Clean Brush Set, which includes two brushes at an affordable price. The large brush is ideal for areas like shower doors and stovetops and has a durable set of nylon bristles that can handle intense scrubbing. The small brush, meanwhile, is less durable (the bristles can turn upwards after use, as we discovered during testing), but it has an angled wiper blade for getting into tight spaces like drains and narrow crevices. Both brushes have a non-slip, easy-to-hold rubber grip, and we appreciated how easy it was to rinse off any residue after cleaning. During testing, these brushes left some residue in tile cracks, and they aren’t quite as effective as larger, thicker brushes. But for its low cost, ease of use, and design, this brush set is a worthy choice. Type: Brush | Size: 6.5 x 1.5 x 0.75 | Scent: None | Surfaces: Tile, grout, stone, showers, stovetops Best Brightening Tile & Grout Cleaner ZEP Grout Cleaner and Brightener PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $11 at Home Depot Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.2/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Scent 4.1/5 Value 4.8/5 What Stands Out It brightens without using bleach. What Could Be Improved The liquid comes out quickly because there’s no applicator or nozzle. If you’re dealing with faded or discolored grout, try this brightening grout cleaning solution from Zep. In addition to effectively cleaning grout lines, the liquid formula brightens the surface to restore its original color without any bleach, unlike many other whitening cleaners. You can get this product in a pack of two for a reasonable price, and the bottles are large enough that you won’t need to replace them anytime soon. The formula has a pleasant minty scent that doesn’t last too long, and we also like that it leaves no residue. Because there’s no spray applicator or nozzle, the liquid comes out quickly and can be challenging to apply precisely. The formula also requires a good amount of scrubbing via a brush or sponge, and it's not suitable for countertops or stone. Still, for tile and grout, this product is a great choice. Type: Liquid | Size: 32 ounces | Scent: Natural | Surfaces: Tile, grout Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Tile & Grout Cleaner for Deep Cleaning Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Stain Cleaner Remover Gel PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon What Stands Out The tip is precise for getting into the grout. What Could Be Improved You have to wait 6-8 hours after applying. Some grout stains are so deep-seated that they require a powerful cleaning product, like this top-notch whitener from Skylarlife. The gel cleaner is effective at getting stains out of grout and tile and is safe for showers, sinks, sealant, and silicone caulk. Applying this product is super easy—just twist the cap at an angle for the gel to come out. The whitener’s precise tip allows you to apply just the right amount of gel, and while some scrubbing is required, the effort needed is fairly minimal. Another benefit of this product is the scent, while slightly bleach-like, is mild and goes away shortly after use. It’s important to note, that this isn’t a fast-acting product; You have to wait 6-8 hours for it to take effect. It’s also a little pricey for its small size. But if you’re okay with the cost and have some patience, you’ll be glad you opted for a cleaner so effective and precise. Type: Gel | Size: 5 ounces | Scent: None | Surfaces: Tile, grout, sinks, silicone caulk, showers, sealant Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Tile & Grout Cleaner for Showers Scrubbing Bubbles Grime Fighter Spray PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Amazon $6 at Home Depot $5 at Walgreens What Stands Out It can be used on many surfaces. What Could Be Improved There’s no mist option. Showers can suffer from hard water and grime buildup, but with a top-rated cleaning solution like the Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter, you can easily make your shower look brand-new again. Plus, this liquid solution can handle more than just showers; You can also use it on fiberglass, vinyl, chrome, porcelain, or stainless steel surfaces, making it an impressively versatile product. During testing, we were pleased by how thoroughly the solution cleaned up the grout without leaving any residue. The spray nozzle allows for precise application, although there’s no option for a mist rather than a spray. Still, the nozzle’s accuracy and minimal scrubbing make up for that small downside. We also were fans of the product’s subtle rainshower scent, which was virtually undetectable after use. Best of all, it has a low price tag for such a large two-pack. Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Scent: Fresh | Surfaces: Tile, grout, stainless steel, chrome, porcelain, fiberglass, vinyl Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Tile & Grout Cleaner for Floors Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $8 at Amazon $7 at Walmart $7 at Home Depot Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.3/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Scent 4.5/5 Value 4.9/5 What Stands Out The ingredients are eco-friendly and biodegradable. What Could Be Improved It can take a few squeezes to get enough liquid. To tackle stains on tile floors, consider this low-priced and multi-surface cleaner from Bona. The large bottle contains plenty of solution that it releases via a handy nozzle and comes with two spray options (linear or mist) so you can pick the one that fits your particular grime best. This product was extremely effective during testing, removing dust, dirt, and grime from tile. We also like that it's safe for stone, vinyl, or laminate surfaces. The formula contains eco-friendly ingredients that are safe for use around people and pets, and the spray evaporates after just a few minutes so your floor is shiny but not slippery. This product is also unscented, which is ideal for those with sensitivities or fragrance allergies. The spray nozzle on this cleaner can take a few squeezes to get the solution out, but overall, it’s easy to use and effective on many floor types. Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Scent: None | Surfaces: Tile, grout, stone, vinyl, laminate Best Tile & Grout Cleaner for Mold Home Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover $15 at Amazon $6 at Walmart $9 at Lowe's Our Ratings Effectiveness 4/5 Scent 1/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out The nozzle releases enough mist for a large coverage area. What Could Be Improved The price is high for just one bottle. The Mold Armor liquid solution is designed to tackle mold and mildew, along with bacteria and viruses, and we found it to be as effective as promised during our tests. This easy-to-use solution releases a precise mist from its spray nozzle that provides generous coverage without any mess. It's suitable for various surfaces including showers, toilets, countertops, and sinks, and minimal scrubbing is needed. You may notice a bit of residue left behind, but it wipes up quickly and easily. Another advantage of this cleaner is that its lemon scent is extremely light, and although it does contain bleach as an ingredient, it produces no harsh or lingering smell. That said, not everyone wants a bleach formula, and the price is higher than average. Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Scent: Lemon | Surfaces: Tile, grout, bathtubs, shower doors, toilets, countertops, sinks Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Versatile Tile & Grout Cleaner Method Bathroom Cleaner Tub + Tile PHOTO: Target $7 at Amazon $5 at Target $8 at Staples Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.6/5 Effectiveness 4.3/5 Scent 4.3/5 Value 4.8/5 What Stands Out This eco-friendly formula is great for light stains. What Could Be Improved The scent is strong, and one ingredient is corrosive. A simple solution for showers, tubs, chromes, and fixtures (among other areas), this product is ideal for cleaning up light stains and messes. The plant-based and biodegradable liquid formula is released via a helpful spray nozzle. During tests, we were impressed by how shiny and bright our tile and grout were after cleaning. The nozzle has a wide dispersion cone that enables precise application, although it’s worth noting that if you don’t hold the bottle at the right angle, it can sputter a bit at first. There also aren’t any spray settings, just on and off. The product has a eucalyptus mint scent that might be too strong for some users, and the formula, while eco-friendly, does contain corrosive potassium hydroxide, so you might want to use gloves while cleaning. But on the positive side, minimal scrubbing is needed, and any small bit of residue left behind comes up very easily. It’s also very inexpensive, and its versatility makes it a winner in our book. Type: Spray | Size: 28 ounces | Scent: Eucalyptus mint | Surfaces: Tile, grout, showers, tubs, chrome, fixtures Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Scented Tile & Grout Cleaner Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Tub and Tile PHOTO: Amazon $6 at Amazon View on Home Depot $6 at Target Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.8/5 Effectiveness 4.2/5 Scent 4.2/5 Value 4.9/5 What Stands Out It’s made primarily from plant-derived ingredients and smells great. What Could Be Improved It’s not as effective on heavy-duty stains. Not everyone loves a scented cleaning product, but if you aren’t sensitive to fragrances and want your bathroom to smell lovely after cleaning, this option from Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is a great choice. The liquid solution has a pleasant lavender scent that fills a room but doesn’t linger too long. You can use this top-rated solution on toilets, showers, tubs, countertops, and more, especially for soap scum and hard water buildup. It’s made primarily from plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, making it an eco-friendly choice. Unfortunately, it’s not as ideal for tackling heavy-duty messes due to its lack of powerful cleaning agents. That said, it’s effective on light stains, and its concentrated stream left our grout whiter and brighter than before. As we found in our tests, it also doesn’t leave residue or mess behind and requires only a bit of scrubbing, so you don’t have to put in a ton of effort to get noticeable results. Type: Spray | Size: 33 ounces | Scent: Lavender | Surfaces: Tile, grout, showers, toilets, tubs, porcelain, sinks, tubs, countertops Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Final Verdict For a strong, highly effective tile and grout cleaner, look no further than the Better Life Bathroom Cleaner. It’s easy to operate, fast-acting, versatile for numerous surfaces, and is made with plant-based ingredients. Our Testing Process To find the best tile and grout cleaners, we tested 27 solutions and five brushes in our lab, evaluating each on effectiveness, scent (if applicable), ease of use, and overall value. First, we divided our floor into four 12 x 12-inch sections using painter's tape and applied a small portion of mud mask across each section, focusing on grout lines. We waited one hour for the mud mask to dry, and then we applied each liquid cleaning solution in an even layer to the grout on one of the sections. We let the solutions sit for as long as specified by the label or for 5 minutes if they didn't have a recommended timestamp. In another square, we evenly applied a DIY cleaning solution of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and Dawn dish soap and let it sit for 5 minutes. After the proper amount of time passed for the liquid cleaning solution, we used a scrub brush and water to clean the grout and see how effective the cleaner was. We used a microfiber cloth to wipe away any mess, and, if needed, repeated the scrubbing and rinsing process until the area was clean. We noted each solution's ease of use, strength of scent (if it had one), and how we felt the quality compared to the price. We then repeated the process with the DIY cleaner and studied the results of both squares to see which cleaner had been most effective. We also touched the surface of each square to see how dry the area was and wiped the area with a paper towel to check for residue. For the stand-alone brushes, we applied the DIY cleaning solution to two of the four squares and let them sit on the grout for 5 minutes. Afterward, in one square, we used water and a control brush to scrub the grout before wiping away any mess with a microfiber cloth and repeating as needed. We repeated this process on a second square, this time using the designated brush, comparing its comfort and grip, effectiveness, and ability to get deep into the grout. We also pressed the bristles into the grout with force to see how well they held up to pressure. At the end, we rinsed the brushes thoroughly and left the floor to air-dry. We checked for residue and wetness, just like with the liquid solutions. Real Simple / Dera Burreson More Tile and Grout Cleaners to Consider Stardrops The Pink Stuff: While we like this all-purpose product’s effectiveness, easy application process, and subtle floral scent, we wish it didn’t require as much hard scrubbing, especially in grout. CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Bathroom Cleaner Spray: This foaming spray takes minimal effort thanks to an easy trigger on the bottle, is EPA Safer Choice-certified, and comes in a helpful two-pack. On the other hand, you need to use a lot more foam to cover the same area as a liquid spray, and it’s hard to avoid product waste. Real Simple / Dera Burreson How to Shop for Tile and Grout Cleaners Like a Pro Type Tile and grout cleaners typically come as either gels, liquids, or foams. All three types are equally effective but have different pros and cons. Gel solutions “typically come with pointed applicators and are clingy,” says Maker, “so when you’re trying to clean something like grout, it’s a much more specific application so you can be more direct about where you’re applying it and where the product is going, which is great.” However, gel formulas may need water dilution depending on the surface type and stain. Spray liquids are generally the easiest to use and “are good for covering a large area,” says Maker, although they aren’t as precise as gel cleaners with an application nozzle. With a spray, keep in mind that your tiles are affected as well, “so you want to make sure that whatever spray you’re choosing is going to be safe for the surface,” continues Maker. As for foam cleaners, they generally “give you the same effect as gel” but penetrate porous surfaces like grout more deeply, according to Maker. She recommends foam cleaners for cleaning showers in particular. “One of the challenges when you’re cleaning a vertical surface is getting a product to stay put so it doesn’t drift all over the place or pool in a corner,” she adds, so a foam solution can come in handy. One less-common but powerful alternative to the above three cleaner types is a steam cleaner, which Meyer says is an “effective way to blast soap scum, grime, dirt, and discoloration buildup out of grout.” This cleaner requires no scrubbing or chemicals and won’t damage your grout. The downside is that they are usually much pricier than other options. Formula When shopping for a tile and grout cleaner, take a close look at the type of formula, as some are bleach-based, some are acidic, and others are enzymatic. All can be effective but may be better suited for specific surfaces, messes, and cleaning frequencies. It’s recommended to use bleach-based cleaners sparingly, as prolonged use can damage grout over time. Meyer stays away from bleach as much as possible. “While there are a lot of products out there that offer very powerful results, you also have to be mindful that they're using strong heavy-duty chemicals to get that job done," she says. Chemical- and bleach-based formulas typically have strong smells, which can irritate those with allergies or smell sensitivities. Meyer recommends cleaners with EPA Safer Choice labels if you want to avoid harsh or potentially allergy-inducing chemicals. Application Many tile and grout cleaners are applied by spraying or pouring them onto the area and waiting a few minutes while they clear out pesky grime and residue. Some other options, though, are designed for use with a hard-floor cleaning machine. When shopping, consider how you plan to use the cleaning product to determine which application type is best for you. If you want to clean stone, Maker suggests cleaners with scrub brushes or sponges to help the solution penetrate the grout. And if you have a lot of hard water and soap scum, Maker recommends re-sealing your grout after cleaning to “keep your grout looking cleaner for longer.” Lastly, if you opt for a cleaner with harsh chemicals like bleach, Maker recommends wearing protective masks and gloves. Compatible Surfaces Tile and grout cleaners can be formulated for different surfaces, with some only meant for tile and others suitable for stone, vinyl, porcelain, and more. If you want to use your cleaning product around your home, opt for a cleaner with “multi-purpose” or “multi-surface” in the name and check the label to confirm that it's safe for the surfaces you have in mind. Some cleaning solutions contain corrosive chemicals like potassium hydroxide or bleach and aren't ideal for delicate surfaces. If you’re unsure if your cleaner will damage a surface, we recommend doing a spot test first. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Questions You Might Ask What’s the best way to clean tile and grout? First things first, make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands. Then, apply a tile and grout cleaning product to the area following the label's instructions, waiting as long as recommended for the solution to set in. Afterward, use a sponge or rag to ensure no residue or moisture is left behind. For stubborn stains, let the cleaner sit longer or repeat this process multiple times. “Different factors will affect how frequently you will have to use a tile and grout cleaner,” according to Maker. “On average, though,” she says, “you probably want to think about using it once a week or every two weeks.” Can you use tile and grout cleaner to clean anything else? Maker doesn't recommend using tile and grout cleaner on other surfaces. Since tile and grout cleaners are formulated for those areas specifically, “you could risk ruining your floors” if you used it on non-tile surfaces. Can you use all-purpose cleaners on tile and grout? In theory, all-purpose cleaners can work on tile and grout, according to Maker. “All-purpose cleaner is just designed to be a surfactant—to lift dirt from the surface—whereas a tile and grout cleaner has a different job,” she explains. While all-purpose cleaners might be suitable for light stains or dirt, you'll need a heavier-duty product for stubborn grime on your tile and grout. How often should you clean tile grout? How often you clean your tiles and grout depends on how dirty and discolored they get and if they’re in a high-traffic space like a primary bathroom or kitchen, which will likely need more frequent cleaning. Shower walls, sinks, and toilets require cleaning at least once a month, while other walls and fixtures that don’t attract mold, mildew, and dirt can usually be cleaned just a few times a year. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. She frequently covers home products and did significant research on spice racks for this story, including speaking to Melissa Maker, founder of Clean My Space.