Tile grout is one of the most challenging areas to clean in a home. It can quickly become stained and dirty, and regular scrubbing with a brush doesn’t always get the job done. If you’re looking for an easy way to clean your grout, then you need to invest in a grout steam cleaner.
These machines use hot steam to break down dirt and stains, making it easier than ever to get your tile looking new again. In this post, we discuss the five best grout steam cleaners on the market today.
We’ll also provide some tips for using these machines effectively. So if you’re ready to tackle that dirty grout head-on, read on.
Cleaning grout
Grout is a porous material that can quickly become stained by spills and daily use. Over time, even the most diligent homeowner will notice that their grout lines are starting to show signs of wear and tear.
Although tile is relatively easy to clean, the grout lines can be more challenging as they are narrow and porous. Thankfully, a few simple tips can help make the grout cleaning process easier.
One of the first things to keep in mind is that grout is much more absorbent than the surrounding tile. This means that spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible to prevent them from setting in.
In addition, it’s essential to use a mild cleanser when cleaning grout, as harsh chemicals such as chlorine because it interacts with the chemicals in grout and causes harmful fumes.
Also, scrubbing dirty grout presses much of the dirt into its porous structure, making it harder to clean. That is why steam cleaning grout is the easiest method of cleaning grout. Steam easily gets into the grime and loosens it. Moreover, it does so without using any harsh detergents or chemicals.
What Kind of Steamer Cleans Grout?
There are different types of steam cleaners on the market. However, not all are suitable for cleaning grout.
For example, a hefty, bulky model may be able to clean grout between your floor tiles, but it will be cumbersome to use on the walls.
Small and portable or hand-held units might be better suited for wall grout cleaning. However, they often have small tanks that need to be refilled repeatedly. That can be cumbersome when cleaning a large wall.
If you already own a steam cleaner, you might want to use accessories that can make grout cleaning easier. Some heavy-duty cleaners come with attachments and hoses that extend high up to the ceilings and walls and help clean those hard-to-reach areas.
Likewise, some hand-held steam cleaners come with special grout tools and scrubbers that can easily remove embedded dirt from the grout.
Some steam cleaners also consist of jet nozzles that blast steam at high pressure, which is concentrated over a small area. This superheated steam has a temperature of over 200 F.
This quickly removes hardened dirt, grime, and mold and also disinfects, deodorizes, and sanitizes grout. Now that we know what to look for in steam cleaners let us discuss five of the top-rated ones specially designed for grout cleaning.
Best Steam Cleaners for Cleaning Grout – 2022 Top 5 Picks
Looking for a steam cleaner that can tackle tough grout stains? You’re in luck! There are a number of excellent options on the market, and we’ve rounded up the five best ones for you.
#1. Best Hand-held Steam Cleaner for Cleaning Grout: Bissell SteamShot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner
I chose the Bissell Steam Shot as the winner in this category because it delivers steam at a power of 100W, which helps blast away embedded dirt and grime.
It even comes with a unique grout tool in addition to a scraper tool, multiple brushes like round bristle brushes, etc.; this tool has sharp bristles, which along with the superheated steam, quickly eliminates ground-in dirt in the grout.
It also has an angular tool (angle concentrator) that lets you clean wall grout and other hard-to-access areas.
The Steam Shot eliminates nearly 99.9% of germs and sanitizes and disinfects your bathroom, kitchen, and even living room and bedroom surfaces. Being lightweight, this hand-held steam cleaner is ideal for cleaning bathroom wall grout. It also lets you control the steam with its sturdy on-demand trigger mechanism.
Check out some other nifty features of Bissell SteamShot:
Features
- Includes seven cleaning and sanitizing tools – 3 scrubbers, one grout tool, one flat scraper tool for microwaves and ovens, and one angle concentrator for hard-to-reach areas.
- Eliminates 99.9% of germs.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Ideal for grout cleaning
- It kills bed bugs and larvae too
- Easily cleans windows, microwave ovens, ovens, etc.
- Lightweight – easy on the hands and easy to maneuver
- Safe to use around kids and pets
- No need for harsh chemicals – just water.
- The company also donates proceeds from its sales to animal charities
Cons
- Some units did not get hot enough.
Expert tip
- The Bissell SteamShot is compatible with HomeRight C900065.M Squeegee & Fabric SteamMachine Squeegee and Fabric Steamer. This microfiber cleaning pad can further eliminate germs from all kinds of surfaces.
- You need to let the unit sit for 5 minutes before refilling it. This helps depressurize the steam cleaner.
How it compares
For under $50, you can clean every surface in your house with the Bissell SteamShot. It comes with a grout tool that works on bathroom and kitchen grout. No more painful arm from all those hours spent cleaning tiles!
It also cleans 99.9% of germs – a must-have if you have kids and pets. The grout cleaning tool is designed to fit in the grout between tiles, and its bristles and superheated steam do a thorough cleaning job.
#2. Best Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner for Grout – Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Powerful Multipurpose Portable Heavy Duty Steamer
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner works on various surfaces, including bathrooms, cars, floors, and windows. It comes with 17 accessories that help you clean, disinfect, and sanitize multiple surfaces. You can remove grout from tiles and porous surfaces and restore their shine. Use it to sanitize and clean appliances and gadgets, floors, upholstered furniture, etc.
The heavy-duty cleaner also has a large tank capacity for 50 minutes of uninterrupted cleaning.
Check out Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner’s features:
Features
- It can be used with any towel or microfiber rag. It does not need special pads.
- Especially effective for cleaning grout
- Low-moisture, superheated steam reaches a temperature of 275°F/135°C.
- It can be used for safely sanitizing furniture, linen, automotive surfaces, etc.
- Tank dimensions are 9.5 x 10.5 inches. Its capacity is 1600 ml.
- 6.6”/2m hose
- Extra-long power cord of 16’/5 m
- Quick heat up in 7 mins with cleaning time up to 50 minutes.
- Certified safe
Pros
- Multipurpose and versatile – cleans, deodorizes, and sanitizes various surfaces.
- Lightweight, portable with a long cord
- Does not need distilled water – Use it with regular tap water
- Cleans walls and ceilings easily
- Durable and sturdy
- Easy to assemble and use
Cons
- No water level indicator on the tank.
- Plastic brushes wear out quickly due to the superheated steam.
Expert tips
- You can use heavy-duty hair elastics to attach the towel/microfiber cloth to the floor tool. Sure, the clips on the side of the tool are sturdy, but the hair elastics are just more flexible and seam faster.
How it compares
Dupray is a well-known name in steam cleaners. This baby sanitizes all kinds of surfaces and leaves your home smelling fresh and clean. Its long hose and power cord also mean that you can go from room to room without pausing.
Grout cleaning is a lot easier thanks to this cleaner’s grout tool. It also works for a relatively long time before needing refilling. The price is also reasonable.
#3. Best Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner – McCulloch MC1275 Pressurized Steam Cleaner
McCulloch MC 1275 is a professional-grade heavy-duty steam cleaner that can tackle any grout cleaning job with ease. This versatile cleaner safely cleans most flooring, tiles and grout, furniture, appliances, and kitchen surfaces like countertops.
Unlike other hand-held steamers, the MC 1275 has a trigger lock that sends out steam continuously through the nozzle without requiring the user to press down the trigger. Its powerful jet nozzle also concentrates the steam in grimy grout and porous tiles to easily remove embedded dirt.
MC 1275 also comes with a versatile floor attachment with bristles that eliminate the dirt from any sealed flooring. Moreover, its 48-ounce tank ensures almost 45 minutes of continuous cleaning before requiring a refill.
Features
- Includes 2 wands, each with 19’ extension, and multiple other accessories: squeegees, scrubbing brushes, triangle brushes, scrub pad, etc.
- Measuring cup included
- Heat up time – 8 mins. Cleaning time 45 mins
- Tank capacity 48 oz
- Steam power 1500 W
- Steam hose length 10-ft
- Dimensions – 13.5″H x 10.5″W x 17.2″D
- Power cord – 15 ft.
- Weight – 10 lbs.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Heavy-duty
- Sturdy
- Perfect for eliminating bed bugs
Cons
- Do not let the superheated steam hit you – it could cause 3rd-degree burns.
- Attachments and replacement parts are not available in Canada.
Expert tips
- After you finish, unplug and allow the unit to cool down for 15 minutes. Let the steam go out completely before refilling the tank.
How it compares
The McCulloch MC 1275 is a reliable, industrial-grade, heavy-duty steamer made for home use. It comes with clear, easy-to-understand instructions that will have you using the unit within a short period. The MC 1275 works on various surfaces, including bed linen – so if you have a bed bug problem, you can steam clean your entire home to eliminate them within hours. The McCulloch MC1275 will surely get you addicted to steam cleaning!
#4. Best Steam Cleaner for Sealed Hard Floors – Bissell Power Fresh Steam Mop with Natural Sanitization
Never clean sealed hard floors with chemicals as they can do permanent damage. The Bissell PowerFresh steam mop cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes hard floors without any chemicals and leaves them free from microbes and germs.
The mop also comes with a flip-down scrubber that reaches deep inside the grout to deep clean it easily. Bissell PowerFresh is also safe for use on other types of sealed floors like ceramic, hardwood, granite, and marble.
You can also use the Spring Breeze fragrance disc (available in 3 fragrances) to make your bathroom tiles smell fresh and clean.
Features
- Heats up in 30 seconds
- 12 oz tank capacity
- 6.4 lb. weight
- It has a 30-ft long cord
- Customizable – choose 3 levels of steaming
- Washable and reusable mops
Pros
- Versatile – can be used on sealed hardwood, ceramic, linoleum, granite, marble, and above-floor cleaning.
- Lightweight
- Supports Bissell Pet Foundation
- Long cord length
- Deep cleans
- Durable
Cons
- In some settings, the mop creates puddles of water.
Expert tips
- Although the product advertises so, the mop does not work on a voltage other than 120V. If you have it shipped outside of the USA, you might need a voltage converter.
How it compares
Bissell PowerFresh costs less than $100 and leaves sealed hard floors fresh and germ-free. Grout is easy to tackle with this beast! The fragrance discs are a fantastic feature that leaves your home smelling fresh and clean.
#5. Best Lightweight Grout Steam Cleaner – LIGHT ‘N’ EASY Multi-Functional steam mop
We love the Light N Easy steam mop for two reasons:
First, it detaches into a separate hand-held unit, making bathroom wall grout cleaning a lot easier. Also, the hand-held unit is useful for cleaning upholstery, furniture, appliances, and walls.
Secondly, it comes with a Smart Switch that lets you place the steam cleaner upright when you handle calls/other chores – without damaging your flooring.
Check out its other great features:
Features
- Superheated steam at 212 F
- Works with distilled or tap water
- 3 steam settings – HI, MED, LOW
- 6.3 lb. item weight
- Start/Stop touch sensor
- It comes with a garment attachment for steaming out wrinkles
Pros
- Degrease, deodorize, sanitize, clean, vacuum
- Easy to assemble and use
- Safe on hardwood floors
- Versatile – multiple uses
- Light and easy to maneuver
Cons
- Can only steam for 15 minutes before requiring a refill.
Expert tips
For best cleaning results, use a vacuum cleaner on your floors before using the steam mop. Make sure you vacuum in the corners, edges, and hard-to-reach areas.
How it compares
The mop is easy to assemble and use. It is light and easy to maneuver too. It will make your life easier, especially when it comes to grout cleaning. The hand-held unit is also a great feature, and so is the garment cleaner. The price is on the higher side, but it is value for money.
How to Use a Steam Cleaner to Clean Grout?
Steam cleaners are an excellent way to clean grout, as they can reach high temperatures that kill bacteria and dirt. However, before using a steam cleaner on your grout, it is essential to test it in an inconspicuous area first.
This will help to ensure that the steam cleaner does not damage your grout. To use a steam cleaner on your grout, simply hold the steam cleaner over the grout lines and allow the steam to penetrate the dirt and grime.
Once the Steam has loosened the dirt, you can use a brush attachment to scrub the grout lines clean. Here are the steps to use when using a steam cleaner for grout cleaning:
Prep the floor
Thoroughly sweep and vacuum the area where you want to use the steam mop. This is especially required around the edges and hard-to-reach areas. Sweeping or vacuuming will help you remove hair (pet and human) and other loose debris.
If needed, use an all-purpose cleaning spray around the edges to remove ground-in dirt, grease, and grime.
Plug in the Steam Cleaner
Fill up the steam cleaner’s tank reservoir with tap or distilled water (as recommended by the manufacturer) up to the required level. Wait for the light to go off – this indicates that the unit is ready to steam. Most units get ready within a minute.
Use the grout tool/attachment.
Most steam cleaners come with various attachments. If yours has a special grout tool, attach it to the hose (in the case of a hand-held cleaner). Hold down the steamer’s trigger and use the grout tool in the grout between your tiles.
Move back and forth
Depending on the extent of dirt, you may have to cover one area several times with the cleaner. Move back and forth a couple of times till the grout is completely clean.
Repeat and move on to the other tile. You may have to refill the tank if the water runs low. Let the unit depressurize before refilling. Then resume the job. Most cleaners work continuously for 30-45 minutes.
Note: do not put too much pressure on the bristles of the grout attachment/tool, as the superheated steam could damage them.
Use a rag to wipe the cleaned areas.
Once all the grout is clean, use a dry cloth/microfiber towel/rag to wipe the cleaned grout. This will remove the loosened debris leaving you with shiny and clean grout.
Does Steam Cleaning Damage Grout?
Steam cleaning does not damage grout. However, the superheated steam from steam cleaners could open the seal from the grout. That is why you need to reseal the grout afterward; otherwise, it could deteriorate.
Grout sealers like this one are eco-friendly, keep grout clean, and make your next grout-cleaning task a lot easier.
They also reduce germs and bacteria in grout and keep your bathroom and kitchen tiles clean and hygienic.
Conclusion – Best Steam Cleaners for Grout
As can be seen, grout cleaning can become a lot easier with a steam cleaner. I recommend the Bissell SteamShot for the grout cleaning task.
This is because it comes with a unique grout tool that easily removes ground-in dirt from bathroom and kitchen tile grout. Combined with the superheated steam, that means no more toiling over cleaning grout!
Furthermore, it cleans 99.9% of germs from multiple surfaces, including appliances, kitchen counters, and furniture – so this steam cleaner is definitely a must-have if you have kids and pets.
FAQs – Steam Cleaning Grout
Do steam cleaners clean grout?
Yes, steam cleaners reduce elbow grease needed for tough cleaning jobs like grout cleaning. They use superheated steam over 200F, which easily removes embedded dirt and hardened soap scum from the porous grout.
Where does the dirt go after you steam clean?
The dirt from grout is loosened by the steam and grout tool. It might come out in the form of grayish-dark water. You need to use a rag or towel to wipe off the loosened dirt and grime. Steam mops typically have a microfiber pad that picks up the loosened debris and traps it.
Does steam cleaning sanitize grout?
Yes, superheated steam can kill bacteria and viruses and sanitize and disinfect grout. Some steam cleaners eliminate up to 99.9% of germs.
