The Best Grout Steamers

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray
Published on
June 19th, 2019

The Cleaning Institute

Grime and soap deposits frequently build up in the space between tiles or grout. If you have tile flooring you know these types of buildups are notoriously challenging to get rid of without the use of harsh cleaning solutions. Grout steamers are a much better alternative. They utilize the power of steam to dissolve build-up. Our years of review experience in the cleaning industry has given us a better understanding of the most effective grout steamers.

Testing Categories

We based our review choices on the following criteria:

Versatility – Can they handle more than just grout cleaning and serve as all-around steam cleaning solutions?

Features – Also, the features included must make it easy to handle.

Extras – Finally, did they include attachments that significantly added to their functionality?

Top Pick

Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off
Pet Steamer, Tile, Bathroom,
Hard Wood Floor Cleaner

This is a versatile grout steamer that also cleans pet messes, bathroom tiles, and hardwood floors. High/low settings and a variety of attachments allow you to customize it according to your needs.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The PowerFeesh is one of the most versatile grout steamers we’ve ever tested. It comes with a wide variety of attachments so you can use it for more cleaning tasks than a typical grout steamer. The Lift-Off also heats up very quickly and clears up even the most stubborn buildups when used with the included scrub brush.

Biggest downsides: We were disappointed that the Bissell PowerFresh isn't as useful on laminate floors, but it is a very effective cleaner for most other surfaces.

Honorable Mention

LIGHT 'N' EASY Mop Cleaning
Steamer for Hardwood Tile and Laminate Floor,
with Automatic Steam Control

This steamer has a smart sensor that releases the right amount of steam every time. It operates at higher temperatures than other steamers, and the bottom tank design ensures more effective cleaning.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Among all the grout steamers we’ve tried, the Light 'N' Easy cranks out the highest steam temperatures. This makes it ideally suited for eliminating bacteria from surfaces where toddlers usually play. And because the mop head only releases steam when it is in motion, it doesn't leave water marks on the floor.

Biggest downsides: We did find washing the mopping cloth is a bit of a hassle, but that is pretty much the case with most other steamers.

Also Consider

Steam Mop Cleaner ThermaPro
10-in-1 with Convenient
Detachable Handheld Unit

This all-around steam cleaner does more than just clean grimy grouts. You can use it as a convenient handheld steam cleaner or use the flexible hose for cleaning carpets, glass windows, and mirrors.

Price Check

Most notable upside: We were especially impressed at how effectively The ThermalPro cleans stubborn grime buildup without the use of strong cleaning solutions. The ThermaPro 10-in-1 combines the convenience of a handheld steamer with the power and performance of an industrial steam hose.

Biggest downsides: We did wish that the cleaning surface was a bit wider, but it is certainly wide enough for most applications.

All Our Picks

Honorable Mention

LIGHT 'N' EASY Mop Cleaning
Steamer for Hardwood Tile and Laminate Floor,
with Automatic Steam Control

This steamer has a smart sensor that releases the right amount of steam every time. It operates at higher temperatures than other steamers, and the bottom tank design ensures more effective cleaning.

Price Check

Cleaning grout in your bathroom and kitchen is one of the most exhausting and labor-intensive cleaning processes you have to regularly perform in order to have a clean home. However, once you’ve gotten the job done, there’s no denying the immense sense of satisfaction and happiness when you see the beautiful and clean grout in your home!

How Does Grout Get So Dirty?

Grout is used to fill the gaps between the tiles in both your kitchen and your bathroom, as well as to stabilize the tile against your walls and floor. While the tile surface itself is smooth and easy to clean, the grout is a lot more difficult to clean because its surface is lower than the tile and it has a rough texture. Over time, dirt, debris, and other gunk tend to get trapped in the grout. In your kitchen walls, it’s usually dirt, debris, and even cooking oil. In your bathroom walls, it’s hardened soap scum, mineral scale, general grime, and even mold due to the constantly moist environment. In your floors, it’s the daily dust, dirt, and grime from people walking all over the floor. It’s even worse when you have pets in your home because pet waste and fur can also get trapped in your grout.

The grime and other dirt work their way into the rough surface of the grout and become difficult to clean and remove, even with strong cleaners and intensive scrubbing.

Why Should I Use a Steam Cleaner?

The best way to clean and sanitize grout is by using grout steamers. Grout steamers heat water to more than 200°F, then blast the water into the grout itself. The heat and water move easily into those nooks and crannies between your tiles and loosen the dirt, grime, and other hardened material in your grout so it is easier to remove. Using a grout cleaner can make quick work of a very tedious and time-intensive job.

Many grout cleaners have nozzles that help you direct the stream of steam directly into the dirty areas, as well as stiff nylon brushes so that you can scrub the grout as you steam it. The result is a dirty slurry of water and grime that you can easily clean up with a regular mop.

How to Use a Steam Cleaner for Your Grout

For any grout cleaner, there are certain steps that you will need to follow to be able to get the best results. Here are three easy steps that you can follow to maximize the cleaning output for your grout cleaner:

Clean the Surrounding Tiles

Before you clean the grout, it’s best to manually clean the tiles around it. Scrub and remove the dirt, grime, and other foreign particles from the surface of the surrounding tiles as these can hamper your grout cleaning. The additional grime and dirt from the tiles can also add an unnecessary burden to your grout cleaner brush.

Set Up the Grout Cleaner

Once you’ve cleaned up the tiles, you can start using the grout cleaner. Fill up the tank with water and use your cleaner according to instructions. For most grout cleaners, you will need to wait a few minutes for the steam to build up. Once it’s ready, direct the nozzle towards the grout and release the stream, scrubbing with the built-in brush as you do so. The best type of brush is the nylon brush so that you don’t damage or scratch the tile surfaces. If you have stubborn dirt in your grout, you can use a brass brush, but take care not to scratch the tiles around the grout. Work a small section at a time in order to thoroughly clean the grout.

Mop Up and Rinse

As you clean the grout, you will need to periodically stop in order to mop up the dirty water slurry. Refill the grout steamer as needed and repeat the entire process until you have cleaned up all the grout in your kitchen and bathroom.

The Best Grout Steamers

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off
Pet Steamer, Tile, Bathroom,
Hard Wood Floor Cleaner

LIGHT 'N' EASY Mop Cleaning
Steamer for Hardwood Tile and Laminate Floor,
with Automatic Steam Control

Steam Mop Cleaner ThermaPro
10-in-1 with Convenient
Detachable Handheld Unit

All Our Picks

Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off
Pet Steamer, Tile, Bathroom,
Hard Wood Floor Cleaner

LIGHT 'N' EASY Mop Cleaning
Steamer for Hardwood Tile and Laminate Floor,
with Automatic Steam Control

Steam Mop Cleaner ThermaPro
10-in-1 with Convenient
Detachable Handheld Unit

How Does Grout Get So Dirty?

Why Should I Use a Steam Cleaner?

How to Use a Steam Cleaner for Your Grout

Quick Links

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The Best Grout Steamers

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Bissell PowerFresh Lift-OffPet Steamer, Tile, Bathroom,Hard Wood Floor Cleaner

LIGHT 'N' EASY Mop CleaningSteamer for Hardwood Tile and Laminate Floor,with Automatic Steam Control

Steam Mop Cleaner ThermaPro10-in-1 with ConvenientDetachable Handheld Unit

All Our Picks

Bissell PowerFresh Lift-OffPet Steamer, Tile, Bathroom,Hard Wood Floor Cleaner

LIGHT 'N' EASY Mop CleaningSteamer for Hardwood Tile and Laminate Floor,with Automatic Steam Control

Steam Mop Cleaner ThermaPro10-in-1 with ConvenientDetachable Handheld Unit

How Does Grout Get So Dirty?

Why Should I Use a Steam Cleaner?

How to Use a Steam Cleaner for Your Grout

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off
Pet Steamer, Tile, Bathroom,
Hard Wood Floor Cleaner

LIGHT 'N' EASY Mop Cleaning
Steamer for Hardwood Tile and Laminate Floor,
with Automatic Steam Control

Steam Mop Cleaner ThermaPro
10-in-1 with Convenient
Detachable Handheld Unit

Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off
Pet Steamer, Tile, Bathroom,
Hard Wood Floor Cleaner

LIGHT 'N' EASY Mop Cleaning
Steamer for Hardwood Tile and Laminate Floor,
with Automatic Steam Control

Steam Mop Cleaner ThermaPro
10-in-1 with Convenient
Detachable Handheld Unit