Grout might be necessary for kitchen and bathroom tiles, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. And I especially don’t have to like how it soaks up dirt, grime, and other things until I can’t remember what the original colour of my grout was.
That’s where Zep comes in. Forget everything you’ve seen about grout being cleaned with electric devices and various cleaning products. You don’t need any of it. This $15 cleaning product lifts all the gunk from your grout without scrubbing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Product: Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener
- $15.99 through Zep Australia
- $45 (Amazon Australia)
- Best for: White and coloured floor grout lines
- Not suitable for: Marble, terrazzo, travertine, natural stone, brass or Corian
- Minimal to no scrubbing required
- Doesn’t contain bleach
- Verdict: It really works, but stock can be hard to come by
What is Zep grout cleaner and brightener?
Zep is a professional-strength American cleaning brand that has been around for decades. Zep’s heavy-duty formulas tackle the grime that everyday supermarket cleaners struggle with, and the brand is now available in Australia.
After reading the hype around the Zep grout cleaner and brightener, I put it to the test. (Not to be confused with the Zep grout and tile cleaner. A review for that will be coming soon.)
My review
Starting with the grout in my kitchen, I was very excited to see this product in action. I read the back of the bottle and ignored the safety advice about wearing gloves. This is something you definitely shouldn’t do.
Testing a small patch, I attempted to pour a small amount of the clear liquid into the grout and spread it over it with a cotton bud.
In hindsight, pouring straight from the bottle isn’t easy. The instructions say the product should be applied to the grout lines, not the tiles. To do this successfully, you’ll need to pour some into an old container, dip your grout brush in, and apply it directly to the grout. Don’t worry, my tiles were fine, but the instructions are there for a reason.
After three minutes, I used a damp cloth to wipe any cleaner, revealing clean grout. The dirt lifted straight off without scrubbing. Grout cleaning doesn’t get easier than this.
As for the smell, I agree with Zep that it has a fresh, clean scent. It definitely doesn’t smell like a harsh chemical, but I still wouldn’t use this in an unventilated area. And next time I will wear gloves.
Interestingly, when I tried the grout in my bathroom tiles, it fizzed up. I can only assume they are reacting to a different type of dirt in the grout than in the kitchen.
There is no denying that this stuff really works. There really is no scrubbing involved, but it did leave me questioning what’s actually in it. And will it eventually ruin my grout?
Pros and cons
| Can be hard to get into Australia | Cons |
| No scrubbing required | Can be hard to get this in Australia |
| Works quickly — results in 3 minutes | Applying only to grout lines takes patience |
| No bleach or chlorine | Only suitable for grout lines, not tiles |
| Fresh fragrance, not harsh | Contains ethylbenzene — ventilation required |
| Safe on coloured grout | More expensive than supermarket alternatives |
How to use zep (step-by-step)
- Step 1: Apply to grout lines carefully using a grout brush or an old toothbrush.
- Step 2: Leave for 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Wipe away with a damp cloth.
- Step 4: Rinse the surface area thoroughly.
Is Zep grout cleaner and brightener safe to use?
ZepGrout Cleaner and Brightener doesn’t contain bleach, but it does contain ethylbenzene, a chemical solvent that contributes to the formula’s cleaning power. Ethylbenzene is a naturally occurring compound found in crude oil and petroleum and is commonly used in a wide range of cleaning and paint products. For occasional home use with proper precautions (gloves and good ventilation), exposure is considered low risk.
What can you use Zep on?
The back of the bottle says this product should only be used on white or coloured grout lines on the floor.
What can’t you use Zep on?
Avoid using this product on marble, terrazzo, travertine, natural stone, brass or Corian. If you’re unsure about your surface, always test in a small, inconspicuous area first.
Pro tip from Zep: the bottle says to reseal your grout after brightening to keep lines cleaner for longer.
Where to buy
Zep Australia is the sole local distributor of Zep products; stock may be limited. The Zep Australia website says a bottle will set you back $14,99. At the time of writing, your most reliable option is Amazon Australia, where the grout cleaner and brightener is available for $55. It’s worth checking back with Zep Australia directly, as the range continues to grow and is restocked regularly.
Zep FAQs
To prevent permanent damage, do not use Zep Industrial Grout Cleaner on the following materials:
Natural Stone: Marble, terrazzo, and travertine.
Metals: Brass or chrome.
Synthetic Surfaces: Corian or specific laminates.
Note: This product is an acidic cleaner designed specifically for grout lines, not the tile surface itself. Always perform a spot test on a hidden area before applying the full amount.
For the best results and safety, follow these steps:
Preparation: Ensure the room is well-ventilated and wear protective gloves.
Application: Pour a small amount into a container, then apply it directly to the grout lines using a grout brush or an old toothbrush. Avoid contact with the tiles.
Dwell Time: Let the solution sit for 3 minutes.
Clean Up: Wipe away with a damp cloth and rinse the area thoroughly with water.
Pro Tip: Work in small sections to prevent the cleaner from drying on the surface.
Based on performance testing, Zep Industrial Grout Cleaner is widely considered one of the most effective products on the market. It is specifically formulated to lift years of deep-seated grime and kitchen grease in minutes with minimal to no scrubbing. While it can be harder to find in Australian retail stores compared to other brands, its professional-grade strength makes it the “gold standard” for DIY deep cleaning.
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