If you’ve ever looked down at your kitchen or bathroom tiles and winced at the state of your grout, you’re not alone. Grout has a sneaky way of collecting grime, grease, and all sorts of mysterious stains, making even the cleanest home look a little worse for wear.
And while professional grout cleaning can leave your floors sparkling, it often comes with a price tag that’s enough to make your eyes water.
But what if we told you there’s a $12 solution hiding in plain sight at Bunnings that professional cleaners swear by?
That’s right—Jack Croukamp from Clean Like a Pro has let us in on his secret weapon: the Oates long-handle grout brush, available for just $11.79.
Compared to the $170+ you might fork out for a professional-grade brush, this little beauty is a steal.
So, what makes the Oates brush so special? According to Jack, it’s all in the design. The bristles are firm enough to tackle stubborn grime, and the brush’s unique angle—longer in the middle, shorter on the sides—means it fits perfectly into grout lines.
Plus, the swivel head makes scrubbing a breeze, letting you attack dirt from every angle without breaking your back.
But the brush is only half the story. Jack and his wife (and business partner) Kate have a clever trick up their sleeves: pairing the brush with a degreaser.
Not just any degreaser, mind you—they use their own Pro Degreaser, which is tough on fats and oils but gentle on your tiles and grout.
Why a degreaser? As Jack explains, the natural oils from our feet (yes, even the cleanest among us) mix with dirt and get ground into the grout, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. Breaking down that oily buildup is the key to restoring your grout to its former glory.
A word of caution, though: not all degreasers are created equal. Some are packed with harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin, fill your home with nasty fumes, or even discolour your grout. Always check the label and opt for a product that’s safe for indoor use and gentle on surfaces.
Once you’ve scrubbed away the grime, Jack recommends using a wet wring mop to wash the dirt off your tiles. Don’t be shy with the water at first—you want to really rinse away all that loosened muck.
Then, go over the area again with a drier mop to soak up the excess moisture, and let everything air dry. The result? Grout that looks almost as good as the day it was laid.
The best part? Once you’ve done a deep clean, it’s easy to keep your grout looking fresh. Jack suggests spot cleaning high-traffic areas as needed, so you can go longer between those big, back-breaking cleans (and avoid calling in the pros with their heavy-duty machines).
Let’s face it: professional grout cleaning can cost a small fortune, especially if you have a lot of tiled areas. But with a little elbow grease, the right tools, and a smart cleaning strategy, you can save hundreds of dollars and keep your home looking its best.
Have you tried the Oates grout brush or have your own secret weapon for sparkling tiles? Share your tips, tricks, and grout horror stories in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Try the 60-second rule that transformed cleaning for one woman
