How to Clean Tile and Grout (and When to Call a Pro)

Most people don't realize that tile and grout can actually be quite challenging to keep clean. If not cleaned regularly, tile and grout will become stained and discolored. The good news is that you can use some simple tips and tricks to keep your tile and grout looking new. Fresh, clean tile and grout not only look great but also makes your home more sanitary. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to clean your tile and grout, as well as how to keep it clean.

What are my options?

You have two options for tile and grout cleaning: professional tile cleaning companies and DIY tile cleaning. Both have pros and cons, but which is right for you? If you're trying to decide, consider the following factors.

Tile cleaning companies have the experience and expertise to make your tile and grout look new. They also have the necessary equipment to clean deep into the pores of the tile and remove all the dirt, grime, and stains. However, tile cleaning companies can be expensive, and you may not be able to get an appointment for a few weeks.

DIY tile cleaning is an excellent option if you're on a budget or need your tile and grout cleaned immediately. However, it's important to note that DIY tile cleaning can be very time-consuming and labor-intensive. You also run the risk of damaging your tile or grout if you're not careful.

So, which option is right for you? If you have the time and patience to do it yourself, then go for it! However, if you want the job done quickly and professionally, hiring a tile cleaning company is worth it.

I'll do tile cleaning myself!

Great! Read on for a few tips and what you'll need for DIY tile and grout cleaning.

To clean your tile and grout, you'll need:

-a stiff brush

-a bucket of warm water

-a mild detergent or soap

-a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment

-a sponge or cloths

-cleaners specifically designed for tile and grout (optional)

Tip #1: Use the Right cleaner

Suppose you decide to use store-brand tile cleaners. Tile and grout cleaners come in all different formulas. Some are specifically designed for ceramic tile, while others are made for porcelain or natural stone. Be sure to use the right cleaner for your specific type of tile. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, which can damage your tile or grout.

Tip #2: Use a Soft Bristle Brush

When cleaning your tile and grout, be sure to use a soft bristle brush. This will help avoid scratching or damaging your tile. A soft bristle brush will also be gentler on your grout, allowing you to prevent any damage.

Tip #3: Use Warm Water

When cleaning your tile and grout, be sure to use warm water. Hot water can actually damage your tile or grout, so it's essential to use water that is just warm enough to get the job done.

Following these simple tips, you can easily clean your tile and grout and keep it looking new. Be sure to use the right cleaner for your specific type of tile, and always read the instructions before cleaning. Use a soft bristle brush and warm water. Doing so will prevent any damage to your tile or grout.

Homemade grout cleaners that work

Before buying anything, two pantry mixes handle most grout lines. For general grime, dissolve a squirt of dish soap in warm water, scrub the grout with a stiff nylon brush (an old toothbrush works for corners) and rinse with clean water so no film is left behind. For grout that has gone grey, make a paste of baking soda and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, spread it along the lines, leave it for ten minutes, then scrub and rinse. Diluted white vinegar cuts soap scum and hard-water haze on ceramic and porcelain, but keep it off natural stone such as marble, travertine and slate: the acid etches the surface, and it slowly eats cement grout too, so rinse well and use it rarely. Skip metal brushes and abrasive powders, which scratch glaze, and never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia. Work in small sections, change the rinse water often, and towel the floor dry so dirty water does not settle back into the grout.

Best tile and grout cleaners you can buy

If homemade mixes are not enough, store cleaners made for tile and grout do a better job than all-purpose sprays. We have no affiliation with any of these brands and earn nothing from them; they are simply the products homeowners ask us about most. Clean-eez Grout-eez is a spray-on grout cleaner for ceramic, porcelain and stone that needs only a brush and a rinse. Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener is an acidic, bleach-free formula for lightening white grout lines on floor tile; keep it off stone. Soft Scrub Gel with Bleach stays put on vertical grout in showers, but it can lighten colored grout, so test a corner first. For mildew-stained shower grout, RMR-86 and Mold Armor are the two stain removers people reach for; Mold Armor is the bleach-free option, and both need good ventilation. Microban 24-Hour Bathroom Cleaner is a daily-use spray for soap scum on tile, tubs and counters. If you own or rent a hard-floor machine, Hoover Renewal Tile and Grout Floor Cleaner is formulated for it. Whatever you pick, read the label for your tile type, test a hidden spot and rinse thoroughly: cleaner residue is the main reason grout looks dirty again within weeks.

I don't have time to clean my tile.

We understand that cleaning tile and grout can be a tedious and time-consuming task. Fortunately, professional tile and grout cleaning companies are available to handle this chore for you. These experts use advanced equipment and techniques to effectively remove dirt and grime, restoring the original shine to your tile. Additionally, professional cleaning helps prevent future buildup, extending the life of your tile. If you're not confident in your cleaning skills, it's best to leave it to the professionals.

Here are a few things to consider before hiring a professional tile cleaning company:

Tip #1: Understand Tile Cleaning Costs

When contacting a tile cleaning company, clarify their pricing structure and what services are included. Tile and grout cleaning is a multi-step process, so knowing all the costs upfront helps you make an informed decision.

Tip #2: Do Your Research

Searching "tile cleaning service near me" will yield numerous options. To choose the right company, start by asking friends and neighbors for recommendations. Then, check reviews on platforms like Google, NextDoor, and Yelp to see who other customers recommend.

Five signs you need professional tile and grout cleaning

Mopping keeps tile presentable, but these five problems mean soil and moisture have gotten into the grout itself, and that is where a professional tile and grout cleaning earns its fee.

1. Grout that stays dark after scrubbing. Years of dirt bond into porous grout; a pressurized hot-water rinse pulls it out in one visit where brushes only polish the surface.
2. A musty smell from the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room. Spills and damp soak into the grout lines and sour; air fresheners mask it, extraction removes it.
3. Mold or mildew in the grout lines. Chicago's humid summers and steamy bathrooms feed it, and surface sprays rarely reach the roots; cleaning followed by sealing slows its return.
4. Dull, hazy tile. Cleaner residue, soap scum and hard-water film build a layer that mopping spreads around rather than removes.
5. Crumbling or loose grout. Once grout cracks, water gets under the tile; have the lines cleaned and sealed before tiles start to shift.

Once or twice a year is enough for most homes, timed with the spring and fall deep cleans; busy kitchens, showers and homes with pets usually need the second visit.

What professional tile and grout cleaning costs

Our tile and grout cleaning is $1 per sq ft, and clear grout sealing is an optional $0.50 per sq ft on top, applied once the grout is clean and dry. A 150 sq ft kitchen floor is therefore $150 to clean and $225 cleaned and sealed; a 50 sq ft bathroom on its own falls under the $180 appointment minimum ($220 inside Chicago ZIP codes), so it pays to have the entry, bathroom and kitchen done in one visit. The full list is on our pricing page, and the calculator gives an instant estimate from your square footage.

The visit itself follows four steps. The technician inspects the tile and grout and confirms the price before any equipment comes in; furniture is moved and the floor is vacuumed and pre-treated with a cleaning solution; the tile is scrubbed and the grout lines are rinsed with hot steam extraction, which pulls the loosened soil into the recovery tank instead of leaving it in a mop bucket; and once the floor is dry, the grout is sealed if you chose it and the furniture goes back. If you are looking for tile and grout cleaning near you, we have five offices across Chicago and the suburbs, our technicians are IICRC-certified, and every job carries our guarantee: not happy? Call us within 7 days and we will re-clean the area or refund your payment.

How To Keep Your Tile Floor Clean Longer

Now that your tile floors and grout are clean, you want them to stay that way for as long as possible. A few simple steps will ensure they do:

1. Sweep or vacuum your tile floors regularly to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Mop with a mild detergent and water. Be sure to rinse away any soap residue, as this can lead to buildup over time.
3. Try using a tile and grout cleaner every few months to help remove any stubborn dirt or stains.

By following these simple tips, you'll be able to enjoy your tile floors for years to come. And save some money not having it professionally cleaned very often.

Conclusion:

So, which option is right for you? If you have the time and patience to do a DIY tile cleaning job, then go for it! However, if you want the job done quickly and professionally, then it's worth it to hire a tile cleaning company.

To hire trusted tile cleaning professionals in the Chicago area, we recommend contacting My Carpet Cleaning.