Let’s face it, tile and grout cleaning can be a chore. But a sparkling clean tile floor can completely transform the look of your kitchen, bathroom, or any room in your house.
This article explores different tile and grout cleaning methods, the best tools and products, common mistakes to avoid, and the benefits of sealing and professional cleaning. Read on for more!
1. What Are the Best Methods for Cleaning Tile and Grout?
There are many different ways to clean tile floors. The best method will depend on the type of tile you have and the severity of the dirt and grime. But before diving into specifics, let’s discuss the basic process you’ll likely use for all tile cleaning:
Basic Tile Cleaning Process
- Preparation: Always begin by clearing the area. Give the tile surfaces a good sweep or vacuum to remove any loose debris and dirt. This prevents further grinding of dirt into the tile during cleaning.
- Cleaning: You’ll use your chosen cleaning method to loosen and scrub away dirt from the tiles and grout. There are many options, from simple DIY solutions to using a steam cleaner. Always test a small, hidden area first before tackling the entire floor.
- Rinsing: Rinse the tile floors thoroughly to remove any leftover cleaning solutions. Residual cleaners can leave streaks and attract dirt.
- Drying: This is often overlooked. Grout is susceptible to soaking up dirt and spills. It can also retain moisture. Wipe the floor with a clean, dry towel to prevent mildew growth or water damage and ensure a sparkling finish.
Methods of Cleaning
With the general process in mind, let’s now explore the specific cleaning methods. Here are some common options:
Simple Cleaning Solutions
For lightly soiled tiles, using warm water with a mild dish soap can do wonders. Use a dish soap that is gentle on tile but powerful enough to clean greasy messes from the kitchen. This approach is safe for most tiles, including marble. However, avoiding harsh, acidic cleaners is best for any tile.
DIY Cleaning Power
You’ve probably seen lots of DIY grout cleaning “hacks,” but they don’t all work equally well. The best homemade grout cleaner combines the mild abrasive power of baking soda with the cleaning and brightening action of hydrogen peroxide. Adding in a bit of dish soap helps cut through grease.
Mix two parts baking soda to one part hydrogen peroxide and add a dash of dish soap. The best results often come from using slightly less hydrogen peroxide, creating a more manageable paste. This baking soda paste worked great on deeply stained grout that looked hopeless, but it took a bit of elbow grease.
Best Bottled Grout Cleaner
Sometimes you want to rely on the tried and true. Many find that Zep Grout Cleaner & Brightener delivers amazing results. Just be aware it’s acidic, so this is a powerful cleaner best suited for heavily soiled tile.
You’ll likely want to switch to a gentler cleaning method afterward to maintain your newly restored grout. Some gentler options include the baking soda paste or a steam cleaner. Apply it, wait, and then scrub. Then simply rinse away the grime with a sponge and a bucket of warm water.
Natural Stone Safe Cleaners
Marble and other natural stone tile surfaces require some extra TLC. While simple soap and water often work, you may need a gentler bottled cleaner for more intensive cleaning. Granite Gold Grout Cleaner is one of the best. This mild, non-abrasive, pH-balanced cleaner works on stubborn grime while remaining safe for these delicate materials.
If you do have natural stone floors, squeegeeing them after every shower prevents dirt and hard water from taking hold, keeping your grout lines cleaner for longer.
Steam Cleaning Tile Floors
If you’re looking for a chemical-free way to clean tile and grout while also sanitizing, steam cleaning could be your solution. It involves using a dedicated steam cleaner to blast away dirt. The Bissell SteamShot is a very versatile cleaning tool for lots of tasks around the house. You can even get special grout brush attachments to scrub while steaming.
The main advantage of this is it quickly cleans large areas and removes dirt and grime with minimal effort. While this doesn’t clean as deeply as the Zep cleaner or the baking soda paste, steam cleaners often get the tile floors clean enough.
2. How Often Should You Clean Your Tile and Grout?
How often you clean your tile largely depends on your personal needs. Some folks prefer spotless tiles, while others are more flexible. Factors like having young kids or shedding pets may require more frequent cleanings.
High-traffic areas, like entryways, need more attention than guest bathrooms, which are used less. While a professional cleaning every 12 months works for many, you might need additional cleaning based on your situation.
Maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule is important to preventing dirt buildup. If you keep things generally clean, deep cleaning won’t be needed as often.
3. What Tools and Products Do You Need for Effective Tile and Grout Cleaning?
Having the right cleaning tools and grout cleaners can make tile cleaning far easier. Whether you choose DIY solutions or professional-grade products, make sure you use protective gear, as well. Always use high-quality, chemical-resistant rubber gloves. Sometimes a face mask for heavy fumes is required too.
Invest in a pair of protective no-fog goggles to shield your eyes from splashes or cleaner fumes. But what about the actual cleaning tools? Here are some of the most common:
- Grout Brushes: Your old toothbrush might seem tempting for cleaning grout lines. However, a dedicated brush can make a world of difference. Battery-operated spin brushes, specifically designed with different head attachments, do most of the scrubbing for you.
- Steam Cleaners: While not strictly essential, using a steam cleaner can provide a natural way to both clean and sanitize tile and grout. For large tile surfaces, a dedicated steam cleaner will save a lot of scrubbing effort and provide an eco-friendly, chemical-free cleaning alternative.
- Other Handy Helpers: Keeping a microfiber cloth for rinsing, buckets for clean and dirty water, and even knee pads to make this task more comfortable can streamline your cleaning routine.
4. Can You Use Homemade Solutions for Cleaning Tile and Grout?
Absolutely. Many turn to homemade solutions because they often prove just as effective as commercial options. This gives you control over what’s coming into contact with your tiles and often comes at a fraction of the cost. Let’s look at the most popular DIY grout cleaner you can mix up in your kitchen:
Baking Soda Paste Recipe
This basic paste combines common household ingredients you likely have on hand. Although the precise recipe varies depending on your cleaning needs, here is a solid starting point:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Baking Soda (Mild abrasive) | 2 parts |
Hydrogen Peroxide (Cleans and brightens) | 1 part |
Dish Soap (Cuts grease) | A dash |
You want to combine these ingredients until it forms a paste. It should be spreadable, but avoid making it too runny. Apply this mixture generously to your grout lines. I find waiting around 5-10 minutes before scrubbing usually works well.
Use your grout brush and a little effort to scrub away dirt, grime, and stains. After thoroughly scrubbing, just rinse away with a sponge and warm water and then dry those tile surfaces.
Also see: Professional Home Kitchen Cleaning
5. How Can You Prevent Future Grime Buildup on Tile and Grout?
Once your grout looks brand new, it’s natural to want to keep it that way. To prevent scrubbing grime in the future, it’s important to understand why this chore can feel so overwhelming. Grout is porous, which means it easily absorbs spills, dirt, and anything else it touches, leading to that dreaded dingy look.
To protect your grout, sealing it is essential. If you have unsealed or worn-out grout, applying a sealant creates a barrier that keeps liquids and dirt from soaking in. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results!
6. Cleaning Tips For Daily Life
- Once you have sealed grout, or if your grout is newer, consistent little efforts will pay off. When it comes to spills on your grout, just make sure to clean those up right away before they have a chance to penetrate and set in.
- For marble or natural stone tiles, wiping down your shower after every use can help tremendously. Regular mopping and vacuuming will also remove loose dirt that, if ignored, eventually makes its way deep into the grout lines.
- Think beyond simple cleaning. Doormats placed both outside and inside entrances prevent dirt and grit from ever reaching your tile surfaces. Avoiding harsh chemicals helps because they can actually erode the grout sealer over time. This includes bleach, vinegar, and even many common commercial tile cleaners. Sticking to mild soap and water or specially designed cleaners (like that Zep cleaner or Granite Gold if you have a natural stone) will help keep that grout cleaner for much longer.
- You can check the product label or the manufacturer’s instructions for those commercial cleaners to verify if they are safe for sealed grout. It might surprise you to find many recommend against frequent use.
7. What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Tile and Grout?
You’re ready to tackle that grimy grout, but be mindful of common mistakes that can make the job harder. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Choosing the Wrong Cleaner: Not all cleaners are created equal. Harsh chemicals, like bleach or abrasive cleaners, can damage natural stone and wear away grout sealer over time. Always test new products in a hidden spot first, and choose ones that are safe for your specific tile and effective for the type of grout you have.
- Neglecting to Protect Yourself: Don’t forget your safety gear! Wear gloves and safety glasses, as many cleaners contain strong chemicals that can irritate your skin and lungs.
- Skipping Prep Work: Getting eager to clean is great, but skipping prep work can backfire. Always sweep or vacuum first to avoid grinding dirt into the grout, which can cause scratches and more issues down the line.
- Inconsistent Effort: While a deep clean feels satisfying, maintaining your tiles with regular, lighter cleaning tasks is key. A quick sweep and mop will keep things looking fresh and prevent dirt buildup, making your next big clean less daunting and result in a fantastic job done.
Check this out: How To Clean Bathroom Sink: Step by Step Guide
8. Is Professional Tile and Grout Cleaning Worth It?
Many homeowners successfully clean tiles but hiring a grout cleaning company and professional grout cleaning service offers distinct advantages:
- Cleaning Process:
- Professionals often use hot water extraction (or steam cleaning) to effectively clean grout and a dirty tile.
- This method uses heated water and high pressure to release dirt from grout lines.
- Homeowners typically lack high-powered extractors that remove dirty water, which professionals use, often from truck-mounted units.
- Results in an outstanding job and incredibly clean grout and faster drying times compared to traditional scrubbing.
- Professional Advantage:
- Professional cleaning requires a significant time investment.
- Cleaners undergo specialized training for safely and effectively cleaning various tile types.
- DIY cleaning can damage delicate tiles (e.g., marble) if harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners are used.
- Experienced professionals possess specialized knowledge and can handle high-powered equipment safely.
- Beyond cleaning, professionals can address other grout issues like replacing sections, fixing chips, or sealing.
- DIY vs. Professional Cleaning:
- DIY is suitable for light cleaning and if you enjoy tackling grout lines.
- For heavily stained, damaged grout or larger areas, professional services may be more efficient and effective.
- The decision depends on your values regarding money, effort, time, and desired cleaning results.
Conclusion
Tile and grout cleaning, despite its often frustrating reputation, is a totally doable task. The tips we explored will help those sparkling surfaces look amazing and make cleaning simpler. If you are worried about damaging your tiles and grout, give our grout cleaning services at MasterMaid a try. Not only can we do an excellent job cleaning stubborn stains, but we will also take care of all your cleaning needs. Give us a call or book today for all your tile grout cleaning needs.