Tiles are a beautiful way to accent walls and floors in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home, but dirt and grime can quickly accumulate on the surfaces. The cause varies by room (mold in the bathroom, cooking splatter in the kitchen, mud stains on the hallway floor), but dirty tiles can make the entire room look dingy. Fortunately, tiles and grout can be cleaned daily using household products such as dish soap and water.
How often to clean tiles and grout
How often you clean your tiles and grout depends on the amount of foot traffic in the area. High traffic areas such as the kitchen and main bathrooms may require weekly cleaning. In rooms with tiles that aren't used often, you may be able to go weeks without having to clean the tiles or grout. “The key is to constantly monitor and adjust based on how dirty things are,” says Kathy Cohoon, Too Made's director of franchise operations.
Materials needed for cleaning tiles
Be sure to have these materials on hand when cleaning or staining tiles.
- microfiber cloth
- bowl
- spray bottle
- Scrubber or sponge
- hot water
- dishwashing detergent
- baking soda
How to clean tiles
When cleaning tiles, avoid using harsh chemicals such as vinegar (even diluted). The cleaning solution is highly acidic, said Rob Roderick, a technical trainer with the National Tile Contractors Association. “A solution that's too strong will weaken and damage the grout, and vinegar can etch stone tiles,” he says. For most types of tiles, including porcelain and ceramic, the only two ingredients needed are warm water and dish soap.
- Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Spray the tile surface with a solution of water and dish soap.
- Wipe the area with a damp microfiber towel or cloth.
How to remove stains from tiles
If your tiles are still stained after using dish soap, try making a paste of baking soda and water, says Cohoon.
- Make a paste by combining baking soda and water in a bowl.
- Spread the paste over the dirty tiles and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
- Use a brush or sponge to gently scrub the stain.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Dry with a microfiber cloth.
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Materials needed for grout cleaning
Be sure to have these materials on hand when cleaning and removing grout stains.
- bowl
- scrub brush
- microfiber cloth
- baking soda
- water
- hydrogen peroxide
how to clean grout
How dirty your grout gets can depend on the material it's made of. Traditional grout is a mixture of sand and cement, but more modern options include latex and other polymers that increase stain resistance. Baking soda, regardless of its composition, is an effective way to clean grout.
- Make a paste by combining baking soda and water in a bowl.
- Apply the paste to the grout lines, scrub it in with a brush, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse the grout with warm water.
- Dry the grout with a microfiber cloth.
How to remove stains from grout
It takes a little more work to remove stains from grout, but it's manageable, Cohoon says.
- Make a paste by combining baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
- Apply the paste to the stained grout lines, scrub it with a brush, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse the dirty grout with warm water.
- Dry the grout with a microfiber cloth.
How to maintain tile and grout
Cleaning your tiles and grout regularly will help keep them in good condition, but there are other steps you can take to keep them shiny.
Minimize moisture buildup
In the bathroom, wiping the tiles with a squeegee or clean microfiber cloth after showering will help remove stubborn limescale and soap scum. Additionally, running an exhaust fan for 10 to 20 minutes during and after the shower will remove moisture from the room and prevent mold growth on the grout.
Avoid harsh cleaners
Do not use strong chemical detergents as they may damage the joints. This includes detergents like vinegar and lemon juice that are too acidic for tiles and grout. “Instead, choose a milder, pH-neutral option,” Cohoon says.
seal the grout
The sealer fills the pores in the grout and prevents dirt, sand, and mold from penetrating the porous material. How often you need to seal the grout depends on the traffic in the tiled area, but aim for at least once or twice a year. Wait at least 24 hours between deep scrubbing and applying sealer to ensure the grout is completely dry.
When to call a professional
If you notice extensive discoloration of your tiles and grout, you should contact a professional to assess the damage and thoroughly clean the area, says Anne Ruozzi, founder of Therapy Clean . “If the tiles and grout are left to discolor, they can begin to loosen enough to allow water to seep into the back wall,” she says. Doing so may cause mold to grow in areas you can't see.
