Tile can be an attractive choice for covering the walls and floors of your kitchen, bathroom, and other areas around your home. However, bathroom tiles and other tiles can easily collect dirt and grime. The source of the dirt may differ depending on the room—mildew in the bathroom, cooking splashes in the kitchen, or mud stains on the floor—but dirty tile can make a room look dull and unappealing. Fortunately, cleaning tile and grout can be done easily using everyday household items, like dish soap and water.
How Often Should You Clean Tile and Grout?
The frequency of cleaning your tile and grout depends on the amount of foot traffic the area gets. In high-traffic rooms, such as the kitchen and the main bathroom, it may be necessary to clean them once a week. For rooms that aren’t used as often, you might be able to go a few weeks without cleaning.
Materials Needed for Cleaning Tile
Before cleaning your tiles, make sure you have the following materials:
- Microfiber cloth
- A bowl
- A spray bottle
- Scrub brush or sponge
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
How to Clean Tile
When cleaning tiles, it’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals, especially vinegar, even if it’s diluted. Vinegar is highly acidic, and using it on tile can weaken the grout and even cause etching on stone tiles, according to Robb Roderick. For most tiles, including porcelain and ceramic, a simple mixture of warm water and dish soap is usually enough. Here’s a simple method for cleaning your tiles:
- In a spray bottle, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap.
- Spray the solution onto the tile surface.
- Wipe the area with a damp microfiber cloth.
How to Remove Stains From Tile
If stains persist even after cleaning with dish soap, you can use a baking soda paste. Kathy Cohoon recommends making a paste to tackle tougher stains.
To make a baking soda paste:
- In a bowl, mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
- Spread the paste over the stained tile and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Lightly scrub the stained spot with a brush or sponge.
- Rinse with warm water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Materials Needed for Cleaning Grout
Tiles and grout also collect dirt, which can be difficult to remove. The following materials will help clean grout effectively:
- A bowl
- Scrub brush
- Microfiber cloth
- Baking soda
- Water
- Hydrogen peroxide
How to Clean Grout
The way grout gets dirty depends on its composition. Traditional grout is made of sand and cement, but newer types of grout contain latex and other materials to make them more resistant to stains. Regardless of the grout’s composition, baking soda remains an effective cleaner.
To clean grout:
- Mix baking soda and water in a bowl to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the grout lines.
- Scrub the grout with a brush and let the paste sit for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse the grout with warm water.
- Dry the grout using a microfiber cloth.
How to Remove Stains From Grout
Stains on grout can be more challenging to remove, but it’s still doable with the right approach. Kathy Cohoon suggests using hydrogen peroxide to make a stronger paste for stubborn stains.
To remove stains from grout:
- Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stained grout lines and scrub with a brush.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Dry the grout with a microfiber cloth.
How to Maintain Tile and Grout
Regular cleaning will help keep your tile and grout in great shape, but there are additional steps you can take to maintain their appearance and durability.
- Minimize Moisture Build-Up In bathrooms, moisture can lead to water stains and mold growth. After using the shower, wipe down the tiles with a squeegee or a microfiber cloth. Running the bathroom exhaust fan during and for 10 to 20 minutes after showering can help reduce humidity and moisture, preventing mold from growing on grout.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners Avoid using strong chemical cleaners on tiles and grout, especially products like vinegar and lemon juice, which are too acidic and can cause damage. Instead, opt for milder, pH-neutral cleaning solutions.
- Seal Your GroutGrout is porous, which can absorb dirt and moisture. Using a grout sealer helps prevent grime from entering the grout and makes it easier to clean. How often you should seal your grout depends on how frequently the area is used, but aim to reseal it at least once or twice a year. Be sure to wait at least 24 hours after scrubbing before applying the sealer to ensure the grout is completely dry.
When to Call a Professional
If your tile and grout have been neglected and show widespread discoloration, it’s time to call a professional. Anne Ruozzi suggests that when tile and grout are ignored for too long, discoloration may occur, and the grout may loosen. This can allow water to seep behind the tiles, leading to hidden mold growth. A professional will be able to properly assess the situation and perform a deep cleaning to restore the tile and grout to its original condition.
In conclusion, cleaning and maintaining tile and grout doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right materials and techniques, you can keep your tiles looking clean and fresh. Regular cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals, and sealing grout periodically can help preserve their beauty for years to come. If you’re ever in doubt or the grout shows signs of serious damage, don’t hesitate to seek professional help to ensure your tiles remain in great condition.