Tile and grout cleaning: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What tile and grout cleaning is

Tile and grout cleaning scrubs grout lines and tile surfaces with a suitable cleaner and a brush, a machine or steam, then rinses and dries them. Many homeowners add a grout sealer afterward, since sealed grout resists staining in kitchens, showers and entryways.

Signs you need it

  • Grout lines in the shower or on the kitchen floor are darker than the tile around them
  • Mold or mildew shows in the corners where the tile meets the tub or the wall
  • Tile in the entry has a gritty film that a mop does not lift
  • Grout is crumbling, cracked or missing in places and needs attention
  • Stains from food, oil or pet accidents have soaked into the grout and will not come out

What the pro does

  • Identify the tile and grout type, and check whether the tile is glazed, natural stone or unglazed
  • Test a small area with the cleaner before you work on the whole floor or wall
  • Scrub the grout with a grout-safe cleaner and a stiff brush, working along the lines
  • Use a machine or steam on larger floors, and make sure the cleaner does not sit on natural stone
  • Rinse the tile and grout with clean water and remove the dirty solution as you go
  • Dry the surface fully, then apply a grout sealer if the customer has chosen one

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Total area of tile and grout, and the number of rooms and wall sections included
  • Grout condition, since heavily stained or cracked grout takes more time and may need repair
  • Tile type, such as natural stone, porcelain or glazed ceramic, which changes the products used
  • Presence of mold or mildew that needs extra treatment
  • Whether grout sealing is included, and whether a color sealer is used
  • Access, such as an enclosed shower or a multi-level entry

What a written quote should spell out

  • The areas included, such as floors, shower walls, backsplash and entry
  • The cleaner and method used for each tile type and grout type
  • Whether grout sealing is included, and the type of sealer applied
  • Whether cracked or missing grout is repaired or only noted
  • Drying time and when the floor or shower can be used again

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What cleaner do you use on natural stone and on unglazed tile, and will it etch the surface
  • Will you tell me if the grout is cracked or missing and what that means for water
  • Do you seal the grout after cleaning, and what sealer do you use
  • How long will the grout take to dry before I can walk on it or use the shower
  • Can you remove mold from the shower corners, or is that a separate job
  • Will the tile look dull or change color after you clean it

Red flags

  • A crew that uses an acid cleaner on natural stone, marble or unglazed tile
  • No test area before work starts on an unknown tile type
  • A promise that grout will look new without any mention of repair or wear
  • Sealing applied to wet grout, which traps moisture and dirt under the sealer

What you can do yourself

You can scrub light grime with a mild cleaner and a soft brush, and wipe the shower after each use to slow buildup. Call a professional for deep grout stains, mold in the corners, natural stone, and any grout that is cracked or missing, since those need specific products and checks.

Licenses and permits

Tile and grout cleaning is not commonly licensed. Check with your state or local licensing agency for business registration that applies to a cleaning company. Tile repair and waterproofing work are commonly licensed in some areas, so check before hiring for those.

Tile and grout cleaning questions

Does sealing grout make it stain-proof?

No. A sealer slows staining and makes cleanup easier, but it wears down over time. Plan to reseal on a schedule the installer or the cleaner recommends.

Can I use bleach on grout?

It can lighten some grout and damage others, and it can harm natural stone. Ask the cleaner first, and avoid mixing bleach with other cleaners.

Why is my grout turning black in the shower?

Usually mold or mildew in a damp area. Good ventilation helps, but if the grout is cracked or always wet, the water source may need checking by a qualified person.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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