Tile and Grout Cleaning

Written by Karen Bates (last updated September 24, 2018)

The tiled areas in your home can be beautiful, and this surface adds a distinctive and classy look to any room. Whether it is in your kitchen, your bathroom, or any other area, tile is a beautiful material that can be used as a wall covering, flooring, or even on a counter. The look of tile appeals to many people, and it works with many decorating styles, making it a versatile option.

Any surface that you may have will require some form of maintenance, and tile is no different. Although it is fairly easy to care for, there are certain cleaning tasks that will be involved with keeping your floor looking great. Tile has the potential to be beautiful, but if you don't take proper care of it, it will begin to look dull and unappealing. By making sure you clean it correctly, you can be sure that your tile will look great.

Cleaning most tile surfaces only requires a little work. If you have a tile floor, sweep it regularly to pick up dirt and reduce the amount of stuck-on particles. You should also mop the floor often, and how you go about this can depend on the type of tile you have. However, in general it is a good approach to start simple and work up to more intense cleaning methods if needed.

To clean tile floors, showers, and counter tops, start with a mild cleaner. You can use a homemade mixture or a multi-purpose cleaner, but be sure that you use ingredients that are recommended by the tile's manufacturer. Using your chosen mild cleaner, apply to the tile and either mop or gently scrub the surface with a sponge. Continue until any residue or stains seem to be cleaned away.

Of course, cleaning your tiled areas won't always be easy. Grout in particular can be difficult to clean, and it may require some time and effort to get it looking like new again. Mildew, soap scum, or mold can develop on the tile in your bathroom and can cause ugly stains and spots, and dirt can change grout from bright to dull and dingy. For these problems, you may need to try some more intense cleaning strategies. To achieve serious cleaning of tile and grout, find a cleaner that has the ability to remove stains on tile specifically. Make sure that the cleaner won't harm your tile, and avoid using abrasive brushes or steel wool to clean with.

With a little effort, you can get your tile and grout looking great. Be sure to use the right tools and cleaners for the job.

Author Bio

Karen Bates

An English student who enjoys writing and art, Karen has had her poetry published in her university's literary journal and has several novels in the works. ...

MORE FROM KAREN

Cleaning Deck Furniture

Furniture is a wonderful addition to any deck, but it must be properly maintained, just like indoor furniture. Because ...

Discover More

HVAC Cleaning

Your heating and air conditioning systems need to be cleaned regularly. Find a cleaning technician who will clean your ...

Discover More

Essential Oils Aromatherapy

There are many ways that you can find relaxation during your busy day. Try aromatherapy for a calming, de-stressing effect.

Discover More

Tough Cleaning Jobs Require Brawny! Brawny paper towels provide the versatility you need: the strength for demanding jobs and the softness to clean up your child's messy face. This 24-roll pack of pick-a-size sheets can handle just about every cleaning task in your home. Check out Brawny 24-Pack Giant Paper Towels today!

More Cleaning Tips

Remove Hard Water Stains from Grout

If you happen to have tile in your kitchen or bathroom, then chances are you will have to deal with hard water stains on ...

Discover More

Protecting Tile Floors

One of the most popular choices in home flooring is tile floors. When used properly, tile floors can greatly enhance the ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of "Blurry" Tiles

When you don't clean the tiles found in your home properly, they can easily end up looking all kinds of blurry. Getting ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is nine minus 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.