May 02, 2023

Clean Ceramic Tile and Grout

As experts in the cleaning business, we know how important it is to keep your ceramic tiles and your grout clean. Not only does this keep them looking good, but you ensure that your home remains hygienic.

That's why it's crucial to learn how to clean ceramic tile and grout the right way.

And that's exactly what we're going to teach you. In this article, we'll guide you through all the most important tips and tricks so that you can keep your tiled surfaces clean.

What this article covers:

Essential Tools and Products for Cleaning Ceramic Tile and Grout
Proper Cleaning Techniques for Ceramic Tiles
Grout Cleaning Techniques
Stubborn Stains & Mold Removal

Essential Tools and Products for Cleaning Ceramic Tile and Grout

As we've learned in the business, it's important to have the right tools and products on hand when you start cleaning. With that in mind, here's a quick list of the most important tools and goods we suggest:

Tile and Grout Cleaner: Our carefully made tile and grout cleaner breaks down dirt and grime on your tiles so that they're easy to remove.

Grout Sealer: Grout sealer protects your grout from dirt and wetness, making it last longer and easier to clean in the future. Our multi-purpose solvent sealer will also do the trick.

Cleaning brush: Our sturdy and flexible TMF Grout Brush gives you the best scrubbing power without damaging your tiles or grout.

Proper Cleaning Techniques for Ceramic Tiles

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

From our experience, it's important to clean your ceramic tiles regularly if you want them to look their best. That way, whether they're tile floors or shower walls, you can also avoid more time-consuming deep cleaning. Here are two important things you must do regularly to keep your tiles in good shape:

Sweeping or Vacuuming

It's important to sweep or clean ceramic tile floors often to get rid of dirt, dust, and other waste. This keeps the tile's surface from getting scratched or damaged and keeps grime from building up in the grout lines.

Use a broom with soft bristles or a vacuum with a hard floor tool to clean your tiles without damaging them.

Damp Mopping

After you sweep or vacuum your ceramic tiles, use a damp cloth mop and a mild cleaning solution to wipe them down.

Make sure to wring out the mop well so you don't use too much water. From what we've seen, using too much water can damage the grout lines if it seeps into them.

Mop the floor in a methodical way, moving from one side of the room to the other, and let it dry by itself.

Deep Cleaning Ceramic Tiles

Sometimes, when cleaning a tile floor or wall, your ceramic tiles will need a more thorough cleaning to get rid of dirt and grime that won't come off easily. With that in mind, here is a step-by-step guide:

Sweep or Vacuum the Floor

To deep clean tile floors and walls, first sweep or clean the floor to get rid of any loose dirt or waste. To keep your tiles from getting scratched, use a broom with soft bristles or a vacuum with a hard floor setting.

This first step helps the deep cleaning process work better by getting rid of dirt on the surface. That way, your tiles will be ready for the cleaning solution.

Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Make a solution to clean. We suggest you use our Groutmaster Tile and Grout Cleaner. This solution works well for all kinds of surfaces, whether you’re cleaning ceramic shower tiles or tiles on your kitchen floor.

Simply mix 1-2 scoops in a gallon of hot water. We suggest that you mix it in a bucket, then depending on how you want to apply it you can either leave it in there or transfer it into a spray bottle.

Apply the Cleaning Solution

Apply the cleaning solution to a small area of the floor, about 3x3 feet, so that the cleaner doesn't dry before you can scrub.

Let the solution sit for a few minutes so it can get into the dirt and grime and help loosen the buildup.

Scrub Tiles & Grout Lines

Use a tile and grout cleaning brush or a soft-bristled scrub brush. Gently scrub the tiles and grout lines in a circular motion.

Be sure to use even pressure while cleaning. Use a small brush or an old toothbrush to clean tight spaces or places that are hard to reach.

Rinse the Area

Use a cotton mop or cloth to rinse the area with clean water, making sure to get all of the cleaning solution off. It's important to rinse well to keep your tiles from getting lines, a film, or dust.

Change the rinse water often to keep dirt from getting back on the area you just cleaned.

Allow the Floor to Air Dry

Last, let the floor air dry fully before you walk on it or put furniture or rugs back on it.

To speed up the drying process, open the windows or turn on the fans in the room.

Tips & Tricks for Effective Cleaning

Test the cleaning solution in a small, hidden area first to make sure it won't damage your tiles or grout.

Don't use rough tools because they can damage the tile and grout.

If you have stains or dust that are especially hard to get rid of, you can clean your tiles with a steam cleaner, or make use of our Tile Blaster Wand or Hybrid Grout and Tile Cleaning Tool.

Check your grout lines often and reseal them as needed to keep them in good shape.

Grout Cleaning Techniques

Grout Maintenance

Taking care of your grout is important if you want your ceramic tiles to look clean and well-kept. Here are two important things to think about when maintaining grout:

Sealing Grout

Sealing your grout is an important step in keeping its look and strength. A good grout sealer makes a protective layer that keeps water, stains, and dirt from getting inside.

Make sure to seal your grout regularly. Your grout sealer will have a suggested timeframe, so be sure to pay attention to that.

Regular Grout Cleaning

In addition to sealing it, you should clean your grout often. Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush and a light cleaning solution to gently scrub the grout lines as part of your upkeep.

This keeps dirt and grime from building up, keeping your grout looking new.

Deep Cleaning Grout

Over time, your grout may change color or get stains, which means it needs deeper cleaning. From what we've learned over the years, the best way to do things is as follows: