4 Questions to Ask About Tile & Grout Cleaning

Dreaming of a gleaming, sparkling-clean kitchen floor or a trendy tiled bathroom that shines? Asking the right tile and grout cleaning questions before getting started helps ensure that your kitchen, bathroom, and flooring finishes get a major glow-up and the protection they need to stand up to stains year-round. While cleaning these surfaces may seem straightforward, there are some variables to consider before tackling the project. Here are the questions to ask before hiring a professional to clean your tile and grout.

1. When do you need this work done?

While you may set out to clean your tile and grout for appearances only, if mold, mildew, and deterioration are a concern, performing the task becomes a necessity. The urgency of the job depends on the existing condition. If you suspect mold, especially where dirty grout is present, hire a tile and grout cleaner near you to determine if the problem is more than tile-deep. Discuss the tile and grout cleaning job with your professional to determine how long the project will take, access issues to the space during the project, and how soon you can use the space again after completion. Before hiring a pro, make sure you understand each other’s timelines.

2. Where is the tile and grout located?

The location of the tile and grout you plan to clean can affect several variables within the project. Using a dedicated grout cleaner, steaming, scraping, replacing, and simply covering up the dirt with specially designed grout pens may be options based on the location of the project. Choosing the method depends on factors like whether mold is present, how often you maintain the tile and grout, and how much time you can devote to it.

Flooring or decorative wall tiles where dirt is the primary concern are good candidates for using a grout pen to revive their appearance, while protective tiles, like those in the shower, often warrant deeper cleaning, like steaming or even full replacement. 

3. What type of tile is it?

Along the same lines as where the tile is in the home, it's also essential to consider the type of location involved and, thus, the type of tile. If the tiles and grout you're cleaning are in a food preparation area, like a kitchen countertop, be sure the cleaning product and method you choose is food-safe. Additionally, tile and grout in high-traffic and damp locations can benefit from adding a sealer after the cleaning work is complete. 

4. What type of cleaning do you need?

Projects vary in terms of how to clean grout and tile. While part of the task may require only covering up dirt, other spots may require deeper cleaning or even scraping and replacing grout. Discuss the options with your professional cleaner. Depending on the size and specifics of the job, it may be beneficial to use a different approach for each tile area.