✅ How to Clean Tile and Grout Like a Pro (And When to Call Experts in Toronto)5 min read

Tile is a classic choice for floors, backsplashes, and shower walls, but without regular care, it can lose its shine. Build-up from dirt, grime, and mildew can settle into grout lines and cling to tile surfaces, making entire rooms look dingy over time. That’s where smart tile and grout cleaning comes in. Whether you’re tackling soap scum in the bathroom, cooking splatters in the kitchen, or muddy footprints in the foyer, knowing how and when to clean tile and grout can keep your home looking its best. We asked professional cleaners and a tile expert to learn the most effective methods for keeping your surface spotless—and when to call in the pros.

• Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids
• Robb Roderick, a technical trainer at the National Tile Contractors Association
• Anne Ruozzi, founder of Therapy Clean

How Often to Clean Tile and Grout

How often you clean your tile and grout depends on how much foot traffic the area it’s in gets. In busy areas, like the kitchen and primary bathroom, weekly cleaning may be necessary. In rooms with tile that aren’t as frequently used, you may be able to go a few weeks without cleaning your tile or grout. “The key is to keep an eye on it and adjust based on how dirty things get,” says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids.

Materials Needed for Cleaning Tile

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning tile and removing stains.

• Microfiber cloth
• A bowl
• A spray bottle
• Scrub brush or sponge
• Warm water
• Dish soap
• Baking soda

How to Clean Tile

When cleaning your tile, avoid using harsh chemicals, such as vinegar (even if it’s diluted). This cleaning solution is very acidic, says Robb Roderick, a technical trainer at the National Tile Contractors Association. “If the solution is too strong, you’ll weaken and damage the grout, and vinegar can etch stone tiles,” he says. For most types of tile, including porcelain and ceramic, you only need two ingredients—warm water and dish soap.

1. In a spray bottle, combine warm water with a few drops of dish soap.
2. Spray the water and dish soap solution on the tile surface.
3. Wipe the area with a damp microfiber towel or cloth.

How to Remove Stains From Tile

If stains linger on your tile after using dish soap, try making a paste of baking soda and water, says Cohoon.

1. In a bowl, make a paste using baking soda and water.
2. Spread the paste over the stained tile and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Use a brush or sponge and gently scrub the stain.
4. Rinse with warm water.
5. Dry with a microfiber cloth.

Materials Needed for Cleaning Grout

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning and removing stains from grout.

• A bowl
• Scrub brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Baking soda
• Water
• Hydrogen peroxide

How to Clean Grout

How dirty your grout gets may come down to what it’s made of—traditional grout is a mixture of sand and cement, though more modern options include latex and other polymers to help boost their stain-resistance. No matter its composition, baking soda is an effective way to clean grout.

1. In a bowl, make a paste using baking soda and water.
2. Apply the paste to the grout lines, scrub with a brush, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
3. Rinse the grout with warm water.
4. Dry the grout with a microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Stains From Grout

Removing stains from grout requires a bit more effort, but it’s manageable, says Cohoon.

1. In a bowl, make a paste using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
2. Apply the paste to the stained grout lines, scrub with a brush, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
3. Rinse the stained grout with warm water.
4. Dry the grout with a microfiber cloth.

How to Maintain Tile and Grout

While regularly cleaning tile and grout will help keep it in great condition, there are other steps you can take to preserve its luster.

Minimize Moisture Build Up

In the bathroom, wiping down tiles with a squeegee or a clean microfiber cloth after using the shower will help keep it free of hard water stains and soap scum. Additionally, running the exhaust fan during and for 10 to 20 post-shower will pull humidity and moisture from the room, which helps prohibit mold growth on the grout.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners

Stay away from heavy-duty chemical cleaners, as they can be rough on grout. This includes cleaning products like vinegar and lemon juice, which are too acidic for tile and grout. “Instead, go for gentler, pH-neutral options,” says Cohoon.

Seal Your Grout

Sealers fill grout’s pores, preventing mold, grime, and grit from infiltrating the porous material. How often you need to seal grout depends on how high-traffic a tiled area is, but aim for at least once or twice a year. Just be sure to wait at least 24 hours between deep scrubbing and applying the sealer to make sure the grout is completely dry.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice widespread discoloration of tile and grout, you’ll need to contact a professional to assess the damage and give the area a thorough cleaning, says Anne Ruozzi, founder of Therapy Clean. “If tile and grout have been neglected to the point where discoloration exists, chances are they start loosening up to the point where water seeps through to the back wall,” she says. This can create mold in areas that can’t be seen.