Tips for Cleaning Tile and Grout

The kitchen and bathroom are typically two of the dirtiest rooms in the house. They get the most use and let’s face it, kids never pay attention to what they’re doing. This can cause your tile and grout to get dirty faster than you can clean. But if you’re proactive and take these tips seriously, you can make sure your tile and grout look great and last for years.

Keep your floors DRY

Moisture is the enemy of grout and tiles. If you spill any liquid, it can attract dirt and also soak into your floor. Even if you just drop an ice cube, be sure to clean and dry the area immediately. If you do a wet mop, be sure to do a dry mop after!

Use Mats

High traffic areas get dirtier and receive more wear and tear than others. If you have tile in your entryway, add a small mat or rug just behind the door. It also helps to have one by your sink to absorb any splashes from doing the dishes.

Vacuum

A quick once over with your vacuum is the best way to get loose dust and dirt off your tile floors and out of the cracks. If you vacuum frequently, you’ll get the dirt before it gets ground into the tile by people walking over them.

Use a cleaning solution and stiff bristle brush

At least once a month you should take a heavy duty cleaning solution and stiff bristle brush to your grout. This will help keep it looking fresh and save you the trouble of scrubbing for hours once a year.

Seal your grout

Grout is a porous material, meaning it will absorb spills and dirt. A good grout sealant can prevent this from happening by forming a protective layer over top.

Always rinse with water

If you use a cleaning solution, or wipe up a spill, or mop, be sure to use a damp cloth to get any extra residue off of your floor, otherwise it will sink right in! If you have any questions about tile and grout, contact Naffco today!