Tile and Grout Maintenance: Keep Your Surfaces Clean, Sealed, and Mold-Free

Tile is one of the most durable and beautiful flooring and wall covering options available. It can last 50+ years when properly maintained. But here's the secret: it's not the tile that needs the most attention—it's the grout.

Grout is porous, stain-prone, and susceptible to mold and mildew. Neglected grout ruins the appearance of even the most expensive tile. The good news? With regular care, you can keep your tile and grout looking showroom-fresh for decades.

Understanding Tile and Grout

Tile types:

• Ceramic - Clay-based, glazed surface, good for walls and light-traffic floors
• Porcelain - Denser than ceramic, better for high-traffic areas and moisture
• Natural stone (marble, granite, travertine) - Requires sealing and special care
• Glass - Primarily decorative, used for accents and backsplashes

Grout types:

• Cement-based - Most common, porous, requires sealing
• Epoxy - More expensive, stain-resistant, doesn't require sealing
• Urethane - Newer option, flexible, stain-resistant

Daily and Weekly Cleaning

Daily maintenance:

• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining
• Use a soft, damp cloth or mop for routine cleaning
• Squeegee shower walls after each use to prevent water spots and mildew

Weekly cleaning:

• Sweep or vacuum tile floors to remove dirt and debris (abrasive particles scratch tile)
• Mop with warm water and pH-neutral tile cleaner
• Clean shower tile and grout with appropriate bathroom cleaner
• Dry surfaces to prevent water spots

What to avoid:

• Acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon) on natural stone—they etch the surface
• Bleach on colored grout—it causes fading
• Abrasive scrubbers on glazed tile
• Oil-based cleaners that leave residue
• Ammonia-based products on natural stone

Deep Cleaning Grout

Even with regular cleaning, grout accumulates dirt and requires periodic deep cleaning.

DIY deep cleaning method:

1. Make a paste - Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste (or use hydrogen peroxide for extra whitening)

2. Apply to grout lines - Use an old toothbrush or grout brush to work paste into grout lines

3. Let it sit - Allow paste to work for 10-15 minutes

4. Scrub - Use a grout brush (not metal bristles) in circular motions

5. Rinse thoroughly - Remove all residue with clean water

6. Dry completely - Use towels or let air dry before sealing

Alternative cleaning solutions:

• Oxygen bleach (safer than chlorine bleach) - Mix per package directions
• Commercial grout cleaner - Follow product instructions
• Steam cleaner - Chemical-free option that sanitizes

For stubborn stains:

• Oil-based stains: Use a degreaser
• Rust stains: Use a rust remover specifically for tile
• Mold/mildew: Use a mold-killing bathroom cleaner

Sealing Grout: The Most Important Step

Sealing grout is crucial for preventing stains, mold, and deterioration. If your grout is cement-based (most grout is), it needs sealing.

How to test if grout is sealed: Drip water on a grout line. If it beads up, the seal is good. If it soaks in and darkens the grout, it's time to reseal.

Sealing frequency:

• High-traffic areas (kitchen, entryway): Every 6-12 months
• Shower and bathroom: Every 6-12 months
• Low-traffic areas: Every 1-2 years
• New grout: Seal after 72 hours of installation

How to seal grout:

1. Deep clean first - Grout must be spotless and completely dry (wait 24-48 hours after cleaning)

2. Choose your sealer:

   • Penetrating sealer - Soaks into grout, most common type
   • Membrane-forming sealer - Creates a coating on surface, higher sheen

3. Apply carefully - Use a small brush or roller, apply only to grout lines (or use a sealer with applicator tip)

4. Wipe excess - Remove sealer from tile surface immediately with a clean cloth

5. Apply second coat - After first coat dries (timing varies by product), apply second coat

6. Cure time - Wait 24-48 hours before exposing to water

Pro tip: If you're tired of sealing, consider having a professional apply epoxy grout colorant. It permanently seals and refreshes grout color.

Mold and Mildew Prevention

Bathroom tile and grout are prime targets for mold growth. Prevention is key:

Ventilation:

• Always run the exhaust fan during and for 20-30 minutes after showers
• If no fan exists, open a window or door
• Consider upgrading to a more powerful fan if moisture persists

Reduce moisture:

• Squeegee shower walls after each use
• Hang wet towels to dry (not on the floor)
• Fix any leaks immediately
• Repair damaged grout or caulk promptly

Regular cleaning:

• Clean bathroom tile weekly with mold-inhibiting cleaner
• Don't let soap scum build up—it traps moisture

Seal grout:

• Properly sealed grout resists mold penetration

If mold appears:

1. Spray with mold-killing cleaner (or mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water)
2. Let sit for 10-15 minutes
3. Scrub with a grout brush
4. Rinse thoroughly
5. Dry completely
6. Address underlying moisture issues

Severe mold: If mold has penetrated deeply into grout or spreads despite cleaning, the grout may need to be removed and replaced.

Repairing Cracked or Damaged Tile

Cracked grout:

• Remove damaged grout with a grout saw
• Clean thoroughly
• Reapply matching grout
• Let cure per product instructions
• Seal once cured

Cracked tile: Cracks indicate a problem that will worsen. Causes include:

• Settlement or structural movement
• Impact damage
• Improper installation (insufficient mortar)
• Substrate issues

When to repair tile:

• Small hairline cracks that aren't growing
• Isolated damage to 1-2 tiles
• Chips or edge damage

When to call a professional:

• Multiple cracked tiles
• Tiles that sound hollow when tapped
• Loose or moving tiles
• Cracks that appear to be spreading
• Water damage behind tile
• Cracked tiles in wet areas (showers, tubs)

Shower-Specific Maintenance

Weekly:

• Clean with non-abrasive bathroom cleaner
• Squeegee after use
• Check drain for hair and debris

Monthly:

• Deep clean grout lines
• Inspect caulk around tub/shower
• Check for loose tiles

Every 6-12 months:

• Reseal grout
• Replace caulk if cracked or moldy (caulk cannot be cleaned—it must be replaced)
• Inspect for any moisture damage

Shower caulk vs. grout: Corners and transitions should be caulked, not grouted. Caulk is flexible and handles movement; grout is rigid and will crack. Use mildew-resistant, 100% silicone caulk.

Natural Stone Tile: Special Considerations

Marble, granite, travertine, and slate require extra care:

Sealing:

• Stone itself needs sealing (not just grout)
• Test absorption every 6 months
• Some stones need sealing every 3-6 months

Cleaning:

• Use only pH-neutral cleaners designed for stone
• Never use acidic cleaners (no vinegar, lemon, or general bathroom cleaners)
• Avoid abrasive tools

Stain treatment:

• Oil stains: Poultice with baking soda
• Organic stains (coffee, wine): Hydrogen peroxide poultice
• Rust: Specialized stone rust remover

Maintenance Schedule

Daily:

• Wipe spills immediately
• Squeegee shower walls

Weekly:

• Sweep/vacuum and mop floors
• Clean bathroom tile surfaces

Monthly:

• Deep clean grout in high-use areas
• Check for damage

Every 6-12 months:

• Seal grout
• Seal natural stone (if applicable)
• Replace shower caulk if needed
• Professional deep clean (optional but recommended)

Annually:

• Comprehensive inspection
• Address any repairs
• Professional grout and tile restoration (if needed)

When to Call a Professional

Grout restoration:

• Severely stained grout that won't clean
• Mold penetration
• Cracked or missing grout in multiple areas
• Grout color refresh/re-coloring

Tile repair/replacement:

• Multiple cracked tiles
• Hollow-sounding tiles
• Water damage behind tile
• Substrate issues

Professional cleaning:

• Large tile areas
• Restoration of neglected tile
• Natural stone care
• Mold remediation

The Bottom Line

Tile maintenance comes down to three core practices:

1. Clean regularly - Prevent dirt and stain buildup
2. Seal grout - Protect against moisture, stains, and mold
3. Address issues promptly - Small problems become big ones

At La Vaca General Contractors, we've installed and restored countless tile surfaces across New Jersey. We've seen beautiful tile installations last 50+ years with proper care, and we've seen neglected tile fail in under 10.

The difference? Consistent grout maintenance and prompt attention to problems.

Need tile installation, grout restoration, or professional tile and grout cleaning? Our team provides honest advice and quality craftsmanship. Contact us for a consultation.