Skip to main content

«  View All Posts

Restore-It's Tile and Grout Cleaning Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

April 21st, 2025

4 min read

By Jorge Cardenas

A tile and grout floor before and after being cleaned.

Do you remember how clean your tile and grout floor looked the first time you put it on? Some people even forget that their grout lines used to be white! If your tile and grout don't look like they used to, it may be time to call the professionals. But it's difficult to trust them if you are in the dark.

But guess what? We are here to change that! Restore-It knows the right techniques and solutions to bring back that fresh, sparkling look in your tiles and grout. Today, we will take you behind the curtains to explain our entire process.

Let's closely examine our professional tile and grout cleaning process. We will explain each step, from the initial assessment to the final sealant application, so you know exactly what to expect. So, get ready to say goodbye to grime and dirt and hello to your fully renewed tiles and grout!

Our Professional Tile and Grout Cleaning Process

When scrubbing is not enough to bring back the luster of your tiles or get the grime out of your grouts, it's time to call for help. Using specialized equipment and following the right techniques, our team can make your tiles and grout look great again. Let's look into what this process entails:

Step 1: The Initial Assessment

Before we even touch a cleaning solution, our team starts with a thorough assessment. Here is how we go about it:

First, we carefully examine your tile to determine its type (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, etc.). This is important because different tiles require different cleaning methods and solutions. It's similar to how you need to know what type of fabric you're washing—you wouldn't use the same setting for silk as you would for denim.

Then, we inspect the grout lines to assess their condition. Are they cracked, stained, or crumbling? This helps us determine the best approach for cleaning and sealing to give you the best action plan.

We also determine the extent of soiling, identifying areas with heavy dirt, grime, or stains. This helps us tailor our cleaning solutions and techniques.

Finally, we look for any existing damage to the tile or grout, such as chips, cracks, or etching. It is important to note this before cleaning to avoid making any existing damage worse and to set realistic expectations.

Step 2: Furniture and Obstacle Removal

We cannot begin cleaning without clearing the way first. To protect your belongings, we carefully move any furniture, rugs, or other items that might obstruct the cleaning process. This ensures we have clear access to the tile and grout and prevents any damage to your belongings. It also lets our technicians move freely and perform the cleaning effectively.

Step 3: Pre-Treatment

Next, we apply cleaning solutions to the tile and grout to loosen the grime. This is like soaking dirty dishes before scrubbing them—it helps loosen the food and makes cleaning easier.

First, we use specialized cleaning solutions designed to break down dirt, grime, grease, and stains. The solution we use depends on the type of tile and the severity of the soiling. Then we apply the solution evenly to the tile and grout, ensuring it penetrates into the grout lines. Finally, we allow the solution to dwell (sit) for a specific amount of time. This gives it time to work its magic and loosen the embedded dirt.

Step 4: Agitation

Once the cleaning solution has had time to work, we use specialized equipment to agitate the tile and grout. This helps loosen the dirt and grime.

For large areas, we use floor scrubbers with rotating brushes. These machines provide powerful and consistent agitation, effectively removing dirt from the tile surface. Meanwhile, for smaller areas or more delicate tiles, we use rotary machines with specialized cleaning pads. These machines provide gentle but effective agitation.

We also use grout brushes to scrub the grout lines, which can be particularly challenging to clean.

Step 5: Hot Water Extraction

After agitation, it's time to rinse away the mess. We use hot water extraction to remove the loosened dirt and grime.

We use specialized equipment that sprays hot water at high pressure to rinse the tile and grout. This removes all the cleaning solution and loosened dirt. It's important to note that the equipment also has a powerful vacuum that immediately extracts the dirty water, leaving the tile and grout relatively dry.

Step 6: Rinsing and Drying

To ensure a thorough clean, we rinse the tile and grout again and then dry the area. This final rinse removes any remaining cleaning solution, which is important to prevent any residue from attracting dirt in the future.

We use specialized equipment to extract as much excess moisture as possible. This helps speed up the drying process. Finally, we allow the tile and grout to air dry completely. This may involve using air movers to circulate air and speed up the evaporation process.

Step 7: Grout Sealing (Optional)

The final step is to apply a sealant to the grout lines. This optional step will protect your investment from future damage. We apply a high-quality color sealant to the grout lines. This sealant penetrates the grout and creates a protective barrier. Here are some of the benefits you can expect from this process:

  • Stain Prevention: The sealant helps prevent stains from penetrating the grout, making cleaning easier.
  • Water Resistance: It makes the grout more water-resistant, preventing water damage and mold growth.
  • Longevity: It helps extend the life of your grout, preventing it from crumbling or deteriorating.

Extra Tips to Keep Your Tile Looking Its Best

While our cleaning process effectively removes dirt and grime, it's also important to consider how to protect your tile and grout from future damage. Here are some tips to prolong your tile's lifespan:

  • Regular cleaning with mild detergents can help prevent dirt buildup.
  • Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as these can damage tile and grout.
  • Use mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to protect tile from wear and tear.
  • Address spills promptly to prevent staining.
  • Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity and prevent mold growth.

Dirty Tile and Grout? Restore-It Will Help You!

So that was a trip, huh? Having taught you all about Restore-It's tile and grout cleaning process, you should now have a clearer picture of our job. If you were worried or unsure about the process, you should now feel more confident about leaving your precious tile floor to us. If you are ready to restore the beauty of your floor, contact Restore-It today. Our team will help you reclaim your sparkling surfaces and create a more inviting environment.