Tiles and grout require regular cleaning to keep them looking good and free from dirt and mould. Unfortunately, tile and grout cleaning is often put off or neglected until it's too late.

A professional tile and grout cleaning service can restore dull or stained tiles and grout and make them look like new again. Get quotes from grout and tile cleaners near you and read this guide to learn more about:

• Why do you need to hire a tile and grout cleaner?
• What are typical services involved for tile and grout cleaning?
• What other jobs can tile and grout cleaners do?
• How much does tile and grout cleaning cost?
• What factors affect tile and grout cleaning costs?
• How long does tile and grout cleaning take?
• How often are tile and grout cleaning needed?
• What are some tips to take care of your tiles and grout?
• What licences or qualifications does a tile and grout cleaner have?
• Questions to ask when hiring a tile and grout cleaner

Why do you need to hire a tile and grout cleaner?

Depending on the environment they are in, tiles need regular cleaning, and may also need resealing to maintain their condition and durability. The grout between tiles can also become stained by dirt, food and mould if it's not periodically cleaned and maintained.

Hiring a cleaning service that specialises in grout and tile cleaning will save you the time and effort of tackling the job yourself, and leave your tiled areas with a high-quality finish. Tile and grout cleaners can also spot signs of damage and wear, and can recommend when tiles need to be re-sealed to prevent more serious damage from occurring.

What are typical services involved for tile and grout cleaning?

Tile and grout cleaning services typically include:

• Cleaning tiled floors, walls, counters and other surfaces
• Removing marks and stains from tiles and grout
• Pressure washing tiled floors
• Polishing tiles after cleaning
• Inspecting surfaces for loose tiles and damage
• Re-sealing tiles and grout, if needed

Not all companies will apply new sealant or carry out all jobs. You can check what services are included when you apply for quotes from grout and tile cleaners in your area.

What other jobs can tile and grout cleaners do?

Some tile and grout cleaning companies may offer other services that involve similar equipment and expertise, if these are requested. These may include:

• Cleaning other floor and wall materials
• Repairing or replacing tiles
• Cleaning roof tiles
• Stain removal
• Odour removal

What additional services are offered depends on the company. A general house cleaning or commercial cleaning company may provide tile and grout cleaning, but a business that specialises in cleaning will not generally provide unrelated maintenance or renovation tasks, such as painting, plumbing or gardening work.

How much does tile and grout cleaning cost?

The cost of grout and tile cleaning is usually quoted by the square metre (m2), or you may be given an overall price. Generally, you may be quoted between $25 and $40 per m2, or $60 to $170 per job.

This depends on the type of tiles being cleaned, and other factors. Expect to pay in the region of:

• Kitchen tiles and grout - $80–$200
• Bathroom tiles and grout - $100–$200
• Balcony tiles and grout - $50–$80
• House floor tiles - $200–$400

What factors affect tile and grout cleaning costs?

As well as the size of the area, other factors that can affect grout and tile cleaning costs include:

• The condition of the tiles
• Whether stains, mould or mildew are present
• Whether any re-sealing or new tiles are needed
• Whether you're hiring an agency or a private cleaner
• Whether you need one-off or regular cleaning
• Whether there are any access difficulties to your location
• Where you live

How long does tile and grout cleaning take?

How long it takes to clean tiles and grout depends on the size and layout of the area being cleaned, and its condition. On average, it takes a professional company between 30 and 90 minutes to clean all tiles and grout in a room, or 2 to 3 hours if sealant is also being applied.

How often are tile and grout cleaning needed?

It's recommended to have grout and tiles cleaned at least once a year to keep it in good condition. More frequent cleaning may be recommended for outdoor tiles, tiled floors that are subject to heavy foot traffic, or other areas that are prone to staining.

What are some tips to take care of your tiles and grout?

Tile and grout cleaning is usually faster and cheaper when these surfaces are kept in good condition.

While detailed cleaning, re-sealing and repairs should be left to the professionals, regularly wiping down wall tiles and floor tiles and cleaning spills before they form stains can help to keep them in good condition for longer.

What licences or qualifications does a tile and grout cleaner have?

Tile and grout cleaners should hold certification such as Certificate III in Cleaning Operations or equivalent. They do not normally need a licence, unless they are working on a building or renovation project above a certain value.

If you're hiring a company for commercial cleaning or school cleaning, you should check that their personnel have the appropriate clearances.

Questions to ask when hiring a tile and grout cleaner

When you get quotes from local tile and grout cleaning companies, here are some things you may want to ask, so you can be sure you're choosing the best service for your needs:

• Are you insured to carry out work in my home?
• Can you provide references?
• Do you use safe and environmentally-friendly products?
• What will my quote include?

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.