What is the best way to clean tile and grout?

Regular cleaning can be done with detergent and water, and rinsed; or commercial household cleaners or bathroom cleaners used according to label directions. Do not use scouring powders or other abrasives which can scratch the finish.

Special cleaning may be needed for ceramic tile in bathrooms if there is a buildup of: soap scum, a rough white coating, or mildew.

Remove soap scum by sponging with a mixture of 1/2 cup packaged water softener, plus 2 tablespoons rottenstone plus 1 cup hot water; or use a solution of 1-2 tablespoons trisodium phosphate in 1 gallon hot water. Rinse.

Remove mildew by cleaning with a dilute solution of chlorine bleach in water, following label directions on bleach. Rinse. Or use a mildew-retardant household spray.

The rough white coating is a buildup of mineral from hard water (like you get in a teakettle). Dissolve it with a commercial tile cleaner and wipe off.

Occasionally a dark varnish-like stain may build up in a tile shower that has not been cleaned regularly. It is a build-up of body oils and soap scum and very hard to remove. Cover the spot with full-strength liquid laundry detergent and let stand for a couple of hours. Then sponge with water. If it still doesn't all come off, leave detergent on longer and scrub with a brush. Don't use on porcelain enamel tubs or fiberglass or plastic surfaces as it may damage them.

[Info from the Home Maintenance And Repair Database at the Michigan State University website]

Remember bleach should never be used, as it will kill the seal of the tile and grout. If you find your self contently cleaning your grout line you will want to reseal it with a tile sealer. To find out if you grout line needs sealed or if your tile has lost its seal do a water bead test on it. Drop a few drops of water on it and if it bead up then the seal is fine but if it sink in it will need resealed. The harsher the chemical that is used to clean the tile the more damage it will cause the seal. With proper maintenance of tile you should not have to use any harsh chemicals, what vinegar and water should clean your tile.

With white vinegar in warm water. Dry it off with an old towel. Works absolutely great.

There is a product from Australia that is a broom on mop off grout cleaner no nasties. Can also be used for wall tiles. www.pinkstuff.com.au

White vinegar has been proven to work to remove hard water stains and from ceramic wall tiles. See the step by step method below:

Natural Formula to Use:

Pure white vinegar

Method to Use:

1.Fill a clean spray bottle with pure vinegar

2.Spray the vinegar freely over the wall tiles and wait for a few minutes

3.If stains are stubborn spray more vinegar and wait a while longer

4.Simply wipe away with a clean cloth to reveal the shine

Tips:

Sometimes stains are extra stubborn - for this make a paste of white vinegar and baking soda and scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge. Never use an abrasive cleaner like scouring pads, powders or steel wool as this will scratch the surface.