The Complete Guide to Cleaning Tile and Grout
Everything you need to know about cleaning tile and grout, from DIY methods to professional restoration.
Tile & Grout Cleaning That Undoes Years of Mopping
Here is the uncomfortable truth about mopping: it cleans the tile and feeds the grout. Grout is porous, so every pass of the mop pushes dirty water into the grout lines, where it settles, darkens, and stays. Shiny Rhino reverses it: specialized alkaline solutions break down the buildup, then high-pressure water and suction blast it out of the grout lines and off the tile. You will see the difference before you commit, because we clean a test area first.
Free test area firstSafe for kids & petsRe-clean guarantee
Ready for Cleaner Tile & Grout?
Get your exact local price and book online
Booking online saves 10% automatically.
Prefer to talk? Call (855) 507-8955
25+Years Experience
50,000+Homes & Businesses Cleaned
Free Test AreaSee Results First, No Commitment
GuaranteedNot Happy? We Re-Clean at No Charge
Why Shiny Rhino
Why Your Grout Needs More Than a Mop
Tile is durable and easy to maintain. Grout is a different story: it is porous, so it absorbs dirt, spills, grease, and bacteria that household cleaners cannot reach. Over time it darkens, and no amount of scrubbing brings it back. Professional cleaning can, usually in a single visit.
High-Pressure Extraction
Specialized tile tools deliver high-pressure water and suction directly into grout lines, removing dirt that has accumulated over months or years. The difference is visible immediately.
See the Difference Before You Decide
Not sure professional cleaning is worth it? We clean a small test area during our initial inspection so you can compare the result to your existing grout, side by side. No commitment required.
Professional Grout Sealing
After cleaning, we can apply a professional-grade sealant that creates an invisible barrier over your grout lines. It prevents future staining, makes routine mopping more effective, and keeps grout clean longer.
Grout Color Restoration
If your grout has stained beyond what cleaning can fix, color sealing restores the original shade or gives your grout an entirely new color, at a fraction of the cost of regrouting.
Safe for every tile surface
Our process is safe for ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone, and it is adjusted to the surface in front of us. Natural stone floors get their own specialized care; see our natural stone cleaning service. And like everything we use, our solutions are biodegradable and safe for children and pets.
What We Fix
Professional Cleaning for Common Tile and Grout Problems
Different problems need different chemistry. The inspection and test area determine which one your floor has.
Darkened Grout Lines
Cement-based grout absorbs soil, spills, residue, and oils. Cleaning removes that buildup and reveals a more consistent color. Where discoloration is permanent, color sealing is the fix.
Greasy Kitchen Floors
Cooking residue combines with dust and tracked-in soil near stoves, counters, and dining areas. Alkaline pre-treatment is built for exactly this kind of greasy, embedded buildup.
Bathroom Buildup
Soap residue, body oils, and soil collect around grout joints and high-use floor areas. Different deposits need different chemistry, which is what the inspection determines.
Dull or Hazy Tile
A dull look can come from soil and cleaner residue, which cleaning removes, or from worn finish and surface damage, which it cannot. You will know which after the test area.
Entryways & Hallways
Fine soil settles into textured tile and grout where repeated foot traffic makes routine maintenance ineffective. These areas get extra attention during pre-treatment and extraction.
Uneven Grout Color
When grout looks patchy because of soil, cleaning evens it out. When the unevenness remains after cleaning, color sealing creates a uniform appearance.
Our Process
From Darkened Grout to Done in 2-4 Hours
Four steps, and you see proof on your own floor before committing to anything.
1
Inspection & Free Test Area
We examine your tile and grout, identify the best approach for the surface, and clean a small test area so you can see the result before committing.
2
Alkaline Pre-Treatment
A specialized alkaline cleaning solution breaks the bond between the buildup and the grout, loosening years of dirt, grease, and residue.
3
High-Pressure Cleaning
Our high-pressure tool blasts away the loosened buildup from grout lines and tile, while suction removes the dirty water immediately instead of spreading it around.
4
Seal, Protect & Walkthrough
We can apply a professional-grade sealant to protect the clean grout, then walk the job with you. Not happy with an area? We re-clean it at no charge.
Sealing Options
Two Ways to Keep Your Grout Looking New
Clear Grout Sealing
An invisible barrier applied after cleaning. It stops spills from soaking in, makes your routine mopping actually work, and stretches the time between professional cleanings. Available as an add-on and highly recommended.
Color Sealing
For grout that is stained beyond what cleaning can fix. A colored sealant restores the original shade or gives your grout an entirely new color. It costs a fraction of regrouting and transforms the whole floor.
Your technician will tell you honestly at the test area which option fits your grout: cleaning alone, cleaning plus clear sealant, or color sealing. No pressure either way; the decision stays yours.
The honest fine print on sealing
A sealer gives you more time to clean up spills and keeps grout cleaner longer. It does not make grout stain-proof or waterproof, does not repair cracked grout, and does not last forever. Epoxy grout usually does not need sealing, and glazed ceramic and porcelain tile surfaces do not need sealing at all. Color sealing renews the visible surface; loose, cracked, or missing grout needs repair before any color treatment.
Honest Expectations
What Cleaning Fixes, and What It Cannot
High-pressure cleaning removes buildup: dirt, grease, and residue that darken grout and dull tile. It does not repair cracked or crumbling grout, chipped or loose tile, failed caulk, or scratched glazing, and it cannot fix grout that looks uneven because of mineral deposits, different installation batches, or wear rather than soil. A test area shows the likely improvement, though results can vary slightly across the floor where traffic and spills have differed.
The good news about permanent stains
Permanently stained grout usually does not need regrouting. Color sealing covers it for a fraction of the cost. Whichever situation your floor is in, you will know after the test area, before you have committed to anything.
Not happy with a cleaned area? We re-clean it at no charge.
Aftercare
How to Keep It Clean After We Leave
Remove Dry Soil First
Sweep or vacuum before mopping, so loose grit does not get spread across the surface and into the grout.
Use the Right Cleaner
A neutral cleaner handles routine maintenance. Skip waxy or oily products; they leave a film in grout that attracts dirt. Change the mop water as soon as it looks dirty.
Act on Spills
Wipe up spills promptly. If your grout was sealed, the sealer buys you time, but it does not make the grout immune. Follow the aftercare instructions your technician leaves with you.
Before We Arrive
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Clear the Area
Remove small objects, bath mats, and rugs from the tiled areas so the equipment can reach every grout line.
Point Out Problems
Show us loose tile, cracked grout, failed caulk, or anything you suspect is a leak, and tell us which cleaners, sealers, or coatings have been used on the floor before.
Pets & Parking
Secure pets away from the work area, and where possible keep parking access clear for the equipment.
Pricing
Exact Local Pricing, Before We Start
Tile and grout cleaning is priced by your location, the size of the tiled area, its condition, and any sealing you add. Enter your ZIP code to see exact local rates. No surprise charges: your technician confirms the price before work begins.
Check Local Pricing & Save 10%No obligation. Review your local options before confirming an appointment.
For Business
Commercial Tile & Grout Cleaning
Restaurant kitchens, retail floors, commercial restrooms, and office lobbies need regular professional cleaning to maintain appearance, hygiene, and safety. Shiny Rhino offers scheduled maintenance programs tailored to your business traffic and cleaning needs.
Book Commercial Cleaning
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Tile & Grout Cleaning
Straight answers, the same ones your technician will give you in person.
How much does tile and grout cleaning cost?+
Pricing depends on your location, the size of the tiled area, its condition, and any sealing you add. Enter your ZIP code to see exact local rates. No surprise charges, and booking online saves you 10% automatically.
How long does tile and grout cleaning take?+
Most residential jobs take 2-4 hours depending on the size of the area.
Will cleaning damage my tile?+
No. Our process is safe for all types of tile, and we adjust it for ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. The inspection and test area come first precisely so the method matches your surface.
Why does my grout look dark even after mopping?+
Because mopping cleans the tile and feeds the grout. Grout is porous, and each pass of the mop pushes dirty water into the grout lines, where it settles and darkens. Household cleaners cannot pull it back out; high-pressure extraction can.
Do you seal the grout after cleaning?+
Yes, grout sealing is available as an add-on and is highly recommended. The sealant creates an invisible barrier that prevents future staining, makes routine mopping more effective, and keeps grout looking clean significantly longer between professional visits.
My grout is permanently stained. Do I need to regrout?+
Usually not. Color sealing applies a colored sealant to the grout lines, restoring the original shade or giving them an entirely new color, at a fraction of the cost of regrouting. Your technician will tell you at the test area whether cleaning or color sealing is the right fix.
Can I see results before committing?+
Yes. We clean a small test area during the initial inspection so you can compare it to your existing grout side by side. No commitment required.
How often should tile and grout be professionally cleaned?+
Every 12-18 months for most homes. High-traffic areas, kitchens, and homes with kids or pets may need it more often. Sealing after cleaning stretches the interval.
Do you clean natural stone floors?+
Yes, and natural stone gets its own adjusted process. For marble, travertine, and other stone surfaces, see our dedicated natural stone cleaning service.
Does all grout need to be sealed?+
No. Porous, cement-based grout benefits most, which is what the majority of homes have. Epoxy and other stain-resistant grout systems usually do not need sealing, and glazed ceramic and porcelain tile surfaces do not need sealing at all. Your technician will tell you which kind you have.
Can you remove mold from grout?+
Cleaning can remove surface discoloration, but it is not mold remediation. Persistent or extensive growth, ongoing moisture, or damage behind the tile needs a specialist assessment, and we will tell you honestly if that is what we see.
What should I use to clean the floor afterward?+
Sweep or vacuum first, then mop with a neutral cleaner, and change the water as soon as it looks dirty. Avoid waxy or oily products, which leave a film in grout that attracts dirt. If your grout was sealed, follow the aftercare instructions your technician provides.
Are your cleaning products safe for kids and pets?+
Yes. All of our solutions are biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals, selected to be safe for children, pets, and individuals with chemical sensitivities.
What does your satisfaction guarantee cover?+
If you are not happy with a cleaned area, contact us within 7 days and we re-clean it at no charge. Tell your technician at the walkthrough or contact your local team afterward.
How do I find my nearest Shiny Rhino?+
Enter your ZIP code to check availability and local pricing, or call (855) 507-8955. Shiny Rhino serves homes and businesses across all 50 states.
Nationwide Service
Tile & Grout Cleaning Near You
We serve homeowners and businesses in cities across the country. Find your local team:
View All LocationsYour Grout Was Not Always That Color. Let Us Prove It.
Book online, get your free test area at the inspection, and decide with the evidence in front of you. Not happy? We re-clean at no charge.