Tile and grout cleaning costs an average of $479
Ranging from $284 and $674, tile and grout cleaning costs an average of $479.
Most tile and grout cleaning services charge between $0.50 and $5 per square foot.
Certain tile and grout types may require more labor-intensive cleaning.
Costs depend on the condition of your tile and grout and the cleaning method.
Professional cleaning services deliver superior results with specialized equipment, and expert techniques for stubborn stains.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Keeping the tile in your home clean not only maintains its beauty but also ensures a healthy environment. On average, hiring a professional to clean your tile and grout costs $479, with most homeowners spending between $284 and $674. The total cost depends on factors like the condition of your tile and grout, the size of the area, the type of tile and grout you have, and the cleaning method used.
The cost of professional tile and grout cleaning depends on several factors, including the size of your space, the type of tile and grout you have, and their current condition.
The most significant cost factor for grout cleaning is square footage or the total area requiring cleaning. Tile and grout cleaning costs $0.50 to $3 per square foot, depending on the complexity and the type or condition of the tile and grout. Cleaning the grout alone costs $0.75 to $1.25 per square foot.
Type of Room | Area (Square Feet) | Cost Range |
---|---|---|
Small bathroom | 40 | $30–$120 |
Medium bathroom | 60 | $30–$180 |
Large bathroom | 80 | $60–$240 |
Small kitchen | 100 | $50–$300 |
Large kitchen | 240 | $120–$720 |
Living room | 340 | $170–$1,020 |
Dining room | 150 | $110–$430 |
Hallway | 30 | $25–$90 |
When you hire a professional to clean your tile and grout, expect to pay between $0.50 and $5 per square foot or $30 to $50 per hour. These rates include the cost of materials.
Most contractors charge per square foot, but pricing structures can vary. Some contractors charge $300 to $500 per room for standard areas between 150 and 250 square feet. Others include a minimum call-out fee, between $100 and $200, to account for basic expenses and travel time.
Simple and open areas are the easiest and least labor-intensive to clean. Expect jobs with larger areas or more intricate layouts to incur higher labor costs. For example, complex tile patterns often take longer to clean, or certain areas of your home may be more challenging to access.
The size of your tiles affects the cleaning cost. Smaller tiles mean more grout lines, which require more time and effort to clean. Larger tiles have fewer grout lines but may need special care to avoid damage during cleaning, which can add to the cost.
The type of tile you have plays a big role in cleaning costs. Natural stone tiles like slate, granite, limestone, or travertine are porous and tend to absorb moisture and stains, requiring special care that can increase the price. On the other hand, ceramic and porcelain tiles are less porous and easier to clean.
The type of grout in your home affects cleaning costs. Grout types like cementitious, epoxy, and urethane each have unique properties. For example, epoxy grout resists stains and is easier to maintain than standard cementitious grout. If your grout is unsealed or a lighter color, it may absorb and show dirt more, potentially increasing cleaning costs.
If you haven't been cleaning your grout regularly, it could have deep stains from dirt and oil. In this case, professional cleaners can charge an extra $100 to $200 for pretreating or restoring your grout.
Tile and grout cleaning methods vary depending on your tile materials, size, condition, and other factors. Standard hand cleaning costs the least and may not require additional services. Tile and grout in poor condition may require additional cleaning treatments, restoration, repair, sealing, and other services.
Service Type | Cost Range per Square Foot |
---|---|
Steam cleaning | $0.50–$3.50 |
Hand cleaning | $0.50–$3 |
Grout sealing | $0.25–$0.50 |
Grout restoration | $1–$4 |
Grout repair | $3–$25 |
Tile repair | $1–$50 |
Tile refinishing | $4–$12 |
Grout recoloring | $1–$2.50 |
Grout removal | $5–$25 |
Grout steam cleaning costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot. This method uses high-pressure and high-temperature steam to break down and lift dirt, grime, and stains without chemical cleaners.
Depending on the tile and grout condition, your technician will also apply a pretreatment before steam cleaning and brush or scrub the grout after applying steam to dislodge any remaining stains. A vacuum or extraction tool then removes the lifted dirt and excess moisture.
Hand cleaning is a standard but labor-intensive tile and grout cleaning method, ranging from $0.50 to $3 per square foot. This method is often reserved for isolated areas requiring spot cleaning or tile that’s inaccessible with steam cleaning equipment.
Many tile and grout cleaning services bundle cleaning and sealing as part of a maintenance package. Otherwise, ranging from $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot, sealants help keep grout clean and free from mold, water damage, and breakdown. Resealing should be done at least every three years.
Severely damaged grout may require restoration, which costs $1 to $4 per square foot or 15% to 20% more than standing cleaning. During the grout restoration process, cleaners fix and fill small cracks or loose joints. If needed, they’ll remove the top layer of grout and install fresh grout in its place.
Tile repair or refinishing, which costs $1 to $50 per square foot, may be necessary for cracked or damaged tiles.
Porcelain and ceramic are commonplace and affordable materials that cost $1 to $15 per square foot to repair. Natural stone, glass, and similarly premium materials cost $5 to $50 per square foot. Refinishing services help restore the original appearance of tiles and range from $4 to $12 per square foot or $150 to $2,000 total.
Grout recoloring ranges from $1 to $2.50 per square foot. Most colorants double as a sealant, therefore allowing you to change the look of your tiling while also protecting the materials. This process can be tedious and may increase labor costs.
If your grout is beyond cleaning or restoration, removal and regrouting costs $5 to $25 per square foot. Depending on the complexity of the job, this process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
If tiles are still in good condition and mainly suffering from deep stains, tile and grout cleaning are cost-effective solutions. Cleaning, sealing, and grout restoration may be insufficient in cases of extensively degraded tile and grout. Consider replacing your tile and grout if:
Tiles are cracked, chipped, missing, or otherwise damaged
Grout is deeply stained or irreparably damaged
You want to update the tiling style, pattern, color, or material
Tile and grout cleaning may not directly increase home value, but it’s an important task that helps maintain your home’s appeal. Regular tile cleaning addresses buildup from grease, grime, and dirt, helping to maintain the original appearance of the tile. Cleaning also prevents damage, such as from moisture damage or wear. Clean tile and grout also reduces allergens, prevents mold and mildew buildup, and fosters less bacteria.
Professional tile and grout cleaning keeps your tiling in optimal shape, and managing your budget helps ensure the best value for your investment. Try these cost-saving tips:
Compare rates and included services from multiple contractors.
Consider bundling services, such as cleaning and sealing, if it comes with a lower rate.
Schedule regular tile and grout cleaning to avoid deep stains or degraded materials.
Practice proper upkeep between services, such as placing rugs in high-traffic areas and cleaning up spills quickly.
Cleaning your tile and grout yourself can save you some money, but you'll need to invest in specific cleaning supplies and equipment. DIY cleaning lets you work on your own schedule, using solutions like vinegar mixtures or commercial cleaners for mild stains. For tougher grime, you need to rent heavier equipment.
However, professional tile and grout cleaning services offer significant advantages that justify their cost. They bring commercial-grade equipment and cleaning solutions that achieve a deeper clean than what is possible with DIY methods. Their expertise allows them to safely treat different tile materials without causing damage.
For heavily soiled areas, deeply embedded stains, or larger spaces, the time saved and superior results from hiring professional tile cleaners near you outweigh the initial cost savings of trying to do it yourself.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
A grout doctor is a professional who specializes in cleaning, repairing, and restoring grout and tile surfaces. They use advanced techniques and specialized tools to remove stubborn stains and bring back the original look of your tiles. Hiring a grout doctor costs between $200 and $450 per room, depending on factors like your location and any additional charges.
The best tile and grout cleaner is a steam cleaning machine engineered specifically for deep tile restoration. This machine delivers outstanding performance in removing embedded grime and restoring brightness to your grout lines. Professionals rely on this specialized equipment to ensure a thorough cleaning process. Experts may enhance the cleaning results by employing pretreatment solutions, specialized brushes, or chemical formulations to guarantee optimal, long-lasting outcomes.
Tile and grout are water-resistant rather than waterproof. Even with sealing, natural stone tiles are porous and can absorb moisture, which may lead to erosion and deterioration over time. Ceramic and porcelain tiles have high density and offer better moisture resistance. Glass tiles are non-porous and don’t absorb any water, making them ideal for areas more prone to moisture.
Plan for tile and grout cleaning every six to 12 months to keep your surfaces in pristine condition. Regular cleaning protects your tiles by eliminating dirt and buildup that can compromise both appearance and durability. High-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, which are exposed to moisture and spills, require prompt cleaning and sealing to guard against damage. Professional cleaning extends the life of your tilework and preserves its structural integrity.
Tile and grout cleaning is safe for your floors when executed with proper techniques and expert care. Correct cleaning methods preserve the integrity of both grout and tile surfaces by eliminating harmful buildup without causing damage. Professionals adhere to strict protocols and use specialized tools and chemicals to avoid over-scrubbing and chemical harm. This controlled process enhances the durability and aesthetic appeal of your flooring and extends its overall life.
Resealing your grout after cleaning is essential for protecting and extending the life of your tiled surfaces. A proper reseal forms a durable barrier that safeguards against moisture, stains, and deterioration. This step maintains the structural integrity of the grout and minimizes future repair needs. Homeowners who invest in timely resealing enjoy enhanced durability and a consistently fresh, well-maintained appearance for their tilework.