Keeping tile and grout clean is essential for maintaining the beauty and hygiene of your living spaces. While regular maintenance can help, there are times when professional cleaning becomes necessary to tackle stubborn stains and deeply embedded dirt. But how much do tile and grout cleaning services cost?
Factors That Affect Professional Tile and Grout Cleaning Cost
Several factors influence the cost of tile and grout cleaning, including the types of tile and grout, the size of the tiled area, and additional services required, like paint removal or resealing.
Square Footage
The average tile and grout cleaning cost per square foot is around $1.50 to $3.00. For example, it would cost around $300 to $600 for professional cleaning services for a 200 sq. ft. tile floor.
To estimate how much it will cost to clean tile and grout in your home, measure the length and width of your space and multiply the values to find the area in square feet. Then, multiply this value by 1.5 for the minimum amount you can expect to pay.
Tile Size
The size of your tiles can impact the tile and grout cleaning cost. When cleaning smaller tiles, such as 1″ x 1″ tiles commonly found in bathrooms, the grout lines require individual attention. This increases the time and effort needed for cleaning, often requiring more chemicals and sealants.
However, large format tiles (those with at least one edge longer than 15”) have fewer grout lines, making cleaning quicker and requiring fewer resources.
Location
Your location can affect the average cost to clean tile and grout. Professional grout cleaners operating in areas with a lower cost of living often charge lower service fees, while cleaners in locations with a higher cost of living typically have higher rates.
For example, if you hire a professional tile and grout cleaning service in Florida, cleaning your tiles will cost less than if you live in New York or California.
Type of Grout
The cost of professional tile and grout cleaning can vary depending on the type of tiles and grout being cleaned. For example, shower tile and grout often accumulate soap scum, mold, and mildew, requiring thorough cleaning and stain removal. This can make them more challenging to clean, which usually commands a higher fee.
Kitchen tiles typically require deep cleaning to restore the original shine after spills, grease splashes and food stains. And floor tiles and grout have a broader cost range due to floor size variations and conditions. For example, floor tiles in high-traffic areas like entryways or mud rooms build up more grime and can be time-consuming to clean, resulting in a higher cost.
Time Since Last Grouting
Depending on the location, tiled areas usually need to be regrouted at least once per year. If it has been a long time since the grout was last installed or maintained, the grout lines may have accumulated deep-seated dirt, stains, and grime.
Cleaning heavily soiled grout requires more time and effort, which can increase the cost of professional cleaning. Regular maintenance and timely regrouting can prevent excessive buildup and reduce tile and grout cleaning costs.
Grout Resealing
Grout resealing is an additional service that can increase the cost of tile and grout cleaning, but it offers several benefits. Resealing the grout after a professional cleaning helps protect it from stains, moisture, and damage, extending its lifespan.
The cost can range from $110 to $190 for sealing 120 sq. ft. of tile and grout. This service is beneficial in areas with high moisture, such as showers or bathtubs. Regular grout resealing, combined with professional cleaning, ensures the longevity and beauty of your tiles while preventing potentially costly repairs in the future.
Paint Removal
If you have recently renovated your home and have paint splatters on your tiles, removing paint from tile and grout adds to the cost. Paint removal requires specialized techniques and products, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
The cost of paint removal during the cleaning process depends on factors such as the type of paint, the size of the area, and the condition of the tiles. However, addressing paint removal ensures a thorough cleaning returning your tiles to a like-new condition.
Professional Cleaning vs. DIY Cleaning
When cleaning tile and grout, choosing between professional cleaning and DIY cleaning is an important consideration. To thoroughly clean tile and grout, you require commercial-grade equipment, such as a steam cleaner or oscillating brush, which can be expensive to purchase. You may also need to buy safety equipment like goggles, gloves, and ear protection.
DIY cleaning can be time-consuming, requiring meticulous attention to detail. You can expect to spend at least two to three hours on the task. Consider the value of your time and multiply your hourly wage by the time spent cleaning to determine if DIY cleaning might cost you more than anticipated.
Professional cleaners have the expertise, tools, and equipment to achieve superior results efficiently. They have access to techniques and products that effectively remove deep-seated dirt, stains, and grime.
Restore Your Tiles Shine
Professional tile and grout cleaning is a worthwhile investment that offers numerous benefits. From enhancing the appearance and hygiene of your space to prolonging the lifespan of your tiles and grout, professional cleaning ensures optimal results.