Cleaning tile and grout costs an average of $479
On average, professional tile and grout cleaning costs between $284 and $676, with most projects averaging $479.
Main cost factors include square footage, tile material, and overall tile condition.
Budget $0.50 to $3 per square foot for professional labor.
Regular cleaning prevents costly repairs and keeps your tile looking its best.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Average tile and grout cleaning costs range from $284 to $676, with most homeowners spending an average of $479. Smaller or lightly soiled areas can cost as low as $150, while larger or more heavily soiled tiles can run up to $1,150. 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.
Keeping the tile in your home clean maintains its beauty and ensures a healthy environment. Scheduling a professional cleaning every six to 12 months helps you dodge stains, preserve the finish, and get the most out of your tile investment.
Your final price comes down to how big the space is, what kind of tile and grout you have, and the shape they’re in. Here’s a closer look at how your total breaks down.
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 (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
Bathroom | 60 | $30–$180 |
Small kitchen | 100 | $50–$300 |
Large kitchen | 240 | $120–$720 |
Living room | 340 | $170–$1,020 |
When you bring in a pro, plan on $0.50 to $3 per square foot—or $30 to $50 an hour—including all cleaning supplies.
Some companies quote a flat $300 to $500 for a 150- to 250-square-foot room. Others tack on a $100 to $200 minimum call-out fee to cover travel and set-up.
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.
Tiny mosaics pack in extra grout lines, so cleaning takes longer and costs more. Oversize slabs have fewer joints, but they often need gentler products, which can also nudge the price up.
Material makes a difference. Porous natural stone—think slate, granite, or travertine—soaks up moisture and stains, so pros use extra-gentle products and charge a bit more. Budget-friendly ceramic and porcelain are quicker to clean.
Grout type matters, too. Epoxy options fight stains and are easier to refresh, while unsealed or light-colored cement grout shows every speck, so expect extra labor costs.
Skipped a few cleanings? Deep-set dirt or grease can add $100 to $200 in preparation or restoration costs.
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 | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
---|---|
Steam cleaning | $0.50–$3.50 |
Hand cleaning | $0.50–$3 |
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.
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 tile repair costs $1 to $15 per square foot. 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.
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 your tiles are structurally sound but just look dingy, a thorough cleaning and sealing is all you need. 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 prevents damage, such as from moisture 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 they come at 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.
DIYing can trim costs, but you’ll need the right supplies—and maybe a rental machine for stubborn stains. A simple vinegar mix or store-bought cleaner tackles light buildup, yet heavy grime calls for pro-grade gear.
Bringing in a tile and grout pro can pay off. Pros arrive with commercial equipment, stronger cleaners, and the know-how to treat each tile type without etching or discoloration.
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. When you’re ready for a deeper clean than DIY can deliver, bring in a qualified tile and grout pro.
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.
Use a stiff-bristle brush and warm, soapy water to loosen surface grime. Then, let the grout dry and finish with a grout-specific sealant. This combo cleans without scratching the tile and locks out new stains. Always follow the label directions so the cleaner and sealant bond properly. A few extra minutes of care keep grout bright and help your floors look fresher longer.
The most effective cleaner for badly stained grout is a professional-grade steam machine. High-pressure, high-heat vapor lifts embedded dirt without harsh chemicals and brightens grout lines in one pass. Pros often pre-treat tough spots with a mild solution and finish with a soft brush to protect the tile. The result is a deep, even clean that lasts longer than store-bought products.
Tile and grout are water-resistant, not waterproof. Dense materials like porcelain or glass shed moisture well, but even sealed natural stone and standard cement grout can absorb water over time. That’s why routine sealing and prompt spill cleanup matter.
Keeping moisture out prevents erosion, mold, and discoloration—especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and other splash-prone areas.
Schedule professional tile and grout cleaning every six to 12 months, with quick touch-ups in between. Busy kitchens and bathrooms often need attention on the shorter end of that range because constant moisture speeds up staining.
Sticking to this routine keeps grime from setting, reduces mold risk, and stretches the life of your tile and grout, saving you from bigger repairs later.
When done correctly, tile and grout cleaning is perfectly safe for your floors. Pros match cleaners and brushes to your tile type, control pressure, and avoid harsh chemicals that can etch or erode surfaces.
If you’re DIYing, test new products in an inconspicuous spot and follow label directions. The right technique removes buildup while protecting both the tile glaze and the grout lines.
Yes—apply a fresh sealer once the grout is completely dry, usually 24 hours after cleaning. The sealer forms a moisture-resistant barrier that blocks stains, mold, and everyday dirt, making future scrubbing easier. Skipping this step leaves porous grout exposed, which can lead to discoloration or cracks and, ultimately, expensive repairs. A quick reseal now protects both the grout and the surrounding tile.