QUESTION

Cleaning Dirty Tile And Grout - I have ceramic tile in my bathroom.I used Bone color grout. My tile is only 4 months old and is very dirty and i cant get it clean. what should i do?

ANSWER

ANSWER - I'm not sure if you are saying that your bone color grout is dirty and you can't get it to clean or if your ceramic tile is dirty and you can't get it clean.  Normally tile is fairly maintenance free, but it isn't self cleaning.  It does require regular maintenance to keep it looking like new.

The more porous a tile or grout the more susceptible it is to staining.  The more texture you have on the surface of the tile or grout the more it will tend to pick up dirt and the more difficult it is to clean, but the more slip resistant it will be.

Tile and grout sealers help prevent staining and help make it easier to clean dirty tile and grout.  Although the sealer has to be applied regularly, which will vary depending on how much wear and tear or climatic conditions it is subjected to.  Rule of thumb is if water doesn't bead up (like water on a new car wax job) when sprinkled over their surfaces then it needs to be resealed.  Although make sure the tile and grout is perfectly clean or you will seal in the dirt or stains.

Tile and grout need to be cleaned with a proper cleaner to make sure you don't damage the tile surface or bleach the grout.  Use products manufactured for tile, which you can find on our website www.CTaSC.com under Expert Answer's Resources and Links and then listed under Cleaners and Sealers.   Use a brush on an extended handle for floors or otherwise for walls and abrade the surfaces to get them clean.  Make sure your tile won't be scratched by the brush.  Follow cleaner manufacturer's instructions.  Change your cleaning water frequently.  For floors use a wet and dry vacuum to remove dirty water. Rinse walls.  For tough stains use a poultice from the cleaner manufacture.  Good Luck!