Nothing makes a floor look grungier than dingy grout. Unfortunately, you can break your back cleaning tile and still have floors that look like they have never seen a wet mop. This is due to the porous nature of grout. Even if it has been properly sealed, the pores in grout open up to allow every particle of dust and dirt inside. Over time, grout becomes discolored.

While there are no easy ways to clean tile, there are some methods many homeowners employ to get their tile and grout shining like new. These involve a significant investment in time, but may be worthwhile for the sparkling results. 

Homeowners can purchase grout cleaning solutions.
These cleaners must often rest on the grout in order to penetrate the soiled surface. Afterward, the cleaner must be scrubbed by hand with a hard bristled brush or very firm toothbrush, depending on the depth of the stains and the width of grout line. 

It is possible for homeowners to make their own tile and grout solution.
This is preferable to many homeowners as the lack of harmful chemicals may lead to fewer skin irritations. That is a great bonus to those who know they will spend a significant amount of time cleaning tile and grout. The solution is made with three cups of baking soda, one cup of very warm water, one-fourth cup of vinegar, and the juice of a whole lemon. Once these ingredients are mixed together, all it takes is time and elbow grease to bring up tough stains.

Afterward, the grout should be sealed.
Sealing does not keep grout from getting dirty, but it will prevent deep staining as long as one year if applied by a DIYer. A professional tile cleaning company can apply a sealer that can last up to 20 years. However, regular traffic wears the sealer down, making some sealers take a much shorter time to wear down.

Of course, the easiest way to make floors look like new is to hire a professional tile cleaning company.
The Raleigh tile and grout cleaners at Above & Beyond can give homeowners an estimate that is often based on square footage alone and estimates may also include the difficulty of the job if tile is in hard to reach places. Grout cleaning that is carried out by professionals is much faster, easier, and safer. Not only that, but our Raleigh tile and grout cleaners can seal the grout after they are finished, giving the homeowner peace of mind.