How to clean tile and grout.

Below is a brief summary of what is involved in cleaning tile and grout.  This will give you a basic idea of the process.  Obviously every floor is different and procedures will change, so only use this as a guideline.

Pre-Inspection:
Before any cleaning, always do a thorough pre-inspection of the floor.  You will need to check for topical coatings, previously applied grout colorants, loose, broken or chipped grout and tiles.

Pre-Test:
Always test all cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area.  Different solutions may act differently on different types of floors.  To break down grease, oil and soil build-up, an alkaline based cleaning solution is best to start with.

Protect all surfaces not to be cleaned as well as walls, cabinets, furniture and appliances.

Pre-Treat:
Mix cleaning solution with hot water in a five gallon pail.  Spread cleaning solution with a mop on a manageable size area.  Using a pump up sprayer increases the risk of getting solution on cabinets, appliances and walls.  Mopping also allows better saturation of grout and tile.

Agitate:
Agitate area with a scrub brush, rotary floor machine, deck brush or grout brush.  This will help break up grease and dirt build up and allow cleaning solution to get into the grout and tile.  Agitation is key to breaking down soils.

Dwell:
Allow cleaning solution to dwell for 15-30 minutes.  If solution starts to dry, apply more solution to the surface.

Rinse:
Clean, neutralize and rinse floor with either a Turbo type of system, portable or shop vac.

Post-Inspection/
Re-Treat:
Inspect floor for any remaining soil or staining.  If any, an acid wash will work best for a final treatment.  As always pre-test acid solution in an inconspicuous area.  Many topical spots on the grout can also be removed by lightly scraping off a thin layer of grout.

Dry:
Towel dry surface and place an air mover across floor to completely dry floor and prevent any water marks.