Tile countertops are common in kitchens in bathrooms, but they aren’t exactly ideal to work with. The grout lines in between the tile will stain over time, making it difficult to keep the room looking clean. In the guide below, we will explain how to clean tile countertops to get them to look their best. We will also discuss the option of tile refinishing, which will make your counters much easier to maintain in the future.
Wipe the Tile Down
You can remove everyday grime from the surface of the tile with a basic cleaning cloth, or a rag with diluted dish detergent. If you do this after each use or at least once a day, you can keep the bulk of the dirt off. On some occasions, you may need to use actual tile cleaner to get heavy-duty stains out, but tiles are designed to repel liquids as much as possible.
Scrub the Grout
When it comes to cleaning the grout on your tile countertops, there are several options to choose from. You can purchase a thick, paste-like grout cleaner from just about anywhere that sells cleaning products. Many of these solutions contain bleach, which will be fine if you have white or light grout. If you have dark or colored grout though, you will want to stay away from products that could damage it.
As an alternative to store-bought products, you could make a cleaning solution out of the following: 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup dish soap, 1 2/3 cup baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Apply the mixture of your choice to the tile and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, using a soft-bristled brush, scrub the grout line down to remove as much of the oil, dirt, and set-in stains as you can. Wipe the entire countertop down with warm water to clean up the remainder of the solution.
You may have to repeat this process a few times over if the tile is old or severely stained. It is labor-intensive, but the end result is worth the wait.
Consider the Alternative – Tile Refinishing
If you don’t want to mess with the hassle of grout for the rest of your life, consider getting tile refinishing instead. With this process, a special coating is applied on top of the tile and grout so it is all one color. You will still have the indentions of the grout lines, but you won’t have to worry about cleaning the actual grout. It will be the same texture as the tile, which is easy to wipe down during the day. The coating is not porous like the grout is, so it’s not absorbent.
To learn more about tile refinishing and other bathroom remodeling services available through Maryland Tub and Tile , give us a call at 877-717-8827 today.
