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Dirt, mildew and grime can make your grout lines look downright tragic. If you have the ability, DIY tile and grout cleaning is definitely doable. Your main obstacles are time, project size, availability of the right materials and effort. Your first step in tile and grout cleaning is making sure the surface area is cleaned of basic dirt and buildup and wiped down. Be sure not to use a bleach-based cleaning agent, which could react dangerously with the vinegar used in later steps.

Depending on the delicacy of your tile and grout, it may be wise to start with water and friction before proceeding to a cleaning solution. In the shower you can spray the area while brushing gently, or use a spray bottle filled with warm water on countertops or floors. If water won’t do the trick, try a solution of equal parts warm water and white vinegar, and repeat the gentle brushing motion. This combination should begin to lift dirt and grime from the grout. For additional tile and grout cleaning power, baking soda applied directly to grout lines and sprayed with your water vinegar solution can help suds off sticky grime. If your DIY cleaning solutions aren’t doing the trick, store-bought sprays and pastes may have more cleansing power. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and enjoy your sparkling clean grout.

Tile and grout cleaning supplies include:

• Old standard or electric toothbrush
• Stiff bristle brush
• Spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Commercial grout cleaner

The national average cost for tile and grout cleaning ranges from $190 to $250. Pros may charge a flat fee or by the square foot. Rates can vary depending on the type of tile and grout you have (more delicate tiles may mean specialized products or careful handwashing), how dirty your tile and grout are, and what part of the country you are in (regional labor rates and costs to do business affect costs). For example, one floor cleaning company charges 75 cents per square foot for tile and grout cleaning for projects that permit cleaning by machine. Another company may charge $30-$50 per hour for hand-cleaning of tiles. Companies often charge a minimum fee for services to ensure their business expenses are met when they accept a job, no matter how small. In addition, a tile and flooring cleaning professional may charge added fees, such as $25 or more, to move heavy furniture or appliances.

If you need tile and grout cleaning and don’t have the time or mobility for scrubbing your entire house on your hands and knees, it’s time to turn to the pros. Tile and grout cleaning professionals have industrial-grade machines designed for the sole task of cleaning the porous materials of grout and tile.

Typically, a cleaning pro will come out to assess the job and provide you with a quote. Often they charge per square foot (for example, 75 cents per square foot), with higher prices or an hourly rate for areas that will need hand cleaning. The national average cost for tile and grout cleaning ranges from $190 to $250.

Once onsite, the pros thoroughly clean the area by wiping or sweeping down and then vacuuming up any dry dirt. Next a chemical tile cleaner is sprayed over the surface, causing dirt to loosen and adhere to the spray; the industry term for this is “suspension.” The pros then clean the floor with professional-strength machines, which often use a combination of steam, brushes and vacuum to loosen, agitate and lift entrenched dirt. Your floor is then rinsed, removing all the spray.

Usually a small room can be cleaned in under an hour. Applying a sealant afterward is recommend and will also affect cost.

Deep cleaning a house goes beyond the surface level to clear out the dust, grime and gunk that’s collecting on the fan blades, hiding in the blinds, and built up inside the refrigerator drawers. Deep cleaning of a home or apartment costs more than regular house cleaning because it takes more time, effort, and cleaning products. You may choose to have a deep cleaning once or several times a year in addition to your standard cleaning services. You may have a one-time deep cleaning to prepare for company or to clean after a house party. Companies may charge an hourly rate or a price per square foot, or may offer you a flat rate after they have visited your home and estimated work time. The national average house cleaning price is $110-$150, with rates ranging higher for deep-cleaning services. Here are some examples of how a company may calculate their deep-cleaning prices:

• 10 cents per square foot (compared with 5 cents per square foot for standard house cleaning).
• $300 for a 3,000-square-foot home.
• $25 per hour per worker for deep-cleaning services.

There are many questions to ask a cleaning service before you hire them to make sure they’re the right fit. These questions might include:

• How much do you charge?
• How do you set your prices -- per hour or per square foot? Or, do you charge a flat rate?
• What is your past work experience? Can I see a list of references?
• Are you accustomed to working with different home or apartment types and sizes?
• Can you work with children or pets in the house?
• What types of cleaning products do you use?
• Do you bring your own cleaning supplies and products?
• How often can you clean my home?
• Is there anything you recommend I do (or don't do) to my home before you arrive?

For more tips on how to hire the best maid or house cleaning service, read our smart hiring guide.

A basic house cleaning typically includes tasks like carpet cleaning, wiping countertops, taking out the trash, doing the laundry and washing dishes. A deep house cleaning is a much more involved process, where all aspects of the home are given full attention for a cleanout. In a deep house cleaning, the cleaners will wet-wipe everything from door frames to light switch plates, making sure to also clean walls, windows, air vents, ceiling fans, furniture and more.

There are several things you can do in preparation for a house cleaning to improve the efficiency and quality of the job. If you’re unfamiliar with a cleaning service, hiding and locking away any obvious valuables lying around can offer great peace of mind.

Depending on the preference of the cleaner, you may need to lock up your pets before the cleaners arrive. Washing dishes and decluttering the house allows a house cleaner to do their job more effectively. And leaving special notes for the cleaners about certain areas in your home that need attention is also helpful.

Ask house cleaners near you about their tips to help you prepare for their services. 

Tipping between 15 and 20 percent is considered an appropriate tip for maids and house cleaners — just as it would with a barber, food delivery driver or taxi operator. During the holidays, you might want to consider tipping a bit more. 

It’s important to note that some housekeeping and maid services might include a tip within the service fee, which should be explained to you in the service contract. Talk to house cleaners in your area to find out what's included in their fees.

The frequency you should have your house cleaned depends on several factors, and the best professional house cleaner can give you a rough estimate of costs so you can budget how often you need someone to clean your home. 

Daily house cleaning may be necessary if you have a home with a large number of bedrooms with young children and kids, although other homeowners may benefit from weekly house cleaning. A weekly cleaner can clean the bathroom, kitchen, do laundry, vacuum and mop. An occasional deep house cleaning is most beneficial for people who have recently renovated a home or are looking to do a spring clean. 

Although some house cleaning and housekeeping duties might overlap, a house cleaner is charged with the top-to-bottom cleaning of a home. House cleaner duties typically include basic and deep house cleaning, such as washing and sanitizing countertops, floors, tubs, toilets, kitchens and more.

Housekeepers or maids are hired to lightly clean and maintain certain aspects of the home. This might include dusting, washing dishes, changing sheets, doing some meal preparation and restocking the client’s groceries and personal care products.

It’s also worth noting that a housekeeper or maid is usually one individual employed to a home (sometimes hired as a live-in), while a house cleaner is oftentimes accompanied by a team of cleaners.