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

Tile installation costs vary widely depending on the tiles you choose, where you want them installed, and what kind of demolition and surface preparation you need to have done. The national average cost for a tile installation project is $490-$750. The more tiles that need to be cut by hand and laid on the surface, the higher the total cost. Tile installation professionals can handle many different types of stone, ceramic and porcelain tiles, applying them in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and entranceways. They can create anything from artistic mosaic backsplashes in your kitchen to modern shower enclosures to rustic patios in your backyard. Tile installation professions often can remove existing flooring or old tiles and replace drywall. Tile prices range from $1 to more than $50 per square foot — handmade ones are even priced individually — depending on the material. Rustic, handmade or special-use tiles cost more to install because they must be applied to the surface one by one, rather than in a sheet. For most jobs, tile installation costs are based on the square footage of the project. For example, a standard 6-foot by 8-foot shower tile installation can average $1,200-$1,600, depending on whether the tiles go to the top of the shower or to the ceiling. The total cost of a tiling project also includes the grout and mortar, speciality tiles like bullnose caps, and tile mounting materials like backer board.

One of the most common kitchen upgrades is installing decorative backsplash tiles in the space between the counters and cabinets. It’s a chance for homeowners to get creative while also protecting the kitchen walls from splashes and stains. Like all tiling projects, kitchen tile project costs depend on the tiles you choose, installation materials such as grout and mortar, and any surface materials, like replacement backer board. The national average for a tiled kitchen backsplash is $490-$750. In general, pricing averages $10-$40 per square foot for installation, not including tile. Some professional tile installers have a minimum day rate for small projects, which averages $350.

You can install tiling on your floors, walls, counters, kitchen backsplash, outdoor patio and shower — to name a few places. Tile is beautiful, easy to clean, durable, and resilient against kids and pets. The national average for tile installation cost ranges between $490 and $750. Often, tile installation specialists quote a price per square foot for installation. Costs can increase if you want the pro to supply the tile instead of ordering it yourself. Other factors that can increase cost include specialized installation with a unique design that will require more labor to install.

Prep work will also affect tile installation costs. Demolition of the existing floor, counter or backsplash takes time and energy that will be reflected in the price. Necessary repairs, such as a sub-floor that needs bolstering before tile flooring can be installed, will also increase costs. For tile showers, one example of tile installation cost may be approximately $25 per square foot including all materials and labor. Average tile installation costs for backsplashes may run anywhere from $10 to $40, depending on the materials selected and the amount of labor required. The larger the area where tile is being installed, the lower the price per square foot will likely be. For example, a flooring pro may charge approximately $3.50 per square foot for wood-look tile installation in an area ranging between 6 feet by 24 feet and 8 feet by 48 feet.

Tile installation costs for ceramic floors depend on the type of tile you select. You can purchase tile that sells for under $2 per square foot or tile that costs $50 per square foot — or more for artisanal and hand-painted tiles. The cost of labor to install a tile floor will also depend on the tile you select. It is far less labor-intensive to install a white 12-inch by 12-inch square tile than a 2-inch by 2-inch hexagonal tile with a distinct pattern. That extra time and energy equates to a higher per-square-foot installation cost. For example, a flooring pro may charge approximately $3.50 per square foot for labor to install wood-look tile in an area ranging between 6 feet by 24 feet and 8 feet by 48 feet. That same pro may charge $6 or more per square foot for a more intricate pattern, or a smaller space. Some installers may charge a minimum day rate for ceramic tile floor installation, such as $340 minimum per day, to cover business expenses and employee wages. If you’re looking to reduce costs, removing your existing flooring and handling any repairs needed can help eliminate prep work costs. Prep work may be charged per hour and could cost anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour or more, depending on the region and the type of repair work necessary.