How Much Does Tile and Grout Cleaning Cost in 2025?

Tile and Grout Cleaning Cost Factors

Costs for professional tile and grout cleaning depend on the size of the area, tile material, and other variables.

Cost per Square Foot

The most significant cost factor for grout cleaning is square footage or the total area requiring cleaning. Tile and grout cleaning costs around $0.75 to $3 per square foot, depending on the complexity and the type or condition of the tile and grout. Cleaning the grout alone costs $0.75 to $1.25 per square foot.

This table outlines the cost range for tile and grout cleaning based on average room sizes:

Labor

Hiring a tile and grout cleaning contractor works out to about $0.50 to $5 per square foot or $30 to $50 per hour. Materials are included in these rates. Most contractors charge per square foot, but pricing structures can vary, with contractors also sometimes charging about $300 to $500 per room for standard areas between 150 and 250 square feet. Some professionals include a minimum call-out fee, between $100 and $300, to account for basic expenses and travel time.

Simple and open areas are the easiest and least labor-intensive to clean. Expect jobs with larger areas or more intricate layouts to incur higher labor costs. For example, complex tile patterns often take longer to clean, or certain areas of your home may be more challenging to access. 

Tile Size

Tile size directly impacts cleaning costs. Smaller tiles translate to more grout lines, making cleaning more labor-intensive and time-consuming. Larger tiles have fewer grout lines and potentially easier cleaning, but they’re more prone to cracks or other damage during the cleaning process. Cleaners may use specialized equipment or solutions that can add to the total cost.

Tile Material

Different tile materials require respective cleaning methods, which can impact overall cost. Natural stone tiles, such as slate, granite, limestone, or travertine, are porous and have a higher tendency to absorb moisture and stains. As such, cleaning natural stone tiles may require special care and incur higher cleaning costs compared to other materials. Ceramic and porcelain tiles, for example, are less porous and don’t absorb stains as easily.

Type of Grout

There are several types of grout, including cementitious, epoxy, urethane, and furan, and each may have its own cleaning costs due to differences in composition and properties. For instance, epoxy grout is more resistant to stains and easier to maintain than standard cementitious grout. Unsealed grout and lighter grout colors may also absorb and show dirt more than sealed or darker colors. 

Dirt and Stain Level

Without regular cleaning, grout can develop deep stains from dirt and oil. Grout cleaners may charge extra for pretreating or restoration work for deeply stained materials, about $100 to $200.

Cost by Tile and Grout Service or Method

Tile and grout cleaning methods vary depending on your tile materials, size, condition, and other factors. Standard hand cleaning costs the least and may not require additional services. Tile and grout in poor condition may require additional cleaning treatments, restoration, repair, sealing, and other services.

Steam Cleaning

Grout steam cleaning costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot. This method uses high-pressure and high-temperature steam to break down and lift dirt, grime, and stains without chemical cleaners. Depending on the tile and grout condition, your technician may also apply a pretreatment before steam cleaning and brush or scrub the grout after applying steam to dislodge any remaining stains. A vacuum or extraction tool then removes the lifted dirt and excess moisture.

Hand Cleaning

Hand cleaning is a standard but labor-intensive tile and grout cleaning method, ranging from about $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot. This method may be reserved for isolated areas requiring spot cleaning or tile that’s inaccessible with steam cleaning equipment.

Grout Sealing

Many tile and grout cleaning services bundle cleaning and sealing as part of a maintenance package. Otherwise, ranging from $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot, sealants help keep grout clean and free from mold, water damage, and breakdown. Resealing should be done at least every three years.

Grout Restoration

Severely damaged grout may require restoration, which costs about $1 to $4 per square foot or about 15% to 20% more than standing cleaning. During the grout restoration process, cleaners fix and fill small cracks or loose joints. If needed, they’ll remove the top layer of grout and install fresh grout in its place.

Tile Repair or Refinishing

Tile repair or refinishing, which costs about $1 to $50 per square foot, may be necessary for cracked or damaged tiles.

Porcelain and ceramic are commonplace and affordable materials that cost $1 to $15 per square foot to repair. Natural stone, glass, and similarly premium materials cost more to repair, about $5 to $50 per square foot. Refinishing services help restore the original appearance of tiles and range from $4 to $12 per square foot or $150 to $2,000 total.

Grout Recoloring

Grout recoloring ranges from $1 to $2.50 per square foot. Most colorants double as a sealant, therefore allowing you to change the look of your tiling while also protecting the materials. This process can be tedious and may increase labor costs.

Removal and Regrouting

If your grout is beyond cleaning or restoration, removal and regrouting costs $5 to $25 per square foot. Depending on the complexity of the job, this process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Tile and Grout Cleaning vs. Replacement

If tiles are still in good condition and mainly suffering from deep stains, tile and grout cleaning are cost-effective solutions. Cleaning, sealing, and grout restoration may be insufficient in cases of extensively degraded tile and grout. Consider replacing your tile and grout if:

• Tiles are cracked, chipped, missing, or otherwise damaged

• Grout is deeply stained or irreparably damaged

• You want to update the tiling style, pattern, color, or material

Does Tile Cleaning Increase Home Value?

Tile and grout cleaning may not directly increase home value, but it’s an important task that helps maintain your home’s appeal. Regular tile cleaning addresses buildup from grease, grime, and dirt, helping to maintain the original appearance of the tile. Cleaning also prevents damage, such as from moisture damage or wear. Clean tile and grout offers other benefits, such as:

• Reduced allergens

• Mold and mildew prevention

• Less bacteria

Budgeting for Tile and Grout Cleaning

Professional tile and grout cleaning keeps your tiling in optimal shape, and managing your budget helps ensure the best value for your investment. Try these cost-saving tips:

• Compare rates and included services from multiple contractors.

• Consider bundling services, such as cleaning and sealing, if it comes with a lower rate.

• Schedule regular tile and grout cleaning to avoid deep stains or degraded materials.

• Practice proper upkeep between services, such as placing rugs in high-traffic areas and cleaning up spills quickly.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.