Mastering Stone, Grout, and Tile: Tips to Keep Your Bathroom Looking Fresh

Following more than two decades in Middle Tennessee’s real estate market, I've explored nearly every type of bathroom imaginable—from luxurious oases reminiscent of spas to areas that seem to have had their glory days long past.

What I've discovered is this: regardless of whether you're looking to sell your property or just enhance your living space, keeping your stone, tile, and grout areas clean and well-maintained can significantly improve their appearance.

Natural stones bring sophistication, yet they require specific upkeep. On the other hand, tiled flooring offers durability and functionality—however, neglecting routine maintenance can cause even high-quality tiles to appear lackluster over time. Fortunately, a bit of expertise coupled with persistence makes all the difference.

Understand What You're Handling Initially, determine your materials. The surfaces in your bathroom could consist of marble, granite, slate, travertine, or ceramic and porcelain tile. These each possess distinct properties, particularly regarding how permeable they are. Natural stones typically tend to be absorptive and require sealing. In contrast, porcelain and ceramic tiles have lower porosities; however, their grouts should still receive care.

Skip the Harsh Stuff Once upon a time, I believed that vinegar or bleach were miracle workers capable of solving every problem. However, I later discovered that these substances can indeed harm natural stone and deteriorate grout with prolonged use. When dealing with stone and tile, opt instead for a pH-balanced cleanser specifically formulated for such materials. Such products are readily available at most home improvement retailers, and maintaining them through regular light sprays and wipes post-shower helps prevent accumulation effectively.

Don’t Overlook the Floors Ceramic or porcelain tiles offer durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance. However, they may appear worn out due to soap scum buildup, mineral deposits from hard water, and constant use. To keep your tiled flooring looking fresh, sweep or vacuum frequently to eliminate debris that could cause scratches. Afterward, cleanse them using lukewarm water and a suitable tile cleanser. In case you've got stone tiles installed, care for them similarly to how you maintain granite or marble countertops: perform light mopping, steer clear of vinegar-based or citrusy cleaning agents, and apply sealer when necessary.

Grout, whether on walls or floors, remains an often overlooked champion. Particularly, floor grout frequently accumulates dirt and becomes darker over time. Using a soft-bristle brush along with a paste made from baking soda can be remarkably effective. To boost this cleaning mixture further, include some hydrogen peroxide and a tiny amount of dish soap. However, apply gently—it’s crucial to cleanse without causing erosion.

Secure It to Protect It Sealing goes beyond countertops; floors and shower walls also gain benefits from this process. By sealing grout and stone surfaces, you create a protective layer that guards against stains and moisture. The frequency of resealing—typically once every 1–2 years—depends on the type of material used and the amount of usage the area receives. This task can be completed over a weekend and offers significant improvements in appearance and durability.

Maintain Simplicity and Consistency Here’s a simple bathroom regimen: give it a brief spritz and wipedown post-shower, sweep and mop your tiled surfaces every week, and dedicate time once a month to thoroughly cleanse those grout lines. There you go; effectiveness does not necessitate complexity.

We can surely concur that a clean, properly maintained bathroom enhances our living space and creates an excellent impression when preparing to sell.

Ann Hoke heads the residential real estate group at Ann Hoke & Associates Keller Williams. To learn more or for inquiries, reach out to her at 615-397-4024 or askann@annhoke.com

The article initially appeared in the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal. Stones, grouts, and tiling expertise: Maintain your bathroom at its finest.