Grout & Tile Basics — Module 1
What you'll learn in this module
- The main types of tile and what makes each one different
- The types of grout and why grout gets dirty and damaged
- Why understanding the surface matters before you clean it
Types of Tile
Not all tiles are the same, and using the wrong cleaning method or chemical on the wrong tile type can cause permanent damage. The most common tile types you will encounter in professional cleaning are:
| Tile Type | Characteristics | Key Cleaning Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Glazed surface, non-porous, common in kitchens and bathrooms | Generally easy to clean. Avoid abrasive pads that scratch the glaze. |
| Porcelain | Dense, low porosity, very durable. Can be polished or unpolished. | Unpolished porcelain can trap soiling. Avoid acidic cleaners on polished finishes. |
| Natural Stone (Marble, Slate, Travertine) | Porous, sensitive to acid, high-value surface | Never use acidic cleaners. Requires specialist products and technique. |
| Quarry Tile | Unglazed, porous, common in commercial kitchens and older buildings | Absorbs grease and soiling deeply. Requires dwell time and agitation. |
| Encaustic / Patterned Tile | Decorative, often porous, found in period properties | Very sensitive to harsh chemicals. Test in an inconspicuous area first. |
Types of Grout
Grout fills the joints between tiles and is almost always more porous than the tile itself. This is why grout discolours faster and is harder to clean than the tile surface.
- Cement-based grout: The most common type. Highly porous and prone to staining, mould, and discolouration if not sealed.
- Epoxy grout: Non-porous, stain resistant, and much easier to maintain. Common in commercial kitchens and food service environments.
- Furan grout: Industrial grade, used in heavy-duty environments. Rarely encountered in standard cleaning contracts.
Why Grout Gets Dirty and Damaged
Grout sits below the tile surface in a recessed joint, which means water, soap residue, grease, and bacteria collect in it naturally. In wet areas like showers and kitchens, mould and mildew thrive in unsealed grout. In commercial kitchens, grease penetrates deeply into porous grout and becomes very difficult to remove without the right chemistry and agitation.
Damage to grout is most commonly caused by using the wrong chemicals — particularly acids on cement grout, which dissolve the binder and cause crumbling — or by using high-pressure water that forces moisture behind tiles.
Create a free CCMTec account to track your learning and access your completion certificate.