I would look at changing the backsplash. That small tile format has always been a cleaning challenge. You can take off these tiles, repair the drywall and use washable paint.

The 4” backsplash that matches your countertop is sufficient.

THose counters and the backsplash have to go. Vintage is not the workd I would use for the counter , that has seen better days . If replacing with more laminate then use that for the backsplash and remove those very dirty dated tiles.

Well, I should mention. This is a rental property and I'm putting lipstick on it. Not in the budget to redo the kitchen. Money went towards windows and oak flooring.

Just search for “best grout cleaner” and you will see some options.

If it’s a rental, you just want it sparkly clean. Laminate counters can tolerate cleaners, but not anything gritty.

I would remove the tile backsplash, repair any drywall damage, and paint the area. I think that would look best. You already have a short backsplash of counter material, no need for tile above that.

I suggest you try grout refresh, a grout colorant. Look for Grout Refresh, Grout Colorant, Grout Renew.

I would get stick on tile sheets and cover the backsplash. It’s easy to work with, inexpensive, and you can remove after when you leave if landlord requires.

personally I would leave the backsplash.. its authenticity even as shown makes it fine to leave…scratched or poor condition formica is the more significant problem. I would nt like it whether a renter or owner occupant. what is the purpose of leaving that? just a set up for more wear and tear to ensue .

I think it is great that you are doing so much to have a nice rental, the last time I rented from someone the house was filthy and I had to spend days getting it in order.

I have used grout paint before and it was time consuming to carefully paint the grout without getting it on the tiles. The grout paint did hold up well and that was on a laundry room floor with a large dog. I have not painted tile before but I think it would be much easier than just painting the grout especially since your tiles are so small and there is so much grout.

It is hard to tell from the pictures how bad the laminate is, if it is just light surface scratches then maybe using a white sharper or repair marker will make it look better.

I have painted floor grout and it held up well. This is what i used. and i’s available at Home Depot. All you need is a steady hand and a paint brush.

Are the scratches in the laminate deep or shallow? Please add a photo showing a typical scratch along with a coin or fingertip for scale and a small piece of white paper (like paper towel) for the camera to color balance.

A white porcelain touch up paint available in hardware stores for about $10 for a fingernail polish size bottle may do the trick. It's used for touchup on fridges, stoves, etc.

By the way, laminate can be polished up very nicely with Gel Gloss, Kitchen Wax or a brand new can of paste car wax such as Turtle Wax.

Having used grout colorant on my kitchen floor (8x8" tiles) I will say that it's a great product but REALLY not what I would wish on anyone to attempt with teeny tiles with small grout lines! 100% paint out the tile with Stix primer (or similar) and a satin sheen paint, especially since to me the peachy tint of the tile color fights with the greenish counters. An off white would feel much better IMO.