A cement-based mixture, grout is the substance used to fill the space between ceramic, stone and glass tiles. It comes in different colors and a few different formulas. Generally, tile and grout is commonly installed on floor and countertop surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens. Bathrooms will also have tile and grout lining showers and/or tubs. There are other applications within the home that can easily be tiled. It offers style and durability. Many homeowners and commercial buildings rely on the sturdiness of tile and grout. But many get frustrated with tile and especially grout as it is one of the hardest elements of the home to keep clean. We at Eco Clean Carpet Cleaning would like to take the opportunity to discuss why that is.
Moisture, Dirt, Scum, Mold etc is Penetrating to Grout
As most know, grout is particularly porous. It absorbs moisture, dirt, soap scum, bacteria, and other contaminants which will create the right breeding ground for mildew and mold to grow. As people tend to clean their grout and tile, mopping is the primary method, but that is actually what is making cleaning the grout so difficult. Where mopping and cleaning your tile and grout should be done routinely, doing it more efficiently can help significantly. Additionally, people have a tendency to use too much floor cleaner and never rinse, causing the floors and other tiled surfaces to accumulate a buildup of detergent that magnetizes dust and dirt to the surface, making them look dirtier than before.
Don’t Use Vinegar to Clean Grout
A word of caution is to avoid vinegar to wash the floors as it could break down your sealants that are acting as a barrier for your grout. But every 2nd or 3rd washing of your floors should be done with nothing more than pure, warm water. This will give your tile a good rinse while still removing the spots and smudges.
Professional Steam Cleaner VS Mop
The grout lines can be a challenge to mop thoroughly. When mopping your tile, consider that the grout lines are designed to dip lower than the tile; so, when you mop the grout is often not getting contact with the mop. For severe buildup on grout, people should approach the grout with a brush to effectively clean it. But brushing those individually lines on your hands and knees can be time consuming. Often more beneficial and effective for cleaning tile is using a tile and grout machine cleaner. Where mopping is better than nothing, the water used in mopping will eventually look murky and filthy and then you re-contaminate the grout with the filthy water. If you prefer the traditional method with a mop, be sure to replace the water often as you go.
Applying Tile & Grout Sealer
One of the best preventative measures to keep your grout cleaner, is to have a professional apply sealants. After an installation, the sealants should be applied, but few installers do so. The sealer acts as a barrier and shields the grout from the majority of the filth. Every so often the sealer needs to be reapplied as with normal cleaning and day-to-day use, the sealant does dissipate. Lack of sealant is one of the biggest culprits that make grout look grungy fast. Before a professional sealant, it is important that the tile and grout are professionally cleaned so the debris isn’t trapped under the sealant. Professionals will use their high-pressure water/steam cleaning system to remove the buildup that has penetrated deep beneath the grout.
Tile & Grout Cleaning & Sealing & More in Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Northridge & Greater Los Angeles, California
The specialists of Eco Clean Carpet Cleaning can get your tile and grout immaculate with our high-powered equipment and effective cleaners. After your tile and grout glistens with spotless surfaces, our team will apply a fresh coating of sealant to help preserve the cleanliness of your grout and tile. Call us today to schedule a tile and grout cleaning and sealing for your Los Angeles, California home or business.
