Tile and Grout

Spring cleaning and fall upkeep are crucial, but they’re usually just the beginning of getting a home clean. Even in the deepest of home cleanings, some areas of the house get missed. One of these places is often your tile and grout. Though you may keep your floors looking sharp with regular cleaning and sanitization, your grout can often look dull, dingy, and detract from the beauty of your flooring. A professional tile and grout cleaning can do wonders for your flooring, making it appear cleaner and the rest of your home with it.

Here is what you can expect from the process.

Tile and Grout Cleaning Tools

At Professional Surface Restoration, we use specialized cleaning equipment that combines several different processes, such as heat, high pressure, vacuum extraction, and emulsification to remove dirt from the toughest of spaces and keep your floors looking their best. To begin the process, we use a detergent to pre-spray your surface. Then we use high pressure multi jet rotating steam tool to continuously extract dirt and water from your floors. The temperature of the water is between 180-270 degrees, effectively sanitizing the floor as it cleans.

RELATED ARTICLE: 3 Signs It’s Time for Tile and Grout Cleaning

After the floor surface is clean, we close the pores in your grout, which helps keep the dirt from penetrating again. Water based sealant is both safe and effective; it will not change the look of your tile or its longevity.

Why Schedule a Tile and Grout Cleaning?

Tile and grout cleaning is an essential aspect of keeping your floors sanitized. Over time, grout can get very dirty because it is naturally porous. If a contractor does not seal the grout correctly, it can happen sooner than it should. Grout absorbs bacteria, grease, mildew, dirt and other particles that are not only unpleasant to look at but can also affect the indoor air quality of your home. Left unchecked, it can begin to emit a foul odor.

Regular tile and grout cleanings help control odor, fight bacteria, and keep your tile and grout looking new. But how often should you schedule cleanings? The answer will depend on the amount of time you spend in the space. Higher traffic floors, like a kitchen, will require more frequent cleanings than a less used room. In general, plan for a good professional cleaning every 2 to 5 years.

A professional tile and grout cleaning is a must to keep your floors and family healthy. Professional Surface Restoration offers professional tile and grout cleanings for homes and businesses all over metro Toledo. Contact us for more information or to schedule a free demo.

The tile and grout in your kitchen, bathrooms, and flooring requires attention during cold and flu season. Tile and grout cleaning may be part of your typical household cleaning routine, but it’s especially important to address during the winter to keep your home as free of bacteria and germs as possible.

Look for the warning signs below to determine when it’s time to clean your tile and grout.

Your Tile and Grout Is Stained or Discolored

Stains and discoloration on your tiles or in your grout lines aren’t just unpleasant to look at; they are also signs of bacteria accumulation, mildew formation, or even mold growth. Dark green or black stains require immediate attention. The surfaces in your kitchen and bathrooms likely face more moisture exposure than the other rooms of your home, so this makes them prime breeding grounds for mold and other hazardous substances. If you notice any discoloration or stains on your tile and grout, it’s time to clean them thoroughly.

Grout Does Not Appear to Come Clean With Standard Cleanings

Most homeowners have conventional cleaning tools and cleansers that can handle mild to moderate grime, but for serious stains and messes, it’s important to use the right deep cleaning products. If your tile or grout does not come clean with standard cleaning tools and methods, then this is a sign your tile and grout need more attention. If moisture gets under your grout, you’ll start noticing serious issues like cracked tiles or even water damage if it goes unchecked for too long.

RELATED ARTICLE: Ceramic Tile Cleaning 101

Your Grout Is Unsealed

Perhaps you installed your grout yourself and forgot to seal it, or the contractor you paid to complete a grouting job never returned to seal it after it dried. In either case, unsealed grout is especially vulnerable to mold and mildew growth. Unchecked exposure allows cracks to form in the grout, which can lead to deep-rooted problems later. If your grout is unsealed and has been for some time, it’s essential to arrange a thorough cleaning before sealing it and preventing further damage. Properly sealed grout will be much easier to maintain and will last much longer than unsealed grout.

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Professional Surface Restoration specializes in hard surface restoration. We have the tools and experience to handle all types of deep cleaning jobs, including stubborn stains on tile and grout that won’t wash away with conventional store-bought cleaning products.

If you think your tile and grout are in need of professional attention or if your cleaning efforts have seemed to prove fruitless, contact Professional Surface Restoration today to schedule a professional tile and grout cleaning for your property.

When it comes to most bathrooms and kitchens, ceramic tiles are a very popular choice. The chance that this material adorns any surface of your home is very high. Get a head start on your spring cleaning and learn more about how you can clean your ceramic tile surfaces.

Simple Ceramic Tile Cleaning Steps

Ceramic tiles are fairly low-maintenance and are very simple to clean. You can clean your tiles with simple steps using plain water mixed with the cleaner of your choice. Wash your tiles at least once a week and clean any spills or spots as they occur.

• Use a vacuum or a broom to clear any debris you see, such as dirt, sand, and grit. You can do this before the actual cleaning process, or any other time to reduce wear on your tiles.
• Mix a cleaner, such as dish detergent, vinegar, or commercial tile cleaner with water to dilute the effect. Use a string mop, a chamois-type mop, or a rag to wash the tiles, as using sponge mops pushes dirt from the tiles into the grout.
• Once you have cleaned your tiles, let them dry to prevent accidents. Either use a clean cloth or keep the area clear until the floor dries.

Understanding Grout

Grout is the material applied between tiles that keeps them in place. Because grout is a porous substance with white or light colors, it is vulnerable to damage from numerous sources of filth, including mud, dirt, spills, mold, and mildew. You will need to employ a different cleaning tactic than the one for tiles. Sealing the grout with a sealer protects it from most dirt and grime and can be done once or twice a year.

Cleaning Grout

The method you choose for cleaning grout depends on how strong the dirt and stains are. Remember to start out simple and only increase the materials when the filth is more severe.

• For small amounts of dirt, use warm, plain water and a specialized, stiff-bristled brush to scrub in circles and let the grout dry.
• For stronger stains, use a vinegar/water mix and spray the grout, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush after letting the mix stand for five minutes.
• To increase cleaning effectiveness, make a baking soda/water paste, cover the grout, and spray the vinegar mixture. Scrub with the stiff brush and rinse with water once the solution stops foaming.
• Steam cleaners can effectively clean the worst stains, and they are incredibly environmentally friendly.

If you need professional assistance in cleaning and restoring your home surfaces, contact Professional Surface Restoration at (419) 705-8693 to schedule a free demo.

You might love your beautiful tile floors, but what about the grout? For most homeowners, grout is more of an annoyance than an asset. It can collect stains and mar the look of your floors. Luckily, there are easy ways to clean your grout and get it looking like new – and then keep it that way. Start with these simple everyday grout cleaning tips.

Daily Wet Mop

Spotless grout and tile floors require light daily maintenance. Swipe a mop, wipe, or sponge across your tile floors with just water every day to remove dirt and debris. Leaving debris on your tile floors allows longer-lasting stains to form, as feet will grind the dirt down into the grout. Mopping lightly every day to combat dirt can make a big difference in the look and cleanliness of your grout.

Invest in Powdered Oxygen Bleach

Powdered oxygen bleach is non-toxic, with no harmful fumes. It’s also color-safe. This “magic” cleaner for grout removes grease and food stains from tile and grout without a lot of scrubbing. Simply mix oxygen bleach with warm water (according to package directions) and stir until it dissolves.

Pour the solution onto the part of the grout you wish to clean. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes. Pour more if the grout absorbs all of the mixture, keeping liquid covering the grout. The longer you let it sit, the better it works. The oxygen ions break down the stain molecules for up to six hours! Mop your floors with the solution after a deep clean to keep your grout like new.

Clean Floors after Showers and Baths

Part of what discolors grout in the bathroom is condensation that collects on the tiles from baths and showers. A daily quick-clean routine after you bathe can prevent many stains and discoloration from ruining your tile floors. It might seem like a bit of a hassle, but it can ultimately save you effort in the long run.

After you bathe, use a squeegee across your tile floors to remove excess water. Then, spray tiles with a mild shower cleaner (you can make your own using a 4:1 ratio of water to vinegar) and wipe them down. This will help keep your tiles and grout clean in the bathroom.

Don’t Make Common Mistakes

When trying to clean your grout, never use acid-based products or cleaners. The acid can break down the grout between your tiles. Don’t clean your grout on brand-new floors until you’re sure it has completely cured. Avoid common grout-cleaning mistakes, get professional tips, and enjoy tile and grout that are spick-and-span.

For questions about your tile floors or more information about a professional cleaning service, contact Professional Surface Restoration

Tile is a beautiful and durable option selected for flooring in many homes today. With the right care, and consistent tile and grout cleaning, your tile flooring can last for many years and remain a beautiful addition to your home. There are some risks stemming from poor care you can easily avoid as well as some simple tips for maintaining your tile floors to preserve them for years to come.

Avoid the Risks of Poor Tile Care

Tile is usually made from clay and other earth-based materials. A heavy object falling onto the floor can chip or crack the tile. Take care to position heavy objects so they cannot tip over onto the floor, or be accidentally knocked off of counters or tables.

Moisture can also cause problems with your tile. Grout between tiles can retain moisture and become a source of mold. Be sure to keep tile dry and wipe up any spills as soon as possible.

Simple Tips for Proper Tile Care

Dirt can be an abrasive and can act like sandpaper as the dirt is ground across the surface by foot traffic. Sweep tile floors at least twice a week and mop frequently. Be sure to change your mop water often to avoid leaving a dirty residue across the tiles.

Keeping the grout clean is essential for maintaining the health of your floors and keeping them looking great as well. Use commercial grout cleaners or a mild bleach solution. You’ll need a small scrub brush to clean and scrub the grout.

Routine Professional Cleaning of Your Tile Floors

Even with regular care, it’s important to periodically have your tile cleaned professionally. A professional can easily spot areas requiring extra care. Professionals also have the tools and solutions to address deep stains that may mar the look of your tile. A professional cleaning can restore your tile to a like-new finish, and will also be able to properly and thoroughly clean the grout. After cleaning, your tile will be sealed to close the pores and to prevent dirt from penetrating the surface.

By following these simple care tips you will maintain the quality and appearance of your tile and have a floor to be proud of for years to come.

For questions about your tile floors or more information about a professional cleaning service, contact Professional Surface Restoration today.