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tile and grout cleaning Archives - Professional Surface Restoration

Feb 20
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tile and grout cleaning tips - professional surface restoration

Common Tile and Grout Cleaning Mistakes You Should Avoid

By Tile and Grout

Keeping your tiled surfaces squeaky clean isn’t always easy — which is why some severe tile and grout blunders are best avoided.

Without the proper knowledge, it’s too easy to make a mistake that could take its toll on your tile and grout — so let us share our top tips for keeping them safe from damage!

From overzealous scrubbing to an overlooked furniture dilemma, follow our cleaning suggestions and keep those tiles looking as good as new.

Scrubbing Too Hard

First, don’t go too hard on your tile and grout. A gentle touch is the best approach!

Remember that over-scrubbing can damage surfaces, scuff up tiles, and even strip away protective sealants — leaving them more prone to future staining.

So whip out those cleaning supplies with a light hand for sparkling results without any worry about long-term harm.

RELATED ARTICLE: 8 Businesses That Are Prime Candidates for Deep Cleaning

Using Harsh Cleaning Products

Not all cleaning materials are created equal.

It’s important to remember that harsh chemical-based cleaners can damage your tile and grout, leaving them dull and discolored.

The chemicals used in general-purpose cleaners, such as bleach and ammonia, can strip the sealant off your grout, resulting in a porous surface that will stain more quickly in the future.

If you want to keep your tile and grout looking its best for years to come, opt for milder pH-neutral cleaners instead — they’re great at getting rid of dirt without damaging surfaces.

Not Wiping Spills Immediately

It’s easy to think that spills are no big deal, but it’s important to remember that grout is a porous material, meaning liquids can seep in and stain it if they’re not wiped up quickly.

When you spill something on your tile and grout, clean it up immediately with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge.

If the stains are already set in, try using some oxygen bleach or an enzymatic cleaner — these solutions are great for removing stubborn stains without damaging your surfaces!

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Maintain Carpet in Between Professional Cleanings

Overwashing

Overwashing is another common mistake when it comes to tile and grout cleaning.

By scrubbing very hard with an abrasive brush or pad, you can remove protective sealants and cause discoloration of the grout.

To avoid this issue, use only gentle cleansers and non-abrasive tools like sponges.

Additionally, do not let the cleanser sit for too long on your surface before wiping it off — no more than five minutes maximum.

Not Protecting Tile from Furniture

Lastly, one of the most critical steps to protecting your tile and grout from damage is ensuring you are preserving it from furniture.

Furniture, especially heavier pieces, can scrape and scratch the surface of your tiles if they’re not adequately cushioned. To prevent this, use furniture glides or casters beneath all furniture situated on tile floors.

You should also consider using protective coverings — like rugs or mats — to protect the surface further and reduce any wear and tear from furniture legs.

Get Reliable Floor Restoration Services Today

With tile and grout cleaning, you can hit your mark every time or miss entirely. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help ensure you make a clean sweep instead of making a mess.

Don’t leave your property’s interior looking like something out of a horror movie — if messy DIY isn’t your thing, we’ve got you.

We have plenty of experience restoring surfaces to life with beautiful results that last much longer than our competitors. Contact Professional Surface Restoration today.

Dec 15
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tile and grout cleaning - toledo ohio

4 Important Signs It’s Time for Tile and Grout Cleaning

By Tile and Grout

Whether it’s in your kitchen, bathroom, or hallway for your business or home, the grout and tile are an essential part of your floor’s foundation. It is extremely important to keep your tile grout in great condition — a clean tile floor can make a great first impression for your home or business. If not cleaned properly, it can easily collect bacteria and can bring danger to anyone inside. Not only that, uncleaned tile and grout can reflect poorly on the business or the essence of the home.

Here are signs you need to focus on to determine it is time for tile and grout cleaning from professionals.

1. Your Grout and Tile Are Stained or Discolored

Un-removable stains and discoloration is the primary sign that your grout and tile need deep cleaning. Your grout and tile are going to get stained and discolored as dirt and grime accumulate. If these stains and discoloration remain no matter how much you clean, your ultimate solution is to seek the assistance of professional tile and grout cleaning services.

RELATED ARTICLE: 3 Reasons to Deep Clean Your Property Before Winter Arrives

2. Your Tile and Grout Have Water Damage

If your tile and grout are exposed to water and moisture without regular cleaning, they may experience water damage. One telltale way to detect water damage is if your tiles sound hollow or feel loose.

Water damage can accelerate the deterioration of your tile and grout. To keep your tile flooring safe, get regular tile and grout cleaning services from professionals. A tile and grout cleaning service can provide deep cleaning and restoration services.

3. Your Tile and Grout Appear Dull

Your tile and grout should be vibrant and should bring beauty to your home or business establishment. If you notice that your tile and grout appear dull, then it is a good sign that your floors need to be professionally cleaned. Scratches, dirt, and residue accumulation over time can make your tiles look less appealing. A professional surface restoration company can thoroughly clean and polish your tiles so they look brand new.

RELATED ARTICLE: Reasons a Professional Cleaning Service Is the Best Way to Get Tough Stains Out of Tile and Grout

4. Despite Your Best Efforts, Your Tile and Grout Just Seem To Get Dirtier

As a property owner, cleaning your tile and grout should be part of your responsibilities. However, if you notice that your tile and grout seem to get dirtier despite your best efforts of cleaning them, you will need the help of a professional cleaner. If your tile and grout have been collecting dirt, dust, and grime, and have constantly been exposed to moisture, their condition will deteriorate, making them look unattractive. A professional cleaner has the right tools, cleaning equipment, and tried-and-true cleaning techniques to properly clean tile and grout and restore them to their original condition.

You can maintain the condition of your grout and tile by routinely cleaning them. However, if you notice any of the warning signs we have listed, you should contact a reputable and trusted cleaning company to do the cleaning for you. They can provide a professional tile and grout cleaning and restoration service and ensure that your tile and grout will stay in excellent condition.

To maximize your tile surfaces’ life, it is important to include regular professional cleaning and resealing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your professional tile and grout cleaning.

 

Nov 23
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Professional tile and grout cleaning - toledo ohio

Why Hiring a Professional for Tile and Grout Cleaning Is Important in Your Home

By Deep Cleaning, Holiday Cleaning, Tile and Grout

Many homeowners favor tile and grout because it improves the appearance of your home and makes it healthier for you to live in. Hiring a professional tile & grout cleaner is essential for making the surface of the tiles look new again, removing any scratches or stains that may be there.

The Benefits of Having Clean Tiles and Grout in Your House

Extends the Lifespan of Your Flooring

Tile and grout cleaning helps extend the life of your flooring by preventing damage and dirt from accumulating. If you physically try to clean the tiles yourself, at best, you will be unable to remove all the stains and dirt; at worst, you may end up damaging your tile surface or loosening its adhesive. The use of chemicals in such a case can be dangerous to you and your family if not done correctly.

RELATED ARTICLE: Reasons a Professional Cleaning Service Is the Best Way to Get Tough Stains Out of Tile and Grout

Maintains Beautiful Flooring

Professional tile and grout cleaners can help you restore the beauty of your tiles. They are trained to clean the type of surface you have at home, whether natural stone or porcelain tile. Cleaning compounds are tailored to remove dirt from different kinds of surfaces. This helps you keep the beautiful look of your tiles for years to come.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Clean and Seal Concrete Surfaces

Kills Bacteria and Germs

Tile and grout cleaning kills bacteria, germs, and other microorganisms found on the tile. There are no diseases that could harm your children or pets as a result of this procedure. Tile cleaning must be part of the general cleaning of your house for this reason.

Why Hire a Professional Tile & Grout Cleaner?

Time-consuming Procedure

Tile and grout cleaning is considered time-consuming; it can take up to four hours for an expert to clean, scrub, and rinse the tiles in one room. If you are not careful, this job may take up more of your time than anticipated. A professional tile cleaner will use techniques that ensure that the most work is done in the least time possible.

RELATED ARTICLE: 3 Reasons to Deep Clean Your Property Before Winter Arrives

Professionals Have the Right Equipment

Professional tile and grout cleaners use specialized equipment for each kind of job they do at home, ensuring that your tiles are as clean as possible within the shortest time possible. They also know how to use this equipment safely, ensuring that your family members are out of the danger zone while working.

Removes Residue and Contaminants

Using a steam-vacuum extraction method ensures that tile and grout cleaning helps to remove residue from the tiles, whether dirt or stains. This allows you to get rid of all contaminants in one visit.

To maximize your tile surfaces’ life, it is important to include regular professional cleaning and resealing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your professional tile and grout cleaning.

Sep 15
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health hazards in dirty tile and grout - professional surface restoration

Health Hazards Hidden in Dirty Tile and Grout

By antimicrobial floor coating, Deep Cleaning, Tile and Grout

Just because you mopped your tile floor doesn’t mean it’s clean. Dirt and microbes may be hiding in the grout regardless of how often you clean your tile floor. Tiles tend to trap the dirt and even the odors from these sources.

Consider Professional Surface Restoration to deep clean your tile and grout. We specialize in cleaning hard surfaces, effectively getting rid of hidden dirt and trapped odors, and bringing your floor back to the original state you remember.

Dangers of the Five-Second Rule

It’s about time to retire the belief that you can still safely eat anything off the floor if it hasn’t been down there for five seconds. Harmful bacteria do not wait five seconds before infecting food.

Your kitchen, dining areas, or any room with tiled floors are at risk of harboring bacteria that may harm your entire family.

RELATED ARTICLE: 3 Reasons to Deep Clean Your Property Before Winter Arrives

Keep your tile and grout free of bacteria with Professional Surface Restoration. If you could prevent children from eating dropped food, you would. Children will do anything, so it would be best to ensure your floors are as clean as possible.

Common Germs and Bacteria in Dirty Tile and Grout

Germs pose several health risks for your eyes, lungs, and stomach. Here are some dangerous bacteria that commonly thrive in dirty grout:

  • Streptococcus: Strep bacteria trapped in tile and grout can be airborne and cause a sore throat, specifically called strep throat. This condition includes fever and pain when swallowing. It is more common among children than adults.
  • Staphylococcus: This contagious germ spreads through skin-to-skin contact, resulting in several skin infections. Staph bacteria may cause blisters, boils, and cellulitis, a condition that causes redness, swelling, and pain.
  • Escherichia Coli: Commonly known as E-coli, this bacteria commonly affects children. Adults then contract E-coli through their children. E-coli infection leads to painful illnesses, such as abdominal pain, extreme diarrhea, and vomiting.
  • Salmonella: This bacteria spread through contaminated food and water. Salmonella also thrives in bathroom tiles. Children and adults with weak immune systems have a high risk of developing salmonella-associated adverse symptoms, including abdominal pain, chills, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
  • Campylobacter: Like other common bacteria in this list, campylobacter affects children. Infants crawling on the floor also run risks of contracting this bacteria. Affected people may experience bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and fever.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Clean and Seal Concrete Surfaces

Dirty Tile Floors, Dirty Air

Bacteria hiding in dirty tile and grout contribute to poor indoor air quality. Poor air quality may cause the following health effects:

  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Irritation (eyes, nose, and throat)
  • Nausea

Meticulous and Professional Cleaning Solution

Professional deep cleaning services can effectively restore any home with tiled floors to ensure overall health and safety for the entire family. However, you may still have to deep clean your grout and tiles occasionally to maintain their condition. Here are some tips on how to clean dirty tile and grout properly:

  1. Wipe down visible dust with a damp cloth.
  2. Use a baking soda, vinegar, and water solution to clean tiles.
  3. Use a toothbrush to clean between tiles.
  4. Allow the solution to sit before scrubbing.
  5. Rinse the tiles with water.

If you perform these tips and still notice stains on your grout or tiles, consider professional cleaning services to save you the trouble. Get in touch with our experts at Professional Surface Restoration to discuss your options today!

Aug 19
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Professional_Surface_Restoration_Tile_and_Grout_Cleaning_Toledo_OH

Reasons a Professional Cleaning Service Is the Best Way to Get Tough Stains Out of Tile and Grout

By Commercial Floors, Tile and Grout

If your home or business is like the vast majority in the country, you likely have at least one area of tile—perhaps in a kitchen, bathroom, entryway, or even throughout your home. There’s a good reason too; tile is exceptionally durable, adds beauty to your home or business, and can be relatively simple to spot clean. However, over time, tile floors can be tricky to keep looking fresh—especially within grout lines.

Why Is Tile So Difficult to Clean Properly?

While it’s easy to wipe up the occasional spill, tile and grout are more susceptible than you might think to tough, long-lasting stains that are difficult to remove. Textured tile can accumulate surface dirt and grime, causing them to appear dull and potentially discoloring the tile’s whole surface. This layer of dirt is often challenging to remove with household mops, even with the most effective tile floor cleaning products from your big box store.

RELATED ARTICLE: The Importance of Commercial Carpet Cleaning During COVID-19 and Beyond

Also, most tiles are made of natural stone or ceramic, while grout usually consists of cement and sand. Both the tiles themselves and the grout between them are highly porous. They can absorb spills, causing lingering stains that can affect the appearance of your flooring—dirty mop water, and even the very chemicals you use to clean your tile can lead to further discoloration of both tile and grout. Worse yet, porous tile and grout can harbor bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew if not cleaned properly.

Professional Tile and Grout Cleaning Can Help

Using a top-quality tile cleaner or a mop and bucket is effective short-term, but in the long run, you could be damaging your tile. If you’re using harsh chemicals, abrasive scrub brushes, or mop water to clean your tile floor, consider these benefits of a professional tile and grout cleaning service:

  • Professional Equipment. A professional cleaning service has the tools and professional cleaners necessary to cut through surface grime and remove stains. You can address stubborn stains and remove years of discoloration in one fell swoop.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Choose a Tile & Grout Cleaning Professional

  • Deep Cleaning. Unlike traditional mop and bucket cleaning, professional cleaning services can use commercial-grade solvents to ensure deep stains and contaminants like bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew don’t linger within pores or grout lines. You’ll ensure the overall beauty of your tile while addressing the health and safety of you, your family, or your employees.
  • Damage-Free. Years of grime can cause surface etching as people walk on your tile; meanwhile, the chemicals you use to clean them could be causing additional damage as well. A deep, professional clean removes surface grime safely, without damaging your tile.

If you’re in search of professional tile and grout cleaning in Toledo or the surrounding areas, consider the experts at Professional Surface Restoration. We’ll provide professional, deep cleaning of all your tiled areas using professional grade cleaners, tools, and procedures—you’ll prevent damaging buildup and restore your tile to its former beauty while keeping your home or business safe.

Contact us today for more information.

Jan 23
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How to Choose a Tile and Grout Cleaning Professional

By Deep Cleaning, Tile and Grout

tile and grout cleaning professionalTile is an excellent choice for many home and business owners due to its beauty, resiliency, and relatively low-maintenance characteristics. While individual scrubbing and mopping does the job on an everyday basis, hiring a tile and grout cleaning company can help you provide routine maintenance to newer floors or even restore old, dull, and dirty floors to their original glory. However, it is important to ensure you’re hiring a trustworthy tile and grout cleaning professional.

How do you go about choosing the right tile and grout cleaning company? First, you’ll need to Google “tile and grout cleaning near me” then, isolate the best with the following techniques

Ask the Right Questions

Before you contact a tile and grout cleaning company, prepare a list of all the necessary questions. Questions should include:

  • How many years of experience do you have? While some newer companies provide a great cleaning service, when it comes to more expensive or delicate tile, you’ll likely want an experienced company to handle your cleaning needs.
  • Are you insured and bonded? Insurance and bonding ensures the cleaning company will be responsible for any property damage caused and that you won’t be held liable in the event of an accident on your property.
  • Are you licensed? Licensing is especially important for commercial properties and ensures your tile and grout cleaning company is up to date on the most current procedures in the industry.
  • Can you handle my specific needs? Inform the company regarding any special considerations such as foot traffic and the material of your tile to ensure the proper cleaning and restoration techniques are available.

RELATED ARTICLE: What to Expect from Professional Tile and Grout Cleaning

Request a Free Estimate

The best tile and grout cleaning companies will perform a free estimate for any work done on your property before beginning. In many cases, this involves cleaning a sample tile to demonstrate how clean you should expect your tile and grout to become, how long the entire job should take, and what methods are preferable. A free estimate also allows you to adjust your expectations for the job before it begins.

Always Read the Reviews

In this digital age, any trustworthy tile and grout cleaning company should have an online presence. For most, this includes a business website as well as reviews on sites like Angie’s List, Yelp, and the BBB or on a Google My Business result. In addition, be sure to ask friends and colleagues for referrals and recommendations for local businesses they’ve utilized in the past.

If you’re searching for tile and grout cleaning companies near Toledo, Ohio, Professional Surface Restoration offers specialized cleaning equipment and best in the business techniques. We’ll eliminate all dirt and bacteria from your hard surfaces, and finish with a water based sealer to keep tile looking fresh.

For a free estimate, call (419) 705-8693 or submit an online estimate request today.

Jan 06
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What to Expect with a Professional Tile and Grout Cleaning

By Tile and Grout

professional tile and grout cleaningSpring 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.

Dec 10
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3 Signs It’s Time for Tile and Grout Cleaning

By Tile and Grout

Tile and Grout CleaningThe 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.

RELATED ARTICLE: How a Home’s Flooring Affects Market Value

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.

May 11
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Flooring Red Flags a Potential Buyer Will Notice

By Carpet Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, Natural Stone Cleaning, Tile and Grout, Wood Floor Cleaning

flooring red flagsOne of the first things potential home buyers notice when going through a house is the condition of the floors. Since the floor is such a large area that will draw the attention of any buyer, if it has cracks, mold, mildew, or other flaws it may cost the realtor a sale. Identify these flooring red flags before a home buyer does.

Seek professional help from a professional hard surface and floor cleaning company to be certain that the floors don’t keep you from making the sale.

  1. Dirt and Filth

Perhaps the most obvious sign of a neglected floor that will turn off any potential buyer is the general filth, grime, and dirt stuck to a floor’s surface. These range from larger and noticeable stains to small pieces of debris stuck in corners or hidden by rugs, or other items. This red flag is particularly noticeable in tile and grout floors, which may require pressure water cleaning to get them in much better shape.

  1. Water Damaged Floors

Another noticeable red flag of poor floor maintenance is water damage. This type of damage manifests in numerous ways, from saggy or marked floors, to the presence of mold, mildew, and even some cracks and damage. Mold and mildew present a health hazard to any potential home buyer. Also, water damage is usually an indication of a larger problem, such as defective plumbing or possible flooding. Once you resolve the plumbing issue in the house, you will need to call a professional floor cleaning service to get rid of these unsightly features and restore the floor to a better condition.

  1. Smelly Carpets

The final significant floor issue that can drive away potential buyers is the odor that comes from soiled carpets. This smell is usually a red flag that the carpet is old and needs to be deep cleaned or, at worst case, replaced. If the carpet is relatively new, it might need a professional cleaning treatment that includes steaming and a special cleaning formula. Even if it doesn’t smell, deep clean clean the carpet anyway, since it can hold on to allergens and other harmful agents that a cleansing can remove.

Prepare the house you are working on for a successful sale by making sure the floors are in pristine condition. The skilled crew at Professional Surface Restoration has the right equipment and years of experience to handle any type of floor situation.

No matter what type of floors are in your home, Professional Surface Restoration has a deep cleaning solution designed to increase the market value of your home without the need for replacement flooring.

Contact us online or call us at (419) 705-8693 to get started with a no-cost demonstration.

Feb 26
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Spring Cleaning 101: Ceramic Tile Cleaning

By Tile and Grout

how to clean ceramic tileWhen 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.

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