Benefits of Steam Cleaning and Grout sealing

Sat, 23 May 2009 01:24:00 +0000

The truth is that tile grout is a lot more permeable then you probably imagine. Tile grout is the cement-like plaster that holds the tiles in place and protects the corners from getting chipped. Using mops and excessive water to clean your tile floor can actually push grime, moisture and excessive cleaner under the grout and tile. Over time this can eat away at the grout, the tile, and the floor. The proper way to care for a tile floor is to have it sealed. It is vitally important to get all the dirt and mildew out before sealing the tiles, otherwise you will just be sealing dirt into the tile and the grout. As strong cleaning agents have a tendency to damage tile and grout overtime, it is important to use only the weakest agent that will get the job done right.

Darker grout masks dirt build-up better than lighter colored grout. Darker grout is typically used on floors and outdoor areas to avoid obvious stains.

If your grout is not currently sealed, we recommend steam cleaning grout with a steam cleaner. This will help you remove the grime without using grout destroying acids. After thoroughly cleaning the grout, it is best to apply a sealer to protect it from more dirt and grime getting stuck in it. You should seal your grout 1-2 times every year (depending on how much use it gets & what kind of cleaners you use). Also, don’t forget to reseal your grout after any repair work, or re-grouting of the tile.

Steam cleaning is a process that has vastly improved even over the last ten years. Grout steam cleaners do not using any cleaning chemicals to clean tiles or grout. As the temperature of the water goes over 100 degrees steam is created. However, with a high pressure steamer the temperature of the water can be increased to 180 degrees creating what is know as dry steam. The advantages of dry stream are many. First, they have low vapor content (less than 5%). This mean you will have a lot less moisture trapped in the tiles which can eventually break them down. Second, the steam kills dust mites, bacteria, germs and mildew. It also gives your tile grout for a deep and thorough cleaning using a lot less water than a mop or sponge. Steam cleaners that are rated at a 6 bar or higher are the best to use when grout cleaning.

Grout Cleaning Basics

Thu, 21 May 2009 14:20:29 +0000

Grout cleaning is a relatively simply process that can greatly improve the look of your bathroom, tile, patio, or floor. Knowing the best way to clean grout can help you save a lot of work, and sometimes money. More importantly, you can enjoy the improved look grout cleaning has on your home or workplace.

How to Clean Grout

To start with, you need to get the grout wet with water. Then you should scrub the tile grout with a medium, non metallic scrubber or toothbrush. This will help to loosen up the existing grout. The next step is to use a mild cleaner, such as vinegar or bleach. (Only use bleach on white or non-colored tile.) Make sure to dilute the vinegar at a ratio of 2:1 and the bleach at a ratio of 4:1. (We also suggest rubber gloves.)

More difficult grout may require the use of a commercial grout cleaner or even a high power pressure washer. The quickest way to clean cement patios is to use commercial grout cleaner, allow it to sit for as long as indicated on the label and then pressure washing it off.

Steam Cleaning Grout

If you have or have access to a stream cleaner, this can be a great way to deep clean grout. A steam cleaner will actually pull the grout out of the most porous types of grout and sterilize it at the same time. It also can cut down on the amount of scrubbing you have to do.

Types of Grout

Most bathroom grout is caused by mold or mildew which grows in areas of high moisture and digests organic grime on shower walls, countertops and splashboards. This grout need to be cleaned on a regular basis in order to prevent unsightly discoloration between tiles. Cleaning bathroom grout on a regular basis prevents it from getting out of control..

Kitchen grout is caused from by crime and dirt particles that get stuck in between the tiles. These accumulate around stoves, fridges, splashboards, floor, and food preparation areas. Allowing water or a mild cleaner time to soak in goes a great way towards helping loosen and clean kitchen tile.

Floor grout is caused by dust and dirt particles that get tracked into the house the process for getting rid of it is similar to kitchen. It may be easier to use or hire a steam cleaner for deeply ingrained floor grout.

When dealing with outdoor grout, there are specialty grout scraping tools you can use. Outside moist can trap dirt and in grout and cement. In addition mold and moss can grow in the cement crack and may have to be removed using a grout scraper tool.

What type of grout cleaner have you had the best results with?

Please let us check out the rest of our site and let us know if you have any questions on grout cleaning

Grout and Tile Cleaning Blog » Steam Cleaning Grout

Benefits of Steam Cleaning and Grout sealing

Grout Cleaning Basics