Tile floors – ceramic, vinyl, or stone – can be a wonderful enhancement to any home. Hard floor tiling is durable, versatile, and can help transform ordinary spaces into beautiful and inspiring rooms.
Tile Floor Grout Cleaning In order to fully benefit from the beauty of floor tiling, proper care of tile grout is essential. Floor tile grout is porous, which makes it highly susceptible to hard to remove dirt build-up and staining. Tile grout in heavy-traffic or spill-prone spots – think kitchens, hallways and mudrooms – can begin to look dirty and dingy after just a few weeks of neglect. Bathroom floor tile grout requires special attention because the constantly damp environment creates a welcoming space for mold and mildew to thrive.
At The Grout Medic, our tile and grout cleaning and repair experts recommend protecting your investment in tile floors through regular grout and tile cleaning and maintenance. There are a few things to remember before starting a tile floor grout cleaning and maintenance program: No single solution will meet all of your tile grout cleaning needs; the methods or products you use will depend on your maintenance regime and/or the type and severity of your dirt build-up, staining, or fungal growth problem(s). Also, remember to test a small, hidden area of tile floor and grout with your product of choice before cleaning the entire surface to ensure that the removal method will work without damaging or discoloring the tile and grout.
Here are a few do-it-yourself methods from the tile and grout cleaning experts at The Grout Medic that will help ensure that your tile floor grout cleaning contributes to the overall attractiveness and health of your home.
1. Detergent: Using a mild detergent to clean your floor grout is a good option for weekly maintenance and slight dirt build-up.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar: A mixture of baking soda and vinegar is a natural, green floor grout cleaning method that that is especially effective on mold and mildew, as it has surprisingly powerful anti-fungal properties. Try this one out in your bathroom.
3. Bleach: Bleaches can be effective – but exercise caution and always follow product directions carefully. Certain bleach products are toxic and may release harmful vapors into the air. Never use bleach to clean floor tile and grout in an unventilated area. Also, note that the use of bleach can fade colored grout if used repeatedly.
4. Sealant: Once your floor tile and grout are clean and free of stains, consider applying a sealer to protect the grout surface and prevent dirt, mold, and mildew from sinking into your grout surface area. This is an essential step for high-traffic areas.
Longstanding or heavily entrenched floor tile grout stains can be difficult to remove on your own. Many tile floor grout cleaning methods – particularly those that employ harsh and abrasive chemicals – may be hazardous to your health and can damage floor tile. Don’t take chances – trust your beautiful tile floor to The Grout Medic professionals. Contact us today for a free consultation!