Answers to Common Tile and Grout Cleaning Questions
The installment of tile can make a great decorative addition to any home, whether it’s used as flooring, in the shower or as a kitchen backsplash, but continual maintenance is needed to ensure it remains appealing. There tends to be a lot of confusion about what is required when it comes to properly caring for tile and grout, which leads to many questions. Below are some of the most common questions we’ve heard regarding tile and grout cleaning, followed by our expert recommendation.
How Does Grout Become Dirty and Stained?
Grout is a very porous, sponge-like material, and there are many reasons it can start to take on a dirty and stained appearance, which is a big eyesore. This can happen from too much moisture or colored liquids seeping in, the incorrect use of cleaning solutions and/or tools, the absorption of dirt from shoes and oils from bare feet, etc. Though tile is fairly easy to clean, grout lines need extra special attention, and it makes a significant difference whether or not the grout has been sealed.
Do I Need a Sealer if My Tile is Newly Installed?
Every tile installment should have the grout sealed regardless of how new it is. Sealer is applied as a preventative measure to protect tile and grout from all the things that can soak in or become embedded below the surface and lead to discoloration, mold and mildew, cracking tiles, etc. Grout sealer repels liquids and dirt particles, keeping them at surface level, thus helping to reduce the efforts needed to put into cleaning.
How Often is a Professional Cleaning Necessary?
It isn’t generally suggested that homeowners try cleaning dingy tile and grout without the help of a professional. Inexperience can often do more harm than good in these kinds of situations, which makes it best to leave a task like this up to someone who’s been trained and has the equipment necessary to restore tile floors and walls back to their original appeal. It’s suggested that a full tile and grout cleaning be completed once a year to avoid damage that is beyond repair.
How Does the Appearance of My Tile and Grout Affect My Home’s Sale?
When a home is placed on the market, tile can be a major attraction to buyers and a valuable selling point for sellers. However, this only applies when it has been cared for and kept in near immaculate condition. So, just as a home’s sale price can increase from this element, it can just as easily decrease if found to be in an unkempt state. It’s worth it to spend the time and money on a cleaning before putting the “for sale” sign in the yard.
Source: Jacksonville Carpet Cleaning