Dingy tile surfaces and grout lines, whether caused by mildew in the bathroom or cooking splatters in the kitchen, can diminish a room’s appearance. Regular mopping and scrubbing often need to be improved.
Fortunately, basic household products like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be combined to create a powerful grout cleaner. This natural solution can be found in most grocery stores and pharmacies. Contact Tile and Grout Cleaning El Dorado Hills CA now!
Tile surfaces are beautiful and durable but can easily get dirty and grimy. The same goes for the grout that surrounds them. Grout is porous, which attracts dirt and grime that dulls its appearance and promotes the growth of bacteria and mold. Keeping clean in high-traffic areas like hallways, entrances, kitchens, and bathrooms is especially difficult.
Professional tile and grout cleaning services offer a range of options to help you restore your flooring and counters to their original beauty. Before they begin the cleaning process, they will inspect the area and identify any specific needs to address. This will allow them to provide you with an accurate estimate and timeline for the entire job.
Most tile and grout cleaning services start the work by removing any furniture, plants, or other items that are in the way. This is especially important for large tile floors and countertops where items can get in the way of the chemicals used in the scrubbing and cleaning processes. They will also remove any rugs or mats that may be on the floor surface, and empty out any trash cans in the room.
Next, the tile and grout are thoroughly washed to remove any dirt and debris that has accumulated. This is done with hot water and a mild, non-acidic cleaner. Typical household cleaners like all purpose kitchen and bathroom cleaners should be fine, although for heavily-soiled surfaces you can use a stronger solution. Vinegar is one option for a cleaning solution, but it must be diluted and not applied directly to natural stone tile as it can etch the surface.
After the tiles and grout are washed they should be rinsed. This step is crucial to ensuring that all the cleaning solution is removed and that your tile surfaces are completely dry. Any residual moisture can lead to the formation of mold and mildew, which can cause serious health problems for you and your family.
Once the tile and grout are completely dry, you can apply a new coat of sealer to your counters, floors, or backsplashes. Most sealers require a few hours to dry, but you should avoid using the space until then. This step will protect your hard-earned investment and ensure that your tile stays looking great for as long as possible. It is recommended that you reapply your sealer once a year to maintain it.
Inspection
When dirt is allowed to build up on tile surfaces for too long, it can actually damage the grout. This is why routine cleaning is so important for extending the lifespan of your floor, as well as maintaining a healthy environment. Grout is a very porous material, meaning it attracts bacteria, mold, mildew and other microorganisms that can cause illness and poor air quality. If you have family members or employees who suffer from respiratory issues or allergies, this is especially important to keep in mind.
Professionals have the tools and experience necessary to provide a deep clean that eliminates stubborn stains and prevents future problems. It also saves you time and effort, as the professionals will handle the entire process. The first step in a thorough professional tile and grout cleaning is to inspect the area to identify any trouble spots or areas that need special attention. This allows the professionals to focus their efforts in the most effective places, ensuring a high-quality outcome.
The inspection process also helps the professionals determine if the tiles and grout are in need of an acidic or neutralizing treatment. This is particularly important for older tile that may be sensitive to certain chemicals. The professionals will recommend the best course of action for your unique situation.
Before the actual cleaning begins, the professional will vacuum or sweep the tiles to remove loose dirt and debris. This will prepare the surface for cleaning and help prevent any accidental scratching during the process. The professionals will then apply an environmentally friendly cleaning solution that is designed to lift and dissolve dirt, grease, and grime from the tile and grout. This is particularly important for heavily soiled or stained areas.
After the cleaning solution is applied, the professionals will agitate the surface using a rotary scrubber and hand detailing. This allows the cleaning solution to reach deep into the grout pores and loosen any embedded dirt. If any stains or stubborn spots remain, the technicians will use specialty spotting techniques to remove them.
Once the cleaning is complete, the floors will be rinsed with a neutralizing agent to ensure that no residue remains. The flooring is then mopped with clean water to pick up any remaining dirt and dust, and air movers are used in the high traffic areas to dry the grout lines more quickly. A final walkthrough is performed with the customer to make sure they are happy with the results.
Many homeowners attempt to tackle tile and grout cleaning themselves, but this is a labor-intensive job that can take hours of scrubbing on hands and knees. It is also very easy to accidentally scratch or damage the grout with improper technique and harsh cleaners. If you are looking for a quick and effective way to clean your tile and grout, contact the professionals at Kiwi Services today!
Cleaning
When people clean tile surfaces, they often overlook the grout lines. However, dirty, stained and discolored grout can make an entire room look grimy and unkempt. Grout cleaning is a separate process from surface cleaning and requires specialized cleaners to get deep into the pores of the grout and remove dirt and grime that regular mopping and scrubbing can’t reach.
Many common household cleaners are too harsh for grout cleaning, which is more like abrasion than chemical action. This is why a professional tile and grout cleaning service is often required. However, if you’re willing to put in the extra work, there are some things you can do to improve your results.
Start with a mild cleaner. Highly caustic or acidic cleaners will erode and damage the grout. The best grout cleaners are typically sold in liquid form and can be poured or sprayed onto the tile and grout areas. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate and loosen the dirt. Then, scrub the area with a grout brush. Rinse the tiles and grout with clean water after you’re done scrubbing to clear away any remaining cleaner or dirt particles.
Using an electric or manual toothbrush is another good way to get into the corners of your grout lines. Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush that will not scratch the grout or tiles. Abrasive brushes or too much pressure can actually grind away and etch the surface of the grout, making it more difficult to clean in the future.
Once the grout is clean, it is important to protect it with a protective sealant. This will help to prevent the grout from becoming discolored again and will keep it looking fresh and new. After applying the sealant, wait about an hour for it to dry. Then, you can mop the tile floor once again with clean water to rinse away any residue and leave your tile and grout looking shiny and new.
Keeping your tile and grout clean will not only elevate the look of your room, but it will also contribute to a healthier and more hygienic living environment. The gunk that builds up on tiling over time can lead to illness, and it acts as a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew and other microorganisms. So, don’t forget to wipe down your tile surfaces and scrub your grout on a weekly basis, and have the professionals come in for a thorough and deep cleaning twice per year. That way, your grout and tiles will be beautiful for years to come.