What are the types of grout?

Grout is used to fill the gaps between tiles. It comes in many colors and can be either sanded or unsanded. There are three types of grout: mortar, resin, and epoxy. Mortar grout is made of cement, sand, and water. Resin grout is a type of acrylic that comes in many colors. Epoxy grout is made of two parts that are mixed together just before use. It is very strong and resists mold and mildew.

Why is it important to get tile and grout professionally cleaned?

Tile floors and grout lines can become stained and unsightly over time, and regular cleaning can help to keep them looking their best. Professional tile and grout cleaning use specialized equipment and solutions to break down the stubborn stains, dirt, oils, and grease that build up on tile surfaces and grout over time, leaving them clean and looking like new.

Is professional tile and grout cleaning too expensive?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the cost of professional tile floor cleaning will vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the area being cleaned, the level of staining and/or dirtiness, the kind of deep cleaning method being used and the company performing the service. However, in general, professional tile and grout cleaning is not expensive, and it can often be a good investment for homeowners who want to keep their floors looking clean and new.

How long does it take to clean tile and grout professionally?

It typically takes two people about four hours to clean an average size tile and grout floor. The time it takes to have tile floors professionally cleaned can vary depending on the condition of the tile and grout, how soiled the floor is, and how dirty the equipment is when we start. We use a high-pressure wand with hot water and a special detergent that helps break up dirt, grease, and grime. This system does an excellent job of cleaning tile and grout, but it also requires us to take our time so that we don't damage the surfaces we're cleaning. We go over each section of floor several times until it's free of dirt and debris.

Are household cleaning products effective on tile and grout surfaces?

Tile and grout surfaces can be effectively cleaned with household cleaning products. However, it is important to select the correct type of product in order to avoid damage to the surface. For example, most household cleaners are acidic and can etch or damage marble and limestone surfaces. Products that contain ammonia should also be avoided as they can cause a reaction with the tile grout that will produce a harmful gas. A safe and effective way to clean tile and grout is to use a product that contains baking soda and vinegar. The baking soda will help to loosen any dirt or grease, while the vinegar will act as a natural bleaching agent.

How often should I hire a professional cleaning service for tile cleaning and grout sealing?

How often you should hire a tile and grout cleaning professional depends on how dirty your tiles and grout are, how much traffic the area sees, and how often you clean it. If your tiles and grout are very dirty and see a lot of traffic, then you'll need to hire a professional every 3-6 months. However, if your tiles and grout are moderately dirty and don't see a lot of traffic, then you can hire a professional every 6-12 months. And if your tiles and grout are only mildly dirty or rarely see any traffic at all, then you can hire a professional once per year or even less frequently than that.

When will my floors be ready to walk on after tile and grout cleaning?

Flooring should be ready to walk on immediately after the tile and grout cleaning process is completed. However, it is always recommended that you wait at least 24 hours before placing any furniture or appliances on the newly cleaned surface. This will ensure that the grout sealer has had enough time to cure and will protect your floors from any potential staining.

Will tile and grout cleaning leave an odor?

Tile and grout cleaning will not always leave an odor, but it is possible that it could. If the cleaning process does leave an odor, it is usually because of the chemicals that were used. In some cases, the chemicals can cause a reaction with the tile or grout and create a new smell. If this happens, it is usually best to hire a professional to come in and clean the area again. They will have the correct equipment and chemicals to get rid of the smell completely. At Topaz, we use biodegradable products to clean your tiles and grouts, which do not leave any unpleasant odors if the room has adequate ventilation.

Any instructions to follow after my tile and grout surfaces have been cleaned?

It is important that sealant is applied to the tile and grout surfaces after they have been cleaned. This will protect the surfaces from staining and make them easier to clean in the future. Sealing your tile and grout can also increase their lifespan, as unsealed surfaces are more susceptible to damage. Make sure you follow the specific instructions for your type of sealant, as application methods vary. For more information on tile and grout cleaning, please get in touch with us.

Prepare Your Home For the Holidays - Topaz Cleaning & Restoration

As summer is winding down, and the kids are going back to school, it is now time to start thinking about… the holidays! Okay, you may be thinking, “Wait! What!? It is WAY too soon!” Sure, it may be too soon to start decorating for Christmas (don’t tell my wife that)… but it is never too soon to prepare your home for the holidays!

Performing a good cleaning, a really good cleaning can remove 40+ pounds of dust (filled with allergens, bacteria, fungus, and viruses) from your carpets, air ducts, upholstery, rugs, grout, and drapery. It is NOT an overnight process! So if you are going to prepare your home for the holidays, NOW is the time to start! Since we are a cleaning and restoration company, this week we are going to focus on CLEANING!

Preparation Checklist:

As we said above, this is NOT an overnight process. So here are a few ways to prepare your home for the holidays!

Determine What Needs Cleaning
Schedule In Advance
Space The Cleaning Out

Determining What Needs Cleaning

There are a few ways to tackle this! First, notate the last time each of the following had a professional deep clean.

Carpets (At least every 12-24 months)
Drapery (At least 3-5 years)
Dryer Vents (At least once a year)
Air Ducts (At least every 3-5 years)
Tile and Grout (At least once a year)
Sidewalks and Driveways (If there is ANY discoloration due to mold, this needs to happen immediately
Rugs (Depending on the amount of traffic, at least every 12-24 months)

To help prioritize, determine who is coming to your house over the holidays, and what rooms need the most attention. If that room is carpeted, then carpet cleaning may take precedence! However if nobody is staying at your home, then maybe you can focus on the kitchen and the family room. Either way it’s good to know so you can make a plan.

Another thing to note is your outdoor space. Now depending on the weather you may not be outside much. You should still make sure the walkways are safe. A moldy sidewalk is dangerous when wet! So help avoid unnecessary slips and falls by having your sidewalks, and driveways cleaned! We would hate to see a good casserole go to waste.

Schedule In Advance

Simply scheduling ahead is one of the BEST ways to prepare your home for the holidays! By doing so, you can guarantee that our team will be there (especially since holidays are professional cleaning companies’ busiest times of the year). So, make sure to lock in your appointments early! We will always send followup reminders!

There are a couple of ways to do this with Topaz. One is to give us a call. I would recommend if it is your first time using our services you go this route. It’s easier for us to answer questions you may have about our process and the proper methods we use. If you are familiar with the Topaz way, you can book online. It’s very simple and saves you time if you already know what you are looking for. Nevertheless, make sure you book early cause we will get busy!

Space Out Cleaning Services

Yes, it is important to prepare your home for the holidays, but it is also important to prepare your pocketbook! The reality is, professional cleaning can get costly when multiple projects need to happen at once! So break it into bite-size chunks! Once you determine what needs cleaning, and then space the projects out to help with your cash flow. (Though this is helpful throughout the year, it is REALLY helpful during the holidays when budgeting for gifts and travel costs).

Make sure to use our list above to formulate a schedule for your cleanings. Since most cleanings are suggested to happen every 12-24 months, it’s ok to mix & match. Schedule one section of your house every quarter of the year until the whole house is one, and then start over. Be sure to schedule those high traffic areas before the holidays though so that your guests see your carpets at their best! In the end, if you have any questions or help planning the best strategy for your home…Give Us A Call, And We’ll Take Care Of Y’all!

Prepare Your Home For the Holidays

Preparation Checklist:

Determining What Needs Cleaning

Schedule In Advance

Space Out Cleaning Services

Quick Links

Find Us

San Antonio Location

San Antonio Location

Phone

Email Us

North Houston Location

North Houston Location

Phone

Email Us

Hours

Our Services

Preparation Checklist:

Determining What Needs Cleaning

Schedule In Advance

Space Out Cleaning Services

Contact Us

San Antonio Location

Phone

Email Us

North Houston Location

Phone

Email Us