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.

How to Clean Grout - Topaz Cleaning & Restoration

Whether you are spring cleaning, want to impress your in-laws over the holidays, or just want to give your home some TLC, when it comes to tiled flooring deep cleaning can become daunting! That is why many people call in an expert to clean their tiled floors. But saving time is not the only perk of hiring a professional cleaning company! DIY methods can cause damage to the grout and eventually loosen the tiles! So, here are a few reasons why house-owners can benefit from hiring a professional cleaning company to care for their tiled floors.

Before we dive in, let us first explain what grout that is used for tile actually is!

What is tile grout?

As defined by the Ceramic Tile Institute of America, tile grout is “a rich or strong cementitious or chemically setting mix used for filling tile joints” (also known as grout joints). There are four main types of grout used for ceramic tiles.

Unsanded Grout
Finely Sanded Grout
Quarry-type Grout
Epoxy Grout

The type of grout used will depend on the size of the tile, grout joint, and the location of the tile (floor, kitchen, bathroom, pool, etc). Both unsanded and finely sanded grout will be used when the grout joint is ⅛” -⅜”. (Finely sanded will usually be used for floor tiling.) Whereas quarry-type grout will be used in joints that are ⅜” – ½’ wide. This particular type of grout is the same as finely sanded, with coarser sand. Lastly, there is epoxy grout that is made with epoxy resin. Since this grout is nearly stain-resistant and strong, epoxy resin is often used in areas that can easily get stained (like a kitchen).

Cement-based tile grout is often used for laying tile because it is able to easily flow and fill grout joints. However, there is one big downside. When it hardens, it is porous! Therefore dirt and other elements can make their way deep into the grout causing stains and possibly mold.

Speaking of mold, similar to carpet, grout can become a breeding ground especially in wet, humid environments (ie. Texas). Over time, this can become a serious health issue. Therefore, critical to adequately clean tile and grout.

How to Clean Tile and Grout

We are all for DIY projects (thanks to Youtube and Pinterest) but when it comes to deep cleaning, opt for a professional. Why? When using a mop and detergents, the (dirty) water and chemicals will seep into the pores. If this happens often, the buildup can loosen tiles. Not too fun, is it? But we use high-powered vacuums that loosen and remove dirt and grime from grout!

Pro tip: Definitely do not use vinegar to clean your grout! Vinegar will deteriorate it.

How often should tiles be professionally cleaned?

If you cringe the next time you look at your tile, give us a call (210) 653-9699 to schedule your cleaning.

How to Clean Grout

What is tile grout?

How to Clean Tile and Grout

How often should tiles be professionally cleaned?

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