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.

Why do I Sneeze While Decorating for the Holidays?

Have you ever noticed that around this time of year, when all the decorating is going on, we all start sneezing?? Of course it’s tons of fun to get ready for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but have you ever wondered why you start to sneeze while decorating for the holidays?

The good news: You’re not alone! The reality is that most people sneeze while decorating for the holidays because of what they’re working with. The decorations have sat in the back of your closet for months, and have collected dust, mold, allergens, and bacteria while there!

The moment you pick those up and disturb the microbes that are hidden in the nooks and crannies of the decorations, you trigger an allergic reaction in your nose by breathing them in. Cue the “sneezing while decorating” reaction.

The solution? Grab a mask (one of the ones I know you’ve got littering your house) to keep the microbes out and start to clean your decorations!

A few things to consider when cleaning decorations

The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and Swiffer Cloth are some of our favorite tools for decoration cleaning. Both easily remove dust, grime, and random marks! But be careful when working with finer materials such as velvet, linen, or silk — a magic eraser can cause damage to these materials.

Pro Tip: Avoid using a magic eraser on most your decorations: many are made with fine materials such as silk, linen, and velvets and could get damaged.

“If a magic eraser won’t work, what do we do?”

If you have more delicate decorations, it might be time to see about getting a professional to step in. Especially when it comes to delicate fabrics, cleaning products can cause staining and bleeding (think of what happens when you throw a couple red socks in the wash with the whites and you end up with pinks instead of whites!) which is why you should always test fabrics with your solution prior to cleaning it.

Sound like a hassle to get your decorations clean?

Contact us! We’ve developed tried and true methods of testing fabrics (implemented while cleaning rugs!) and we’re ready to step in with our fabric knowledge, ready to deep-clean your decorations. In fact, many of our long-standing clients hire us to do so!

Case in Point: Our client’s house flooded, and her prized Christmas decorations ended up soaking and sitting in water until they were dirty and slightly damaged. This is the result of our work for her.

So, Are You Sneezing While Decorating for the Holidays?

If you answered yes, then it is time to clean your decorations! So do yourself (and your lungs) a favor and set aside some time to deep clean your decorations. When you get to the ones that are a bit more delicate and sentimental? Give us a call!

Why do I Sneeze While Decorating for the Holidays?

A few things to consider when cleaning decorations

“If a magic eraser won’t work, what do we do?”

Sound like a hassle to get your decorations clean?

So, Are You Sneezing While Decorating for the Holidays?

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A few things to consider when cleaning decorations

“If a magic eraser won’t work, what do we do?”

Sound like a hassle to get your decorations clean?

So, Are You Sneezing While Decorating for the Holidays?

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