What Not To Do When Cleaning Tile and Grout

What many homeowners don’t realize is how vulnerable tile and grout is to getting damaged. Chemicals and improper cleaning methods can remove the sealant that’s applied to the tile and grout after it’s installed. Once that’s gone, the porous grout is next in line to get damaged by moisture, stains, and chemicals.

As a resource for our Howell, NJ customers and others, our steam cleaning professionals at Steam Team want to share a few tips about tile and grout cleaning. Here are a few tips about what not to do when cleaning tile and grout.

Avoid High-Pressure Steam Cleaning That Is Too Hot

High-pressure steam cleaning equipment is used by professionals for tile and grout cleaning. Unfortunately, an inexperienced or improperly trained technician can completely ruin the grout if the setting on the steam cleaning machine is too high. While they may get the job done quickly, the homeowner is left with damaged grout.

Don’t Leave The Tile And Grout Surfaces Wet

The right steam cleaning equipment and methods won’t leave the tile and grout surfaces wet. This would be the low-moisture or “dry” steam cleaning method which evaporates the moisture to where very little is left in the grout lines or on the tiles.

If you’re renting or using your own home steam cleaner for bare floors, be sure to set fans on the area or use a dry mop, towels, or anything you can to dry the surfaces.

How To Handle Mildew In The Grout

Mildew is a stubborn problem to remove from tile grout. While you can keep spraying it with store-bought cleaners or bleach, the mildew will keep coming back and the chemical will only wind up removing the sealant and damaging the grout. Some products will destroy natural stone tile.

The best way to treat mildew and mold is to call in a professional tile and grout cleaning service like Steam Team in Howell, NJ.

Make Sure Get The Grout Re-Sealed

Most homeowners don’t know that grout needs to be re-sealed. This is why so many people wind up with damaged grout and mildew problems to begin with. Depending on the quality of the product used, it will usually need to be re-sealed once a year. Better products last longer.

If you are looking for a Howell Tile & Grout Cleaning professional, then please call 732-893-7555 or complete our online request form.