We can’t live without grout lines, but they sure do cause quite a bit of frustration overtime. Doesn’t it seem like fresh, clean grout lines only last for a few months? Before you know it, your tile floors are back to looking like a checkered board, with dark, grimy grout creating a dirty grid in your house. Fortunately, with some simple precautionary solutions, you can prevent this from happening the next time you clean your grout.

Continue reading to learn how to protect your tile floor grout lines from becoming dark and dingy prematurely.

Indianapolis Tile and Grout Restoration 317-454-3612

Treating Dark and Dirty Grout Lines

Although dirty and darkened grout lines is inevitable, they shouldn’t appear too soon. By implementing the proper tile floor and grout cleaning practices, you can get a fresher, lighter looking grout finish that stands the test of time. It all starts with proper tile floor cleaning. Then you must incorporate some protective measures.

Here’s how to clean your tile floors and grout:

Use oxygen bleach, or a 1:4 chlorine bleach solution to clean your tile floors. Mix 1 part bleach with 3 to 4 parts water, depending on how dirty your grout lines are.

Let the solution sit on your tile floor for 20 minutes, then scrub each grout line with a small scrub brush. Then rinse clean with water and allow your floors to dry completely.

Protecting Grout Lines From Dirt and Damage

Sealing is the perfect method of protecting tile grout from both dirt and damage. To detect whether or not your grout needs resealed, watch how water soaks into them. If water absorbs quickly in grout, it is time for a resealing job.

You can purchase a commercial grout sealing product on the market, but it is strongly encouraged to hire a handyman or flooring professional for the job. Minor mistakes can lead to tile replacement needs or even dirtier looking grout.

Aside from cleaning and sealing, incorporating a shoes-free interior also helps, as does routine sweeping and mopping using quality products.

Damaged grout should not be treated, cleaning nor sealing. Instead, damaged grout and tile should be replaced for best results that last. Hire an Indianapolis general contractor for professional advice and cost estimates for tile floors.

The Indianapolis Flooring Contractors to Trust for Grout Repair

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for tile floor installation and repair services at the most competitive prices in Indianapolis, Indiana. When you call our licensed Indianapolis flooring contractors, you can expect to receive the lowest and most competitive quotes for home and office flooring services and repairs in Indianapolis, Indiana. Just when you think you cannot afford flooring installation and repairs, our general contractors will disclose the exciting level of savings you are entitled to for your flooring service needs.

Maintaining the luster and shine in tile flooring is easier with routine grout cleaning. Unfortunately, many people are hesitant to clean their grout because they have never really had good results. With all the effort and time needed to get the job done, it feels pointless to do it again when the last time didn’t work out so well. But the truth is, cleaning your grout doesn’t have to be a chore so long as you have the right knowledge.

Continue reading to what professional tell their clients when it comes to cleaning and caring for tile flooring and grout lines.

Tile Floor Contractors 317-454-3612 Indianapolis, Indiana

Baking Soda and Distilled White Vinegar

There are a few different approaches to take when it comes to cleaning the grout between tiles. Most people have success with the vinegar and baking soda method. If using common household items is in your agenda for grout cleaning, then this is the direction to take. When using vinegar, be sure to dilute it with an equal amount of water. This ensures that the acidity levels are balanced so that it doesn’t damage the tile or grout. Too much vinegar can eat away at grout, quickly. Simply combine equal parts baking soda and distilled white vinegar to create a paste that can be scrubbed into the grout.

No Vinegar? No Problem…

If you have baking soda on hand rather than vinegar, simply mix it with a small amount of water to create a paste-like substance. Once your solution is chosen, mixed, and ready to go; use a stiff brush or thick bristled comb to get the best results. Scrub in a consistent circular motion, and then rinse away the residue and excess cleaning solutions with clean water. It is important to dry the area completely.

Powdered Oxygen Bleach

A great way to tackle a full-blown grout and tile cleaning job is by using oxygen bleach powder. Powdered oxygen bleach is a great choice because it’s non-toxic. It doesn’t create uncomfortable fumes or harmful odors, and it doesn’t damage or fade tile. The most attractive quality of using oxygen powdered bleach is the simplicity of the cleaning process. It doesn’t require an extensive amount of work or labor, and it’s highly effective for removing grease, food, and dirt stains, as well as other discolorations.

The process involves mixing the powder with warm water and applying it to the desired areas. It is best to let the solution to soak in the grout for fifteen to twenty minutes before rinsing it away. Allowing it to soak longer can be even more effective. After rinsing, repeat the process applying more solution, but using a brush, or brush broom, to scrub the grout.

Additional Options for Cleaning Grout

Other common ingredients that reduce grout stains and dirt include household cleaning items like melamine scrubbing pads (i.e. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers), chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and even steam cleaners. As for steam cleaners, they do well to loosen and lift dirt in the grout, which allows for a more effective cleaning process.

Another option is to purchase pre-made grout cleaners and sprays at your local retailer. These are specially pH balanced to treat grout and protect tile, but they are more recommended for regular maintenance rather than full on cleaning and grout stain removal.

When You Might Need Tile Floor Replacement

In most cases, all of these options can get you fast and inexpensive results. It requires a lot of manual labor and time, but it can be just the right option for small grout cleaning jobs. If your tile and grout still does not look good after you have attempted to clean it, you may need tile floor replacement. Talk to your local and trusted general contractor about your flooring installation options.

This is a very effective approach for large grout and tile cleaning projects; but if your project is even bigger, perhaps hiring a professional commercial cleaning company is your best option. They retain the proper equipment, tools, and industry knowledge to successfully clean and remove grout stains for commercial properties. For reliable grout cleaning, choose a licensed company with experience in the facilities management and cleaning industry.

Indianapolis Tile Floor Contractors You Can Trust for Great Results

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional and affordable installation for tile floors in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial flooring services, including floor replacement, installation, repair, procurement, and much more. Contact us today at 317-454-3612 to request an estimate.

Restoration By L&B

Tag Archives: Grout Cleaning

How to Protect Tile Floor Grout Lines