Professional Grout Cleaning Tips That Will Make the Job Easier

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
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.

Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Can You Install New Tile Over Old Tile?

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling 317-454-3612

It is strongly recommended to remove old floor tiles before installing new ones. This will give you the best results. However, there are some cases in which it is possible for new tile to be installed on top of existing tile floors. Older homes and certain types of tile flooring can sometimes be very difficult or near-impossible to remove. In these circumstances, if the old tile is still in great condition, it may be possible to install your new tile flooring over it.

Continue reading to learn more about this process, and who to call for professional tile flooring service you can trust.

Tile Floor Installation

The circumstances must be virtually perfect in order to install new tile over old tile. To be a good sub-floor, the existing tile must be a solid and sturdy foundation, entirely level and free of cracks. And even if the conditions are just right, you must implement the process properly from start to finish for optimal results. This is why it is best to hire a professional tile floor contractor or company to carry out the project for you. They retain the proper tools and training to finish the job accurately, and in a convenient time frame. But if you insist on a DIY project, then be sure to review the initial steps to installing tile over tile, below.

Getting Started

You will need…

• Clean Rags or Mop
• Clean Water
• Mild Dish Soap or Floor Cleaner
• Medium-Heavy Grit Sandpaper
• Thin Set Mortar

1. Wash the existing tile floors with clean water, dish soap, and a mop. You may use a floor cleaning detergent instead of dish soap. Simply make sure the surface is thoroughly clean. Allow the surface to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

2. Sand down the tile until you achieve a course, rough surface.

3. Fill in the existing grout lines with a very thin coat of thin set mortar.

4. Allow the mortar to dry for 24 hours. This will provide a more even surface to work with when installing the new tile floors.

5. Once dried, continue with the standard tile floor installation process. Ask a flooring installation contractor for help with this stage.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis IN

Tile Floor Repair and Installation 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for tile floor installation in Indianapolis, and its surrounding locations. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, provides a wide range of affordable tile floor repair and installation services for commercial and residential properties throughout Central Indiana. In fact, we will beat any competitor’s price, guaranteed! Call 317-455-3612 to learn more about our Indianapolis tile flooring services, or to schedule an assessment today.