Grout is a thick cement-like substance that fills in the spaces between tiles. When it’s good, you may not even notice it. However, if you’ve ever had to deal with discolored grout, you know how much of a hassle it can be. Whether from cleaning it incorrectly or from something else, if you don’t want discolored grout, this blog post will shed light on how to keep your grout in top shape for years to come.
What Are the Causes of Grout Discoloration? What You Can Do
1 – Using Improper Cleaning Products
The biggest cause of grout discoloration is improper cleaning of the grout. If you’re going to clean your grout, make sure that you pick a cleaning product that is safe to use on grout. Many cleaning products, both commercial and natural, are too harsh for the grout, which can result in allowing them to get discolored more easily.
2 – Heavy Foot Traffic
Extra foot traffic can cause dirt, dust, and grime to build up on the surface of the grout. This accumulation can lead to discoloration over time. If you need to heavily clean the old grout, you should make sure you’re doing so with the proper products.
3 – Exposure to Heat
If you notice an area of your grout that is discolored, heat can be the cause. This heat can come from sources inside the home, or it can come from the sun. For example, if you have trouble with a grout that is discolored near a fireplace or other radiant heat source, it could be because those areas are hot, which causes discoloration.
4 – Letting Spills Sit
In case of a spill that seeps into the grout, the spot is likely to discolor the grout if you don’t do anything about it. Left alone, the spill can be absorbed into the grout, causing discoloration. Therefore, it is important to clean up a spill as soon as possible for the best results.
5 – Using Cheap Grout Sealing Products
There are many grout sealing products on the market. If you aren’t doing your research, you may find that you are opting for the cheapest option. Be sure to make sure that the product you’re using is made specifically for sealing grout and that it is a good quality product.
What You Can Do
1 – Clean Your Grout
Grout is fairly easy to clean. Just use an old toothbrush or a special grout brush designed specifically for cleaning grout. You can also use a non-scratching scrub pad to scrub at some of the gunk that builds up. Once you have cleaned your grout, use a cloth to wipe off the extra grime.
2 – Pick Up Simple Stains
The best way to deal with a simple stain is to wipe it up with a damp cloth. You can also use tools like an old toothbrush and a neutral pH cleaner to scrub off the stain if you need to. The key is to wipe off the excess grime.
3 – Hire a Grout Cleaning Company
If you have been unable to remove the grout stains yourself, you may want to hire a professional. A professional company can get the job done quickly and efficiently. They have the right tools and experience to get your grout looking terrific.
Conclusion
Keeping your grout clean is easy if you follow these tips. By knowing the cause of grout discoloration, you can better deal with the problem. However, if you plan to do some DIY grout cleaning, make sure you use the right tools and products. You might want to hire a professional to do the job if you aren’t sure that you can clean it properly on your own.
Should you need grout cleaning, come to Dreyer’s Carpet Care. Let us help you get your grout clean today!
