Your house is an integral investment because it’s where you might live for the rest of your life. For this reason, it’s your responsibility to ensure every corner of your Gainesville Fl home is clean. After all, no one wants to live in a filthy house, and a clean environment protects you and your family from health hazards. Naturally, this also extends to your tile grout.
The tile grout refers to the narrow space between tiles. While the grout is typically white, it can also be in various colors. However, keeping it clean regardless of color is essential because it can easily become stained and dirty. Aside from making your tile look unsightly, it can also be a health hazard because dirt and bacteria can accumulate in the grout lines. While the task is important, many people often forget to clean their tile grout. For this reason, we’ll discuss the common signs your tile grout needs cleaning. These include:
#1 – Grout Stains or Discoloration
If you notice that your grout has developed stains or is starting to discolor, it’s time for a cleaning. This is often the first sign that the grout needs attention. Grout can become stained from dirt, grease, or food spills. Over time, these stains will only become more noticeable and harder to remove.
#2 – Mold or Mildew Growth
If you see any signs of mildew or mold growth on your tile grout, it must be cleaned. Mildew and mold can cause unpleasant odors and harm your health if ingested. Cleaning up this growth as soon as possible is vital to prevent further damage.
#3 – Lousy Sealing
During a tile installation project, poor sealing can lead to various problems down the road. If the sealant around your tiles isn’t applied correctly, water can get in and cause the grout to deteriorate and the tiles to become loose, crack or even fall off. Unsealed tiles can be more prone to staining, making cleaning more difficult. Because of this, you must keep a close eye on your tile grout if you can’t apply a new seal yet.
#4 – Too Much Moisture
Tile grout can often be a victim of too much moisture. This can be due to various reasons, such as leaks in the shower or bathroom, high humidity levels, or simply using the wrong type of grout for the application. When too much moisture is present, it can cause the grout to become soft and even start to crumble and fall apart. This not only looks unsightly, but it can also lead to water damage and even mold growth.
For this reason, you need to clean these tile grouts more often. You should also take steps to reduce the area’s moisture. This may include using a dehumidifier, fixing leaks, and installing ventilation.
#5 – You Can’t Remember When You Last Cleaned Your Tile Grout
If you can’t remember when you last cleaned your tile grout, then it’s probably time to do so. Grout is a porous material that can easily become stained and grimy. Over time, the dirt and grime will build up and become increasingly difficult to remove. Therefore, you must clean your tile grout regularly to keep it looking its best.
Ways to Clean Tile Grout
There are a few ways to clean tile grout. For one, using a commercial grout cleaner is the best. Alternatively, you can use a mix of baking soda and vinegar. Apply it to the grouted areas and let it sit for about 15 minutes before scrubbing it away with a brush. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward. If all else fails, you can always call a professional cleaning service.
Conclusion
Cleaning your tile grout is essential for preserving the appearance and functionality of your tile installation. Because grout is a porous material, it can easily become stained or dirty. When you keep your grout clean and free of dirt, dust, and other debris, you can help ensure that it looks its best for years to come.
Dreyer’s Carpet Care provides top-quality services for tile and grout cleaning. Cleaning the floor is often tricky, so we use safe cleaning solutions to ensure it’s clean, whether tile, carpet, or hardwood floors. Call us today to get a free estimate!
