Are you considering removing that dirt and grime from the tile floor in your kitchen or bathroom by DIY grout cleaning? While this may seem like the best and most cost-effective approach, the truth is that DIY grout cleaning just doesn’t cut it. Professional grout cleaning with The Honest Guys takes into account the science of grout cleaning and tile restoration, allowing you to enjoy a reliably clean, healthy and visually-appealing living space with increased property value.
Why DIY Grout Cleaning Just Doesn’t Cut It
Maintaining a clean surface is a key task for many home owners, and oftentimes this means cleaning your tile grout. Many people attempt to tackle this job themselves, often called DIY grout cleaning, however this is not always a sufficient solution for long term results.
Moreover, DIY grout cleaning can be tedious and time consuming. For instance, getting the grout totally clean may require a lot of scrubbing with stiff bristled brushes and caustic chemicals. Additionally, due to the hard-to-reach nature of most grout, DIY methods like this may not even get into all the nooks and crannies.
In contrast, professional grout cleaning services employ heavy duty cleaning tools to deep clean, allowing for much more targeted and effective cleaning. Furthermore, specialized cleaners and high-pressure rinses are used to flush out dirt and residue, leaving grout totally clean. Professional services also have access to more powerful equipment, such as industrial grade steam cleaners and UV light sanitizers.
Consequently, professional grout cleaning services offer much better results than what DIY cleaning is capable of. Not only is it quicker and easier, better results are likely, meaning no more scrubbing to get the desired level of cleanliness. As a result, professional services are often the preferred choice for quickly achieving a clean and aesthetically pleasing finish.
The Science Behind Professional Grout Cleaning
Professional grout cleaning is essential in any kitchen or bathroom, as it removes dirt, grime, and allergens, making surfaces look and feel fresh and clean. While the initial job of cleaning the grout may seem simple, there’s a lot of science that goes into achieving professional results.
Grout itself is a porous material, and over time can become discolored and accumulate dirt and debris. For this reason, professional cleaning requires the right combination of solutions and an understanding of the chemical properties of those solutions.
For instance, a professional grout cleaner may use a weak acid solution to remove dirt and grime. The acid reacts with the dirt, which helps to break it away from the grout, making it easier to clean. However, it’s the acid’s ability to break down soap scum and grease that is really beneficial. When these substances have been removed, the grout is easier to scrub and ultimately looks brighter.
Moreover, a professional grout cleaner understands the importance of humidity and the effects on the grout. The porosity of the grout can make it vulnerable to staining from dirt and debris that can get trapped within its structure. Therefore, professional cleaners will often use a steam cleaner, which not only helps to loosen any trapped dirt, but also kills harmful bacteria and germs.
In contrast, a professional grout cleaner will also know the importance of using non-toxic products that don’t contain harsh chemicals. In addition, the use of protective gloves and masks is an essential safety measure. Keeping these safety precautions in mind helps to ensure that grout cleaning is both effective and safe.
Consequently, when it comes to professional grout cleaning, the science behind it is just as important as the practical experience. With the right combination of tools, products, and safety measures, grout can be transformed and look like new. When done correctly, the result can be a fresh, clean, and beautiful kitchen or bathroom.
Health Benefits of Keeping Your Grout Pristine
Maintaining a clean and pristine grout can have many health benefits. Research shows that it can eliminate unwanted bacteria and mold, which can cause a variety of health problems.Having clean, germ-free surfaces protects residents from long-term exposure to mold, which could trigger allergies, respiratory issues, or other health issues. In addition, grout and tile cleanliness can also help prevent the spread of other illnesses.
However, keeping grout and tile is not easy. Grout is especially vulnerable to exposure to water and moisture, which can lead to cracks and unsightly dark discoloration. Moreover, regular mopping and scrubbing may not completely remove dirt and bacteria stuck in the grout lines, leaving them vulnerable to recurrent contamination. To really clean the grout, it is necessary to use specific products that have been designed to penetrate the grout and eliminate dirt, discoloration, and bacteria, leaving it sparkling clean.
In addition, sealing the grout lines helps to make them resistant to water and moisture damage, as well as discoloration. Furthermore, sealed grout lines also become more resistant to contamination buildup, which can help to prevent the spread of germs and mold. Sealing every 12-18 months is recommended in order to ensure a durable, germ-resistant surface.
Consequently, there are many benefits to having clean and pristine grout. From protecting from germs to enhancing the overall appearance of the home, pristine grout means a healthier home.
Increasing Property Value with Clean Grout
Increasing the value of a property is something most owners strive for. One of the most cost-effective ways of doing so is by maintaining and improving existing features. Cleaning grout can be an easy and low-cost way to increase the value of any property. However, cleaning grout in the right way requires the right knowledge and materials.
Grout is an inexpensive, easy to install, and popular material used to fill up small gaps between tiles or other flooring materials. Even with regular cleaning, grout can become dirty due to its porous nature which traps oils, dirt, and bacteria. Furthermore, the grout can also become darkened and discolored if a powerful degreaser or acidic cleaner has been used inappropriately.
On the other hand, regular grout cleaning using the correct materials can help to maintain the grouts’ color and therefore increase the properties overall hygiene and appeal. In addition, many sealers are available and can be used on grouts of various materials including porcelain, ceramic, and marble. This will also help make the grout more resistant to staining and dirt, in turn making it easier to keep clean. Similarly, bleach-based grout cleaners can be used to remove dirt and discoloration, ensuring that grout is looking clean and fresh.
Consequently, homeowners who make sure their grout is clean, sealed, and discoloration-free can add value to their property. The cost required to achieve this can be fairly low, and in turn this can result in a higher selling price when the time comes to put the property on the market. For instance, buyers will not only appreciate seeing that the property is clean, but will also see that you have taken the necessary steps to ensure that future grout maintenance is likely to be relatively straightforward.
In conclusion, simply cleaning and sealing grout can be an immensely effective way of increasing the value of a property. By ensuring that the grout is clean and sealed, buyers will be able to appreciate a cleaner and more appealing property.
Key Takeaways
It is evident that DIY grout cleaning, while an admirable effort, and sometimes successful, just doesn’t seem to cut it in terms of an in-depth and long-lasting clean. With the science of professional grout cleaning, more sophisticated products and experienced professionals are available to better break down the right types of grime and restore grout to something more visually pleasing. The deeper clean not only has aesthetic benefits, but lasts longer due to the correct cleaning methods, which prevents future accumulations of dirt and bacteria and helps ensure a healthier home. The upped appeal of a renovated grout line not only helps to ensure a more high-end feeling in the house, but also significantly increases the property value, making it a win-win situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I get my grout white with store-bought cleaners?
Store-bought cleaners will not be able to get grout back to its original, bright white color because over time dirt and oils can penetrate the surface. The only way to get your grout back to its original color is to either paint it or use a professional grout cleaning service.
How often should I get professional grout cleaning?
Professional grout cleaning should be done at least once a year, but more often if you have heavy foot traffic or if the grout has become stained or discolored.
Can professional grout cleaning prevent mold growth?
Yes, professional grout cleaning can help prevent mold growth. Regularly cleaning grout, especially in damp areas such as bathrooms and showers, removes dirt, debris and moisture, creating an environment that is less conducive to mold and mildew growth. Additionally, specialized grout sealers can be applied to create a protective barrier on grout, further reducing the chance of mold growth.
Is professional cleaning safe for colored grout?
Yes, professional cleaning is safe for colored grout. Professional cleaners use mild detergents and high-pressure steam cleaning equipment that is safe for all kinds of grout, including colored grout. When cleaning colored grout, professional cleaners use specialized cleaning techniques to protect the dye from fading. They also use the correct tools and cleaning solutions to ensure that the grout remains intact and free of dirt and stains.
