Cleaning Tile Grout

Cleaning tile grout at home can be achieved with a few relatively simple steps and household items. An old toothbrush and some bleach diluted with water will do wonders for cleaning grout with buildups of dirt or mildew, and tough coffee or juice stains. Applying a grout sealer once a year will help maintain the color of the grout and help prevent stains. Occasionally filling worn areas with new grout may be necessary.

When dealing with large areas of tile and grout in large industrial settings or offices, however, you will need something more serious than just bleach and a toothbrush. Hospitals, health clubs, offices, kitchens, public restrooms are places where simple, cost-effective solutions are required. Having a good system for cleaning these types of facilities is important for managers in many fields.

Choosing a Grout Cleaning System

The first step in choosing a cleaning system for tile grout is to understand what type of surface you have. Whether it is ceramic tile, terrazzo, stone, or another material, choose cleaning and sealing products that will not damage your surface. If you are indoors or in a place with poor ventilation, be sure to choose chemicals that have low VOCs or volatile organic compounds. The environment should be a concern for everyone these days, so choose chemicals that are environmentally friendly.

Stripping your floor is the process of removing any built up soils and old sealers or chemicals. Whether you are mop stripping or using high power mechanical strippers, choose a stripper that will work thoroughly in warm or cold water and thoroughly degrease your surface. Finally, applying a sealer will prolong the life of your cleaning job by resisting soil embedding and damage from UV, moisture, and other harmful agents.