QC Newsletter May 2014 - Now Offering Tile and Grout Cleaning

Now Offering Tile and Grout Cleaning !

There is a big controversy in the stone industry right now whether the tile actually began in Egypt, Spain or Italy.  The most versatile tile on the market is porcelain and ceramic.  These tiles can take a lot of abuse, they can handle heat, foot traffic and our very resistant to scratching.  Some tiles have a rating of 10 on the hardness scale, those tiles are used for floors and entry ways.  Most soil on the bottom of our shoes are as abrasive as 220 grit sand paper!

The grout used in between the tiles are very important.  The color you choose may show soiling very quickly.  For example, white, this color should never be used on floors because you will not be able to keep up with the cleaning.  It is almost impossible to keep it white.  The most important thing about grout is it NEEDS to be sealed.  If it isn’t sealed, it will absorb all liquids and can be permanently stained.   You can do a quick test to see if your grout needs to be sealed.  Place a couple drops of water on the grout, if it beads up your grout is sealed.  If it absorbs into the grout it needs to be resealed.  Many of the sealer manufacturers say that the sealant will last up to 10 years, rarely does it last that long.  It is recommended by the stone industry that the grout be resealed every two years.  After all, it is better to be safe then sorry. Once grout has
 Absorbed a stain, it can become permanent then it has to be removed and replaced.  Not only is this costly, it is also time consuming.

Due to the grout sitting below the tile surface, cleaning can be a challenge. The best way to clean the tile and grout is to mop it, then use a shop vac to extract the water from the grout lines.  I don’t know about all of you but I don’t want to take the time to make that extra step!  I recommend using a floor steamer for cleaning your tile and grout.  You should have your tile and grout professionally cleaned every two years.  Also, that would be the best time to you to reseal the grout.

Want to see how great your tile and grout can look?  Go to Quick and Clean Services Facebook page to view video of my kitchen tile before and after the cleaning.