Many of Father and Son’s customers in Fountain Hills, AZ have inquired how to clean and restore their grout lines. Our clients always ask about different do it yourself tricks they saw online or a friend told them about and we always get the various questions about chemicals.
Vacuuming and mopping your tile and grout on a regular basis always helps, but over time there is a buildup of grease, dirt and filth that accumulates into your grout lines. Grout is especially challenging to clean as it is very porous allowing the gunk to easily stain if left alone. Many people don’t even know what the original grout color was, unless they move a piece of furniture or pull up a rug.
*Warning*
Always make sure you know your type of tile. Natural stones, such as; travertine, limestone and granite are very different from porcelain and ceramic. You should always test any chemical before use on a spare tile or in an inconspicuous area. Many grout cleaners will bleach, dull or stain natural stone tile.
Here are a few steps for cleaning grout w/out the need for toxic chemicals.
Make sure to vacuum and mop up anything that is left on the tile and grout. This will make the next steps go a little easier and quicker.Mix baking soda and distilled vinegar to the consistency of toothpaste.Using a scrub brush or toothbrush work in the paste to the grout lines.Wipe up any excess on the tile as this could harm your natural stone if left to dwell.Let the paste sit for 10 to 15 minutes and wipe up with hot water and rinse well.If you are happy with the results make sure to seal the tile and grout.If you are not pleased with the outcome and final look of the grout it is time to bring out the chemicals. Many people have use soft scrub w/ bleach and it worked very well for them, but each situation is unique.
I never recommend using acid of any type to clean grout. If it has come to that, it is time to call it quits on the do it yourself home project. Acid will quickly destroy your natural stone, will take the seal, glaze and shine off of ceramic and porcelain tiles. Even if you have diluted the acid down it still will leave your tiles with a dull appearance, which will require extra work to bring it back, if possible.
If you have reach the point in your project where you are no longer seeing results, can’t feel anything but the pain in your hands and knees from scrubbing for hours or don’t want to take another painful breath of toxic air from the harsh chemicals. Please give Father and Son a call to restore your dirty, greasy and stained grout lines. You will be amazed at what we can removed from your grout without the need for toxic, hazardous, choking chemicals.
We are licensed, Bonded and Insured, plus Father and Son LLC is an owner, operated company out of Fountain Hills, AZ. We specialize in carpet, tile, grout and upholstery cleaning with our van mounted cleaning equipment, Rotovac 360i and in-depth skill and knowledge of floor cleaning and restoration.