Ceramic tile is held in place with grout. It keeps liquids that spill over tubs and sinks from degrading tile and penetrating the spaces around the tile. This is the most common use for grout which is most often white but can be stained any color desired. Grout is a mortar like substance made up of sand, water and cement. It dries quickly and becomes rock hard. the other compound that is similar to grout is caulk. You can tell the difference between the two because while grout dries solid, caulk never dries rock solid but appears more like tooth paste.

Both grout and caulk share the same problem when needing to be cleaned. Both can be attacked by black mold and mildew and while these problems cause an unsightly appearance, they are a health risk as well.

So how do professional commercial and residential cleaning companies handle cleaning grout and caulking? Both can be addressed with the same cleaning products and procedures that are safe and effective for use. The cheapest method is also the best and is all natural. Mix one half cup of hydrogen peroxide with one cup of water and put it in a spray bottle Spray your grout with the solution. If the grout or caulk is tough to clean take a tooth brush and scrub. Toothbrushes will not scratch or mar the surfaces. You may also use an electric toothbrush for difficult jobs.

Keep in mind this practice is great for basic upkeep although it can be taxing on the hands and arms and time consuming.  For large areas, it is still most effective to hire a professional at least one time a year for tile and grout cleaning to bring in state of the art equipment and couple it with psi, heat and commercial grade chemicals to get beneath the surface and release stains and bacteria.  They also can seal the grout so that the look will last longer and make it much easier to keep clean.

You will be cleaning your grout less frequently in your kitchen and bathrooms if these areas are equipped with a ventilation system or exhaust fan that takes the moisture out of the air. Be sure to assess often whether your grout or caulk needs to be replaced. If it is cracked or missing pieces you might need to invest in replacing the grout to extend the life of your tile.

Gator Cleaning Solutions has been cleaning tile and grout as well as carpets for nearly a decade and would be happy to help you with any of your flooring needs. Give us a call today for a free estimate.

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