Grout Cleaning: How Often Should I Clean My Tile and Grout?
58% of US homeowners have tile floors in their homes. Meanwhile, nearly all US homes have tile in at least one room, especially when we’re talking about kitchens and bathrooms.
Tile is an excellent choice for flooring, showers, and kitchen backsplashes. It is aesthetically pleasing and relatively easy to clean. The only real con to installing tile in your home is the dreaded grout cleaning process.
Most people choose white grout because it looks clean. But keeping white grout clean is a whole other story. That’s why we are bringing you this guide to cleaning the tile and grout in your home.
Are you wondering how often you should clean your grout and what grout and tile floor cleaning products are best? Then this guide is for you. So, keep reading for the answers to your most-searched questions.
What Is the Secret to Clean Grout?
The secret to having clean grout is hiring a professional grout cleaner. You may think you can deep clean your grout all on your own. Unfortunately, you do not have the same products and expertise as professional cleaners.
Now, we are not saying that you should never clean your grout yourself. Regular DIY grout cleaning will prevent hard-to-remove stains. Plus, regular cleaning may extend the life of your grout.
You should hire a professional grout cleaning company when it’s time for a deep clean. Otherwise, the most common signs that your grout needs professional help is if it is stained, discolored, or growing bacteria.
How Often Should You DIY Clean Grout?
You should ideally clean your grout once a month at the very least. If you have young children or pets, consider DIY cleaning your grout even more frequently. More regular cleaning is also helpful for high-traffic rooms.
Even better, clean your grout anytime you see a stain. Grout is highly porous. The longer you leave a stain on your grout, the more time it has to seep further into your grout, making it even more difficult to remove.
Also, always clean liquid spills from tile floors as soon as possible. Water and grout create a perfect environment for mold and bacterial growth. These substances can be harmful to your and your loved ones’ health.
What Is the Best Thing to Clean Grout With at Home?
You can clean grout at home with a commercial grout and tile cleaner or a DIY product. Consider a DIY cleaning product if you do not want to expose your home and the people in it to potentially toxic chemicals.
Two effective DIY grout cleaning solutions are baking soda and water or baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda and water will clear away dirt and grime, but it is not as effective at dealing with discoloration and stains.
If you’re dealing with discoloration and stains, try vinegar and water. You could try bleach for stains that vinegar and water can’t handle. However, be cautious because too much bleach can weaken grout and reduce its life.
How Often Should You Get Professional Grout Cleaning?
You should get professional grout cleaning at least once or twice every year. A professional can deep clean your grout. That way, it’s easier for you to DIY clean your grout throughout the rest of the year.
Deep cleaning your grout once or twice per year is only a guideline. You can get your grout professionally cleaned more or less often depending on factors such as the following:
- How many people live in your household
- Whether you have pets or young children
- How frequently you use tiled rooms in your house
Another factor to consider is where you live. Chicago’s dry winter weather makes it easier for dust and dirt to collect in your home. You may need more frequent grout cleanings during dry seasons.
What Do Professional Cleaners Use to Clean Grout?
Professional cleaners use pH-balanced cleaners to clear dirt and stains from grout. These products are highly basic or alkaline. Their high pH allows them to react with and eliminate organic matter in stains and grime buildup.
Some alkaline-based cleaners are available for the general public. However, we do not recommend using these to DIY clean your grout. Like bleach, alkaline cleaning products can destroy your grout if used improperly.
A professional cleaning company knows how to use these products without causing complications. Professionals have the expertise needed to leave your grout sparkling in the safest and most effective way possible.
CCG’s Tile and Grout Cleaning Process
Carpet Cleaning Group in Chicago is a family-owned business specializing in more than just professional carpet cleaning. We have also perfected a tried-and-true process for deep cleaning grout in Chicago.
Here’s how it works.
First, we use a high-powered vacuum to clear away loose dirt and debris on your floor. Next, we pre-treat the floors with an alkaline detergent. This detergent breaks down dirt and hard-to-treat stains.
Our professionals will then use commercial-grade scrubbing products to target dirt and soil beneath the surface of your grout. We end with a high-pressure wash of your floors to leave them sparkling clean.
Another advantage of working with us is that all our products are 100% non-toxic. You don’t have to worry about your family’s or your pets’ safety when you choose CCG to clean your grout.
Tile and Grout Cleaning in Chicago
Clean grout is a sign of a well-kept home. Show how much you care about your home with monthly DIY and bi-annual deep cleaning. A professional grout cleaner can help with the latter.
Are you searching for a tile and grout cleaning company in Chicago? Carpet Cleaning Group is waiting for your call. Contact CCG in Chicago, IL for a free quote today and find out how much it costs to keep your grout clean.
