Preserving the flawless condition of tile and grout presents a formidable challenge. Whilst a spotless and well-kept tile surface can elevate the aesthetic appeal of any space, employing incorrect cleaning methods can lead to lasting damage and unsightly results.
This blog aims to describe several tile and grout cleaning mistakes frequently committed by homeowners and offer guidance on how to avoid them, ensuring your tiles remain beautiful and durable for years to come.
Avoid These Nine Common Tile And Grout Cleaning Mistakes
1. Over-Wetting The Tile
When cleaning carpet, upholstery, tile, grout, or any other part of the home, many homeowners tend to believe that using more water will help them achieve better results.
On the contrary, however, this is not true at all. Grout is porous and can absorb excess water, which can weaken its structure over time, leading to cracking or crumbling.
On the other hand, too much water can seep beneath the tiles, compromising the adhesive that holds them together, causing them to potentially lift or break. So, it is essential to use an optimal amount of water and prioritize thorough rinsing and drying to maintain the integrity of the flooring.
2. Scrubbing Vigorously
At times, homeowners often end up scrubbing the floors harshly, especially in the hope of banishing a stain, without realizing the damage such practices can cause to their tile and grout.
Grout, being porous, can easily be damaged by aggressive scrubbing. Harsh scrubbing can wear away the grout, causing it to deteriorate more quickly, potentially leading to expensive regrouting.
Additionally, certain types of tiles, such as ceramic or natural stone, can be scratched, discolored, or weakened by aggressive scrubbing. So instead of letting such mishaps occur on any given day, it’s best to use soft-bristled brushes or non-abrasive sponges to gently clean grout and tile surfaces.
3. Applying Harsh Chemicals
Utilizing harsh chemicals is one of the most common yet the worst tile and grout cleaning mistakes you’ll like to avoid. Harsh chemicals, let’s take the example of bleach, can damage the surface of certain types of tiles such as marble or travertine by etching, dulling, or discoloring them.
Such chemicals can also erode the grout by weakening it or making it prone to cracking and breaking over time. Most importantly, they often, at times, release toxic fumes that can be harmful if inhaled, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
Therefore, make sure not to invest in such aggressive chemicals and opt for mild, suitable cleaning solutions to clean and maintain different types of tiles and ensure their longer lifespan.
4. Utilizing Abrasive Brushes
As the word itself speaks. Abrasive brushes can scratch the surface of tiles, in some cases, beyond any hope of repair, making them more susceptible to dirt accumulation and staining.
For the grout, it can actually erode the lines, leading to crumbling, gaps, and the need for premature re-grouting. This erosion weakens the grout, making it less effective at sealing and protecting the tiles from moisture.
Consequently, the lifespan of your tiles and grout can be significantly shortened, necessitating frequent repairs or replacements. As a solution, it is advisable to opt for non-abrasive cleaning tools such as soft-bristled brushes or microfiber cloths, specifically meant for tile and grout surfaces.
5. Cleaning A Cracked Grout
While it may seem common to encounter cracks in grout, it’s not wise to clean cracked grout. Doing so can drive water or cleaning solutions further into the crack, increasing the risk of water damage beneath the tiles.
This moisture can seep into the subfloor, causing mold and mildew growth, and ultimately weakening the structural integrity of the subflooring. As if this isn’t worse enough, the pressure from scrubbing while cleaning a cracked grout can actually widen the cracks, exacerbating the damage.
Therefore, instead of cleaning a cracked grout, consider repairing or regrouting it or seek professional assessment. One of the best benefits of investing in professionals in such cases is that they can help determine the best course of action to repair, regrout, and protect your tiled surface, promoting its longevity.
6. Not Cleaning Up The Stains
Accidental spillage is a part of our everyday life, however, this doesn’t mean they don’t deserve immediate treatment, especially in the case of tile and grout. When stains are not cleaned immediately, they can penetrate deeper into the porous surface of grout and tile.
This makes the stains more difficult to remove later, as they become more ingrained in the material. Moreover, if allowed to sit for hours, these stains (like coffee, wine, and certain dye ones) can cause permanent discoloration or encourage the growth of mold and mildew in grout lines.
So, it’s crucial to clean up spills or stains as soon as possible using appropriate solutions and appliances to maintain the appearance and integrity of tile and grout surfaces.
7. Using Worn-Out Mops
Worn-out mops have diminished cleaning power, meaning they are less effective at picking up dirt, debris, and grime, leading to inadequate cleaning. This means more dirt and grime remain on the tiles and in the grout lines.
Furthermore, instead of absorbing and trapping dirt, a worn-out mop can spread it around, resulting in a more extensive dirt buildup in the grout lines, making them look dirtier over time.
Given these reasons, replacing old mops with new ones is essential to effectively clean and maintain the appearance and hygiene of your tile and grout.
8. Vacuuming With A Beater Bar
Before vacuuming your floor, make sure you are using a vacuum specifically designed to be used on tile and grout. Ordinary vacuums used for carpet cleaning have beater bars with rotating brushes to lift dirt from carpet fibers.
These brushes, however, can be too harsh for hard surfaces like tile, potentially causing scratches or dulling the finish, particularly on softer materials like marble or ceramic.
For effective tile and grout vacuuming, opt for a vacuum with a floor setting or a hard surface attachment. These attachments typically feature gentle bristles or a felt strip, providing thorough dirt removal without causing any damage.
9. Improper Routine Cleaning
Proper maintenance of tile and grout is crucial to prevent dirt, dust, and spills from building up. Neglecting routine cleaning can lead to costly repairs or even the need to replace the floors.
Such routine practices also extend the life of tile and grout surfaces by removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants that can otherwise cause deterioration over time, helping preserve their integrity for years that surpass your expectations.
That’s A Wrap!
Clean and spotless tile and grout can enhance any room. But to keep them looking their best, it’s crucial to clean them correctly and stick to a regular cleaning schedule.
Unfortunately, with so much misinformation available online, many homeowners unknowingly make mistakes that can damage their flooring.
Therefore, it’s vital to steer clear of certain tile and grout cleaning mistakes and adopt the proper methods to ensure your tile and grout remain in top condition for years.