How to clean tile and grout

The Truth About Tile and Grout Cleaning

Tile is commonplace in today's modern office décor because of its many different applications and resilience. Tile can be used indoors and out. Tile can be used on floors, walls and counter tops and may include a slip-resistant surface to help prevent slip/fall accidents from occurring. Tile comes in many different shapes, sizes and colors. Tiles are very durable, long lasting, and after they are sealed with a penetrating sealer they will be low maintenance. These are enticing characteristics for building owners and managers.

We're often asked by cleaning business owners how to clean tile floors

 Tile and grout cleaning can be a big challenge for a couple reasons:

1. The tile itself is higher than the grout so when you clean the surface, the cleaning solution naturally settles in the lower grout area. The cleaning solution suspends the soil while mopping, so if it settles in the grout line, the soil can get trapped there.
2. Grout is porous, so if it hasn't been sealed, the soil that is sitting on top will eventually work its way into the grout.
3. There are five grades of floor tiles. The grades are from 1 to 5, based on the tile's toughness and durability with grade 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest.
4. Ceramic tile floors have four different maintenance periods, which are initial, routine, periodic and restorative.
5. The type of maintenance procedure will be determined by the current condition of the ceramic tile and grout.
6. Strong acids and high alkaline cleaners can damage the tile and grout and are generally not recommended unless a restorative cleaning process is being performed.
7. Grout is porous and absorbs grease and other stains.
8. Before starting any cleaning process the ceramic tile floor and grout should be inspected for any cracked, chipped, loose or broken tiles and any unstable or missing grout.

A Few Tile and Grout Facts:

How to Maintain Tile Floors and Grout         

Follow these steps:

1.     First remove any dry soil

Begin by vacuuming with a backpack vacuum that has a hard floor attachment. Avoid sweeping because brooms and dust mops tend to leave soil particles in the grout lines. Vacuum tile floors regularly to keep them from getting dull. Tiles may be resistant to dirt, but sand and grit can dull glazed surfaces.

2.     Wet mop using a neutral pH floor cleaner

In kitchens/break rooms/coffee centers:  you may need to use a degreaser. Healthcare facilities may require the use of a sanitizer.

3.     Do not leave too much solution on the floor

This will leave soil particles in the grout lines, which can work their way down into the porous grout. One way to accomplish this is to use microfiber flat mops because they leave less solution on the floor than traditional mops, and are capable of picking up more of the soil particles due to the nature of the microfiber.

4.     Increase frequency of mopping

The more frequently the floor is mopped, the less likely it is that the soil will settle into the grout lines. If it's not possible for you to increase the frequency, it's time to educate your customer on the consequences of infrequent mopping.

Tip: Change the water frequently while mopping because dirty water can leave an unsightly film and cloudy looking appearance.

It is important to establish what can and can't be done with the customer to eliminate any false expectations before starting the job.

If the grout hasn't been sealed, there may not be much you can do because the soil has probably penetrated the grout. If this is the case, you may need to call in a professional who can remove the top layer of grout with a grout saw and then apply a skin coat of new grout. It can then be sealed with a penetrating sealer after about 24 to 36 hours.

If your customer asks you to clean and seal the grout, here are the steps to follow:

Mix the cleaning solution according to the label directions. Then apply a small amount of solution to the grout. Allow the chemical to stand for several minutes, and then agitate with a grout brush or stiff bristled brush. You can also use a 175 rpm floor machine with a nylo-grit brush.

Vacuum up the solution with a wet vac and rinse the grout with clean water and allow to dry overnight. Once the grout is dry, protect it with a good penetrating sealer.

PDF Download Cleaning to Perfection - Ceramic Tile Training Program Terrific looking tile floors and grout begins with the proper training of your cleaning technicians. The Janitorial Store's Cleaning to Perfection Ceramic Tile Training Program provides you and your cleaners with the techniques, tips, and knowledge that will make your cleaning business more efficient. This 177 page training program walks you through maintenance procedures, step-by-step and gives you the tools you need to make your customers floors look great. For details and to purchase Cleaning to Perfection - Ceramic Tile Training Program download visit our store.