Tile and grout are popular choices for flooring and countertops because they are durable and easy to maintain. However, over time, tile and grout can become dirty and stained demanding proper cleaning and care. However, if you are not careful, you can make mistakes that can damage your tile and grout.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common tile and grout cleaning mistakes to avoid. We will also provide tips from experts to clean your tile and grout properly.
6 Common Tile and Grout Cleaning Mistakes
1. Ignoring The Stains For A Long Time
If you ignore stains, it is bound to create a permanent problem for you because the longer a stain sits on tile or grout, the more likely it is to set in and become more difficult to remove. Besides, some stains such as rust or mold can permanently damage your tile and grouts.
Moreover, even if a stain does not damage the tile or grout, it can still make it look dirty and unsanitary. So, it is essential to quickly act on stains to maintain the cleanliness of tile and grout.
2. Scrubbing Too Hard
Scrubbing hard can damage the grout, (which is the material that fills the spaces between tiles). Grout is porous, and when you scrub hard, you can damage the grout lines. Further, you can also scratch the tiles, which can make them look dull and worn.
Not only this, scrubbing hard can spread the dirt and grime around instead of removing it. As a result, this makes it more difficult to clean the tile and grout in the future. Also, it might create a cloudy film on the surface of the tile and grout.
In short, you should clean the tile and grout floors gently. Using an old toothbrush is also a great way to clean dirty floor grout. You can use rotating motions with normal pressure to clean the tile and grout.
3. Over-Wetting
Overwetting damages the tile and grout because the water can seep into the grout and loosen the bond between the grout and tile. Apart from this, if there are stains or spills on the tile or grout, overwetting can make them worse.
Also, there is something more to know. Minerals in tap water can discolor tile and grout if they are not rinsed away properly. Besides, as said earlier, grout is porous, which means it can absorb moisture. If the grout is overwet, it can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
So, to avoid these problems, it is important to avoid overwetting and wipe the tile and grout thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
4. Using Harsh Solutions
Using harsh and acid-based cleaners is another common tile and grout cleaning mistake that can badly damage your tile and grout surfaces. Abrasive cleaners contain strong contents that can crack the grout lines and discolor the tiles.
You can use homemade cleaners to clean the floor tiles naturally. However, if you are using a store-bought cleaner make sure it is safe for your tile and grout. Also, spot test it on a small hidden area to prevent any damage.
5. Not Maintaining A Cleaning Schedule
There is more than one reason why you should not forget to maintain a regular cleaning schedule for your tile and grout. Regular cleaning prevents dirt, grime, and stains from building up on your tile and grout and thus makes them easier to clean in the future.
Moreover, with the help of regular cleaning, you can extend the life of your tile and grout as dirt and other contaminants are kept at bay. The discussion doesn’t end here. Regular cleaning also improves the appearance of your tile and grout and makes them look newer and brighter.
6. Not Getting it Professionally Cleaned
Along with DIY cleaning and maintenance, you should consider hiring an expert to clean your tile & grout. The reason is that they know the right chemicals and techniques to use to remove dirt, grime, and stains without damaging your surfaces.
Not only this, they also use specialized tools that can remove even stubborn stains. Most importantly, they can save you time and effort because cleaning tile and grout can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. Besides, it also prevents the growth of dirt, grime, stains, and molds in the near future.
