subject: Tile And Grout Cleaning - How To Clean Ceramic Or Porcelain Tile & Grout [print this page] Tile And Grout Cleaning - How To Clean Ceramic Or Porcelain Tile & Grout
Tile And Grout Cleaning - How To Clean Ceramic Or Porcelain Tile & Grout
When choosing a type of flooring, homeowners often prefer ceramic and porcelain tile over carpeting because tiles trap less soil than carpet. Conversely, like any hard surface floor, there can also be disadvantages to choosing tile over carpet. For starters, sanded grout is very porous and can easily absorb soil particles even with regular mopping. The tiles themselves can also become discolored and build up a residual film. Regular mopping does help, but can also be counter-productive as the mop itself quickly becomes soiled. This is when a professional can help restore the original appearance of your tile and grout.
Pre-Inspection
Before beginning your tile and grout cleaning project, you must first carefully inspect the tiled area for any potential hollow voids between the tiles and the sub-floor. This is done by lightly tapping each tile with a wooden handle while listening for a hollow sound. Grout lines should also be inspected for cracks, voids and possible stain discolorations, which cannot be restored.
Pre-Spray and Scrub
A high alkaline solution is then sprayed over a partial section and scrubbed into tile and grout lines with a brush. The solution should be allowed to dwell for approximately 5 minutes.
High Pressure/Hot Water Extraction A "spinner tool" is a tool used to clean larger open floor spaces. It contains 2 water jets on a propeller-type arm inside of a round, cup-like cleaning head. When 230 degree water is sent through the jets at 1000 psi, the inside arm spins at high speed and effectively blasts soil from the tile and grout surface. The powerful vacuum from a truck-mount unit then extracts soil as it is lifted. Next, a corner tool is used for tight inaccessible corners. Drying and Sealing
Air movers are then set in place to help expedite the drying process. (Often, an impregnating sealer is used but this sealer can only be applied when the tile and grout is dry.) Once grout lines are dry and the color has returned to its original state, the sealer can be applied. (Note: most ceramic or porcelain tiles have no porosity, therefore do not need a sealer. However, certain types of ceramics are porous, hence the need for sealer). Now that the cleaning is complete, you should allow 6 to 8 hours for cure time.
