Beautiful homes can be the best stress buster for the day. Making beautiful homes and maintaining them are two different stories, especially after winters. Winters are harsh on the floors. With winters we also welcome snow, mud, salt, and moisture stuck to the floors. Tile floors often take the brunt of the damage. While cleaning the tiles is easier, grout lines which join them are porous. Tiles are durable but grout lines quickly absorb dirt, grime, and moisture. Being a narrow space in between the tiles, grout lines prove to be stubborn to clean. Once bright, clean tiles can look dull and grimy in a matter of days.
The good part is that some steps taken in the right direction can make tile floors look fresh again. Some hard work put in deep cleaning and resealing of grout goes a long way in protecting the tiles from long term damages.
Here’s how to rescue your grout and restore your tile floors after a messy winter season.
Why Winter Is Hard on Grout
Maintaining floors during different seasons has its own set of different challenges. Floors experience more wear during winter months. Gout lines become home to snow, slush, and mud that get tracked inside. Road salt or de-icing chemicals also come often. They slowly settle in the lines and gradually build up to be stubborn dirt and mould.
Accumulated dirt and moisture in grout can lead to:
- Darkened or stained grout lines
- Mold or mildew growth in damp areas
- Gradual weakening or crumbling of grout.
- Dull-looking tile floors
Regular mopping helps in cleaning the tile surface but grout lines can shine only after deep cleaning.
Step 1: Start With a Thorough Surface Cleaning
The first step is the broader cleaning of the floor to remove any loose dirt or debris from it. Sweeping or vacuuming the floor first will help in removing large and small sand/dust particles. This action will eliminate the risk of scratches during wet cleaning. Paying special attention to the corners where dust tends to settle in is essential.
Pay special attention to corners and edges where debris tends to collect. The next step includes mopping the floor with warm water and tile cleaner. This step ensures clean floor tiles and readiness for deeper cleaning.
Prefer to use milder chemicals or cleaners at this stage. Overly harsh chemicals can damage certain tile finish.
Step 2: Deep Clean the Grout Lines
After the floor surface, next comes the deep cleaning of grout lines.
Some of the effective ways for the same are:
Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
Baking soda and vinegar method is a popular, effective and inexpensive solution to remove the settled mould and grime. The trick is to make a paste of baking soda and water, then apply it to grout lines. Then a light mist of vinegar should be poured on it. The chemical reaction from mixing baking soda and vinegar creates a fizz which helps in loosening dirt trapped in the grout.
After loosening the dirt, an old toothbrush or grout brush can be used to scrub the area clean. Then rinse the area with water or wipe off any residue.
Oxygen-Based Cleaners
Sometimes mild cleaners fail at cleaning stubborn stained grouts. At such times, oxygen-based cleaners come to the rescue. These cleaners release oxygen bubbles to lift dirt and dust without harming the tiles.
Search for a good oxygen-based cleaner in the market and use it as per instructions given. Generally, upon applying the cleaner it needs to sit for some time and then scrubbed and rinsed.
Professional Steam Cleaning
Professional steam cleaning may be required where the build-up in the grout area is for years. Professionals use techniques of high temperature vapor to break down dirt and grime deep inside grout lines.
This technique without the use of harsh chemicals proves to be highly effective.
Step 3: Allow the Floor to Dry Completely
Deep cleaning of grout lines will show where they have worn out or become damaged. Resealing of grout is essential. But to start resealing, the floor should be completely dry.
A sealant can bond properly only if the grout lines are completely dry. The drying process can take anywhere between several hours to a full day depending on weather conditions. Speeding up the drying process with the help of fans or dehumidifiers can also be done.
Step 4: Apply a Grout Sealer
Dry and clean grout will highlight the need for resealing. When resealing is done properly it will not let the moisture seep in and protect the floor for a long time.
The work of a grout sealer is to act as a protective barrier and not let moisture and dirt penetrate in the grout lines. Without a sealer, grout can quickly become dirty again after cleaning.
Choosing the correct sealer is important. There are two common types of grout sealers:
Penetrating sealers as the name suggests, goes within the grout area and protects it from within. Though it goes under, it still allows moisture vapor to escape.
Surface sealers do not penetrate but create a thin protective layer on the top.
Penetrating sealers are a preferred choice because they provide long-lasting protection without altering the appearance of the grout.
To apply the sealer directly proper tools should be used for effective results. A small paint brush of grout sealer applicator pen works well for thin areas. Any excesses that have landed on adjacent tile surfaces should be quickly wiped off before it starts drying. In some cases, a second coat may be required for complete protection. Whatever the case may be, a complete drying time is always prescribed.
Step 5: Maintain Your Grout Year-Round
One time cleaning and deep cleaning can bring back the shine in tiles but not for its full life. Maintaining floors regularly is key to extending its shelf life.
Freezing winters require some proactive and some reactive measures to keep the floors up to the mark.
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
- Good quality entry mats at doors help to reduce dirt and moisture tracked inside.
- A small time taken out for regular vacuuming does not let the dirt accumulate.
- Moping along with sweeping with gentle cleansers
- Any spills should be dealt with immediately to prevent staining.
- Resealing the grout correctly as required protects the floor for a long time.
With proper care, your grout will stay cleaner for much longer.
When to Call a Professional
When grout is stubbornly stained, cracked and unable to prevent moisture from seeping in, calling professionals may be the right step. Sometimes DIY may not give the required results.
Professionals are experienced and possibly experts in the area which will help in bringing about long-lasting protection. They will use proper equipment and superior quality sealers to provide superior work quality.
Proactive and reactive maintenance of floor tiles can make your home look clean, beautiful and serene. To find the perfect tile for your home and get opinions of the experts contact us!