Many homeowners struggle to keep their tile and grout surfaces looking clean and pristine. Studies show that not only do improper cleaning techniques fail to remove the dirt, but they can also damage grout, loosen tiles, and cause unwanted repairs. It is especially important to know the correct cleaning techniques in Des Moines for residential and commercial properties that benefit from tiled surfaces.
The benefit of relying on professionals is that they can help you avoid DIY tile & grout cleaning pitfalls that most homeowners will encounter when trying to clean the areas themselves. You can avoid pitfalls, save time, and money while preventing long-term costs to keep your flooring in good shape by choosing a professional tile cleaning company in Des Moines.
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Tiles or Grout
Cleaning tiles can be hard, and some mistakes homeowners usually do make it even harder to clean. Here are some top ones:
Mistake 1: Using Chemicals Too Harsh
Homeowners often use harsh chemical cleaners that aren't designed for tile or grout as a common mistake. These cleaning agents will use strong acids, bleach, or ammonia-based products to cut through dirt and stains, but will destroy the grout joints, change the color & finish of the ceramic tile, and lead to significant long-lasting damage.
Why that Happens
Many cleaning agents, homeowners assume that the cleaner works better if it is strong, and use stronger cleaning agents for deep cleaning. Tile and grout surfaces are porous surfaces as well, thus becoming damaged by an acid or alkaline overcontribution.
The Correct Way
Cleaning professionals use a balanced solution that is at a safe pH level to safely remove dirt, molds, and stains while not damaging the surface. A tile and grout cleaning service in Des Moines will have safe alternatives that fit your flooring types.
Mistake 2: Not Maintaining Regular Cleanings
Not maintaining regular cleanings will allow dirt, soap scum, and bacteria to build up. Over time, this build-up will be difficult to remove and could lead to permanent discoloration of your grout.
Why that Happens
Tile surfaces may appear clean on the surface, but hidden dirt can weaken grout lines and make tiles dangerously slippery.
The Correct Way
When you implement regular cleaning schedules using only safe brushes and mild cleaning solutions, you will avoid dirt buildup. When you hire a professional for residential or commercial tile or grout cleaning in Des Moines, they will often create custom maintenance cleaning solutions to help consolidate your investment for years to come.
Mistake 3: Over-Saturating Grout
Using too much water when cleaning will soak into your grout and into the subfloor. This moisture can cause mold to develop and structurally damage your home. Keep in mind that your grout is porous and will hold moisture if not properly dried.
Why that Happens
When your grout remains wet, it creates a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and dislodged tiles over time.
The Correct Way
Use minimal water and remove moisture as soon as possible. Professional tile and grout cleaning teams often have industrial-strength carpet extractors and/or dehumidifiers to ensure your grout is completely dried after cleaning.
Common Mistake 4: Scrubbing with Abrasive Tools
Scrubbing too aggressively or using metal brushes can scratch tiles and erode grout lines, which leaves the surface even weaker than before.
Why that Happens
Tiles can lose their finish, and grout lines can chip or become uneven, leaving space for dirt and bacteria.
The Correct Way
It is recommended to use soft brushes, microfiber cloths, and some specialized equipment. A tile restoration service in Des Moines will make sure the correct equipment is used while not harming your floor.
Mistake #5: Not Sealing and Protecting
Not sealing your grout allows moisture, stains, and dirt to enter deep into the grout so that cleaning becomes difficult and unsightly discoloration occurs over time. Sealing is key to helping extend the life of your tile and grout.
Why that Happens
Properly sealed grout helps prevent stains and keeps your grout looking fresh between deep cleanings.
The Correct Way
Make sure to ask a professional for high-quality sealing after deep cleaning to protect and seal your grout lines and to help prevent moisture and debris from penetrating down into your grout. If you choose a commercial tile and grout cleaning Des Moines company for your inspection, you can also count on both high-traffic and residential areas being protected, too.
How to Tell When It's Time for a Professional Inspection
Even when doing the right things, there are some problems that will persist and require intervention by a professional.
Signs to Look For
Common signs that it's time to investigate:
- Stains or discoloration are not going away.
- Cracked, chipped, or eroded grout.
- Mold or mildew is starting to develop within your grout lines.
- Uneven tile surfaces or loose tiles.
If you are seeing or noticing any signs of these, contact a professional tile and grout cleaning near me to have them assess and restore your tile and grout safely before the problems worsen.
The Benefits of a Professional Tile and Grout Cleaning Service
Professionals provide services that can also help restore over and above normal cleaning:
- Thorough Deep Cleaning
- Professionals can get down to the embedded dirt, soap scum, and bacteria that typical residential cleaning cannot reach.
- Preventative Maintenance
- Expert services identify potential issues, such as damage to grout and/or mold, saving you expensive repair services later on.
- Long Lasting Care
- Industry-leading cleansers, specialized cleaning equipment, and sealing options end up keeping your floors looking like new longer than any DIY effort.
- Safety and Efficiency
- Professionals use specialized tools safely and without worrying about harmful chemical exposure, and cleaning times are often reduced.
Eco-Friendly and Safe Cleaning Solutions
Sustainability is easily becoming a priority for homeowners as they want to maintain a clean environment for their family and their pets. More professional services are using eco-friendly cleaning products to keep surfaces clean and sanitary, which also helps maintain indoor air quality.
Benefits:
- Reduces harmful exposure to chemicals
- Improves indoor air quality
- Maintains healthier materials and/or avoids premature damage to any flooring materials
- Meets environmental safety regulation standards
Eco-friendly systems help to keep your home and surfaces clean and natural.
Summary: Focus on Tile and Grout Maintenance to Ensure Lasting Cleanliness
Keeping your tile and grout clean is not just an added routine household chore; it is necessary to maintain the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the surfaces in your home. Avoiding mistakes, such as utilizing dangerous chemicals, oversaturating them with water, using abrasive cleaning tools, or skipping sealing the grout and/or tile, can result in costly repairs and an unhealthy indoor environment.
Trust professionals to ensure proper and safe surface cleaning. A professional tile and grout cleaning contractor in Des Moines can assist with efficient and long-lasting cleaning.
About Rainbow Restoration of Des Moines
Rainbow Restoration of Des Moines is a trusted tile and grout cleaning company providing both residential and commercial surface restoration services. With years of experience and expertise with the technology and modern equipment, we guarantee your surface will be cleaned while maintaining a spotless, safe, and durable appearance.
For individuals searching for tile and grout cleaning near me, Rainbow Restoration of Des Moines is the foremost choice. For more details about our cleaning and restoration services, feel free to contact us.
