Once your grout is back to its clean, beautiful self, make sure to reseal it right away. All that scrubbing and cleaning will have worn away any remaining seal, and you don't want your hard work to go to waste.
If you seal grout after cleaning, it will mitigate grout damage. Another benefit of grout cleaning followed by sealing, is that by alleviating the potential penetration of water, dirt particles, and other contaminants, you are also mitigating potential grout erosion.
Unsightly Grout Stains and Discoloration:
One of the most noticeable effects of neglected grout sealing is the gradual accumulation of stains and discoloration. Grout is porous by nature, which means it readily absorbs liquids, dirt, and debris.
The good news is that steam is effective at both lifting grime and disinfecting grout. You'll need a clear space to work. Remove all furniture and sweep or vacuum well if you're cleaning the floor. Remove all shampoo bottles and hygiene tools if you're cleaning the shower.
On average, tile and grout surfaces take around 30 minutes to 24 hours to dry completely after a professional cleaning.
Grout is a cement-based product mixed with chemicals, water, and in many cases sand. Portland cement based grouts are particularly porous. Porous grouts attract water, dirt, oils, etc. While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas.
Generally, most households should deep-clean their grout tiles once per year.
Some professionals swear by a simple mixture of baking soda and peroxide to clean grout. Hydrogen peroxide is an acid, and baking soda is a base compound. Mixing the two together creates a reaction that can penetrate the grout lines and free dirt and debris.
Certain softer surfaces, such as synthetic fabrics, velvet or other delicate surfaces are also not recommended for steam cleaning. Other surfaces such as laminate floor and some plastics could potentially be damaged by the high temperature of steam.
BISSELL Steam Shot™ Handheld Steam Cleaner Specifications
Functions: Natural and chemical-free steam cleaning for hard surfaces around the home. Surfaces: Sealed hard surfaces, tiles, grout, mirrors, shower screens, window tracks, stainless steel, clothes, fabric curtains, bedding.
Whoever installed your floors most likely did not seal the grout because it needs time to harden and cure completely.
It is never too late to seal existing grout to avoid and prevent future damage. However, it is recommended that sealing should be done as soon as tile installment is finished in order to prevent future costly repairs.
The Drawback of Using Grout Sealer
Moisture can still pass through most sealers, meaning grout isn't entirely waterproof even when sealed. Over time, grout in areas like bathrooms will naturally stain or show signs of aging, regardless of sealing.
Seal grout immediately after it dries and cures so that it remains looking clean and new. While this initial seal will do a great job protecting your floor, it won't last forever. You should reseal grout every year as the protective layer wears down.
The high-temperature steam effectively kills mold and mildew without the need for harsh chemicals. Simply direct the steam onto the affected grout lines and watch as the mildew loosens and dissolves.
White grout is more difficult to keep clean than darker colors, like gray or black, because even small stains show more prominently.
Long drying times for carpet
In Steam Cleaning Equipment, using steam for carpets, you may have to wait up to 24 hours for the carpet to be completely dry and able to be walked on again. This could be inconvenient for some, especially if the carpet is in a workplace or commercial area.
So, where does the dirt go when you steam clean? Actually, it doesn't go anywhere. Instead, the heat and vapour of steam cleaning ensure that all the unwanted substances or stains are fully broken down and easy to get rid of.
For floors, steam mops are highly effective for cleaning grout. Just like the handheld steam cleaner we tested, a steam mop can clean and sanitize your tile and grout without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Grout sealing is how you protect your grout from outside forces and keep it durable. Cement-based grout, in particular, must always be sealed. Cement is a porous material that is prone to absorbing moisture, dirt, grime, and all kinds of bacteria.
Here's a few DIY grout cleaners you can try: Make a spreadable paste with 3/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap. Add more baking soda or peroxide if the mixture is too runny or thick.
Yes, the pressurized steam in steam cleaners has more power than hand washing and can do a better job of cleaning grout. Does steam cleaning damage grout? It can if your grout isn't sealed or it's been a while since it was applied.
A question we're often asked is, “how long should grout last in my bathroom last?” Grout doesn't last forever and has a lifespan of between eight and sixteen years, depending on your upkeep and treatment in your shower area specifically.
To rent a steam cleaner, simply locate your nearest Home Depot store and follow their rental process.