You probably know grout best as that pesky gritty stuff you have to scrub a lot when you’re cleaning your bathroom floor.
“Yeah, okay,” we hear you say, “but what is grout really?”
Grout is a composite material made from a careful mix of cement, sand, and water. It’s often grey or white, though it’s actually available in a wild array of colors. It’s integral to keeping all those beautiful (and usually expensive) ceramic tiles in place in bathrooms and kitchens.
Let’s explore what makes grout such an essential part of the interior design equation.
3 Types of Grout
Though the two building materials look similar, grout is very different from mortar. Builders use mortar in building brick walls or stabilizing fence posts. They use grout only for laying tiles.
There are three types of grout:
- Unsanded grout is used to seal slim joins in ceramic tiles.
- Sanded grout is used when a wall or floor needs wider lines of grout, usually for decorative purposes.
- Epoxy grouts are waterproof and durable: perfect for use in the bathroom or around a kitchen sink.
Builders cover the unsanded and sanded grout with grout sealant to protect it.
Manufacturers add colored pigments to grout to increase its aesthetic value. Remember the backsplash trend of black grout between white subway tiles? Today, grout is available in a virtual rainbow of colors.
What Is Grout Used For?
Whether filling the gap between ceramic, quarry, or natural stone tiles, grout is essential in ensuring moisture doesn’t seep into the floor or wall below.
Natural variations in surface texture and processing during manufacturing cause minor warping in tiles. Tiles don’t fit perfectly together when laid on a flat surface. The application of grout compensates for these variations.
Homeowners need to maintain their floor tile grout with grout cleaner and grout sealant to stop it from cracking. Cracking and crumbling is what causes water seepage.
Moisture build-up from badly laid tiles and improper grout application is one of the leading causes of damage in homes.
Regularly scheduled inspection and cleaning by a professional flooring company will keep your tile grout in great shape and ensure you avoid costly repairs.
How Do You Keep Grout Clean?
You can clean grout with a simple cloth (or mop, in the case of floors) and an off-the-shelf household cleaning product like mildew removing spray or grout cleaning gel. Just be sure not to use vinegar: it will damage your tiles!
For stubborn dirt or soap scum, scrubbing the area with an old toothbrush works surprisingly well.
But when it comes to heavily stained grout or grout that has lost its grout sealer, a simple wipe over won’t cut it. If you have a large area of tile flooring to clean, it’s just not economical to do it yourself.
Save your money and your time. Call in the experts!
Experienced cleaning companies like Blue Jay Carpet Cleaning have specialized equipment like truck-mounted cleaning systems and heavy-duty steamers that will have your tile floors and walls sparkling new in no time at all.
Over a Decade in the Grout Cleaning Business
With more than 12 years of experience cleaning properties in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Blue Jay Carpet Cleaning has the expertise to answer all your “What is grout and how do I clean it?” questions.
Whether you’re a North Texas homeowner looking to deep-clean your kitchen floor or a realtor staging a home for sale, be sure to contact Blue Jay Carpet Cleaning for a grout cleaning quote.
