Ceramic Tile and Grout Cleaning and Sealing

We provide specialized cleaning solutions for hard floors, particularly ceramic, tile and grout surfaces.

Another commonly used product in kitchen flooring is of course, ceramic tiles. Primarily made from clay and various other natural minerals and materials, these tiles get their strength once exposed to extreme heat. Glazed ceramic tiles are a popular option these days due their durability, water and scratch resistance.

Originally ceramic tiles were hand-made, thus each was a work of art in its own right. Ceramic tiles were used almost everywhere - on walls, floors, ceilings, fireplaces, in murals, and as an exterior cladding on buildings. Today of course most ceramic tiles are automatically manufactured.

Polished and colorful ceramic tiles housed within clean looking grout borders add a touch of sparkling charm to your home. Our team of tile cleaning experts will restore your grouts and tiles to their original lustrous beauty. We will come to your home or office and get the job done-quickly and professionally. Your tiles will once again look exquisitely colorful and decorative.

What is Ceramic Tile?

Clay mud, when dried and then "Fired", melts together forming a solid, hardened mass. Over the centuries people have learned to form the clay into tiles (thin square or other shapes) to be used for decoration or protection. Tiles can be painted using a colored, powdered glass compound, then "Fired" again to cause the glass to melt to the surface of the tile. The "glazed" surface resists moisture and staining and works as a floor or wall surface because of those traits and the fact that it doesn't wear out very fast.

Cleaning Ceramic Tiles

A lot of people want to have ceramic tiles in their home because of its remarkable look. However, they do not like the cleaning ceramic tile floors. This is because ceramic tiles can be hard to clean, particularly in the grouts and cracks. But once you do find the appropriate techniques, methods and products for cleaning, you will find that it is easy to keep your ceramic tiles clean and in great shape. Due to the increasing popularity of several technological advancements and innovations, easy cleaning for ceramic tiles is made possible. When you use these mentioned advancements, you will find that your work will be made easier and less strenuous. The tiles that may be used for your ceramic tile flooring can either be small or big. The tiles are produced from clays that are then baked at extremely high temperatures, which cause strong and good-looking flooring. It may also be glazed or unglazed. Out of the two, the former is easier to clean up for the latter tends to be porous and easily holds dirt within them, thus giving people a hard time in cleaning it.

Once you decide to get unglazed for your ceramic tile flooring, you would have to get it sealed so it will be protected. The grout is typically made from sand and cement, but there are times that silicone is used. The combination of sand and cement is more difficult to clean compared to the silicone. But if you take time for cleaning ceramic tile grout, you will have no problems with cleaning it.

Cleaning the ceramic tile surface is usually not too difficult but cleaning the grout lines is generally the most difficult aspect of cleaning ceramic tiles. Ceramic tile is a durable and decorative surface covering. The grout between tiles, however, can be a dirt and mildew magnet. Cleaning ceramic tile grout is not particularly difficult, but it can be tedious and require a bit of elbow grease. There are a number of commercial and home cleaners that make the job easier, but keep in mind that each method has its positives and negatives.

Cleaning ceramic tile can be a huge pain for anyone who isn't using the right tools. Don't waste unnecessary time cleaning ceramic tile by hand. With our cleaning machines and equipment it has never been easier to achieve the sparkling clean that you want and others will notice. 

Should Ceramic Tiles be sealed?

We often get asked to recommend a sealer for Ceramic Tiles, the simple answer is they don't need one.

Ceramic Tile Care

Cleaning ceramic tile is not too difficult if you use the correct cleaning products and procedures. Using improper cleaning products and techniques can actually harm your ceramic tiles as well as the grout.

Cleaning ceramic tile requires the four basic components necessary for cleaning any surface.  In the cleaning industry the acronym for these four cleaning components is TACT and they stand for:

1. Temperature: The higher the temperature the more effective your cleaning process will be.
2. Agitation: Agitation of the surface is necessary to generate effective cleaning results.
3. Chemicals: The proper cleaning products for the surface to be cleaned.
4. Time:  The longer the cleaning products are allowed to work on the dirt and stains the better your cleaning results will be.

Here are some tile care tips on maintaining your ceramic tile:

• Purchase a good quality dust mop and sweep your ceramic tile floors daily. This is especially important in new installations where the grout has not fully cured. Dirt, mud, and sand tend to ground into the grout mortar from heavy foot traffic.
• Dirt collecting carpet mats should be placed in frequently used entrances and shake out weekly.
• Shower stall and tub enclosures should have proper ventilation. Stagnant water breeds stain causing mildew as well as other fungi. All inside and outside corners of shower walls, curbs, and sills, should be caulked with a silicone mildew resistant caulk.
• Mop or sponge your tile down 2 to 3 times weekly. Mix 1 cupful of dish washing liquid per gallon of hot water. Mop up excess water and allow to dry. Buffing with a dry towel will help to reduce spotting.

Getting White Grout Clean

For white or light colored grout or for particularly tough mold or mildew stains, consider bleach. You can purchase a bleach-based cleaner or mix a 50/50 solution of bleach and water to clean stubborn grout stains.

When using bleach or bleach-based cleaners, be sure to have proper ventilation to remove harmful fumes. Also, be sure to wear gloves and older clothing. Never mixed bleach-based cleaners with other substances; toxic fumes can be generated from these types of mixtures.

A Mild Grout Cleaning Alternative

Another alternative grout cleaning solution is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is an effective grout cleaner that doesn't produce odors. As an added benefit, hydrogen peroxide is the perfect cleaner for those with allergies or sensitivities to harsh chemicals. Simply apply some hydrogen peroxide to your grout and allow it to sit for several minutes. Brush the treated grout and then rinse with a damp cloth or mop.