NL Kile Construction

Old World Craftsmanship With                       
Modern Innovation...       


01/02/09

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Tile Maintenance

 

 Norm's Corner
- a builder's thoughts on a variety of home improvement subjects.

 

Tile Maintenance-
 

To maintain your Tile and Grout in new look condition, we recommend you do not use Highly alkaline, acidic, ammoniated, or abrasive cleaners and/or bleach as they may break down the sealer, adversely affecting repellency and may not be good for the grout. Use an all natural cleaner specially formulated for Tile and Grout.

Re-grouting Common Questions & Answers

Q: What is a sealer and should I seal my bathroom tile?

A: The sealer is a liquid that is applied to the grout about 2 days after the grout work is done. Once it is applied it soaks into the grout and dries creating a protective barrier against water and dirt. We strongly recommend you seal your grout and tile after it has been newly re-grouted or any new tile work installed. it can greatly extend the life of your grout and even make it easier to clean as the dirt will tend to float on the surface rather than penetrate deep into the grout.

Q: How often should I seal my grout?

A: To protect your tile and grout you may want to perform regular maintenance cleaning several times a year. It is also very important to visually inspect your tile areas for any missing or cracking grout. You should fix any such failing grout right away. If you like we can come in and tent to any missing or cracked grout areas making sure you are protected and your walls are safe from any leaks. Then re-seal your grout. Feel free to contact us about this service.

Q: Can I fix the cracks in my grout myself?

A: Yes, this is regular homeowner maintenance and fairly easy to do. Here is a list of the steps to show you how...

  1. Clean thoroughly and remove any loose grout from area.

  2. Mix a small amout of grout with water until it is of a workable consistency.

  3. Use a grout float (available at any local home improvement center) to spread evenly over grout surface and work into cracks.

  4. Wipe off excess grout from tile surgace with a clean wet sponge.

  5. Use a spray bottle and warm water to mist grout surface 2 or 3 times during the inintal stage of the curing process. Approximately 2 hours apart.

Q: How do I keep my tile looking clean and new?

A: There are a few tried and true methods you can use if you are going to clean it on your own.

The most effective in shower area's is to simply dry the walls and tub with a towel after every use. By doing this soap scum and hard water will have no chance to build up. Mold can only grow in a high moisture environment, so if you dry it you should have no problems with mold. Another good method is to use a shower squeegee to dry the wallls after your shower.

Counters and floors can be wiped down or mopped with warm water. For stubborn dirt or disinfecting, use a non abrasive Natural All Purpose  or Tub and Tile Cleaner.

From time to time, at least once a month it is important to thoroughly clean your tile. First, spray all areas down with Natural Tub & Tile cleaner. Soak the tile surface and let sit for about 5 minutes. Come back with a plastic scrubbing pad or Brush and scrub down the area. This should take little effort and should leave you with a bright new looking tile surface. Now simply dunk the large sponge in a pail of water and lift the soaked sponge to flush off the area. Always test new cleaners or abrasive pads on surface before you clean. 

Click Here for recommended Natural Cleaning Supplies.

 

 

 

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This site was last updated 01/02/09