Many home and business owners spend hours (or days) trying to decide on the perfect tile for their space and don’t give too much thought to grout that goes along with it.
Never underestimate the power of grout! The type and color of grout you choose for your space can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of your tile installation.
It’s also important to know exactly how to clean and maintain your grout to preserve your well thought out investment. Let’s review a few frequently asked questions about selecting grout for your home or business.
CHOOSING GROUT
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
You have multiple options for grout. The best choice for your home will depend on the type of tile you’re installing and your overall budget.
Cement-based or Portland Grout is the most common kind of grout on the market. It is affordable, easy to find, and relatively easy to install. Depending on the space between your tiles, you may need to add sand to your grout during installation. Sanded grout is less likely to crack or shrink over time.
A relatively new, pricier option is epoxy grout which is made from plastic. It isn’t as porous as cement-based grout, meaning it’s less likely to attract mold.
HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT COLOR?
Expert Rob McNealy offers three strategies for picking a grout color in his blog, Ask A Floor Guy:
Matching: If you want to highlight the tile you chose over the layout, it’s best to go with a matching color. This works well when you have larger tiles in a simple pattern.
Contrasting: If you’re installing smaller tiles in a decorative or geometric pattern, you may want to go with a contrasting grout color to make your design pop.
Neutral: A neutral grout color works with most tile applications. The only thing to worry about here is that going with a lighter color, like white will mean more upkeep.
Light vs. Dark: There are pros and cons with both light and dark grout color choices. Darker colors are more likely to fade or show residue from harsh cleaners, whereas lighter colors show dirt and stain easily. Neutral shades are less prone to fading or staining and make a great long lasting option for homeowners.
MAINTAINING GROUT
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN GROUT?
Grout often stands in the way of your tiled surfaces looking truly clean. Oil-based stains, ground-in dirt, and tough mildew can spread quickly when left untreated. You can find a wide range of commercial grout cleaning solutions at the store, or whip up your own with household products. If you’re going the DIY route, we recommend using the mildest cleaning solution available to avoid damaging your tile. All grout should be sealed initially and re-sealed periodically to protect it and make it easier to clean.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO RESEAL MY GROUT?
Having your grout sealed keeps it safe from moisture and protect your home from mold. Plus, a good seal makes cleaning and upkeep much easier! If you’re wondering when to reseal your grout, look for these red flags:
- If you have a film sealer, look for cracking and chipping around your grout surface. The sealer and grout are different colors, so it should be easy to notice when the grout looks a bit patchy.
- Penetrating sealers can be tricky. Once a penetrating sealer has started to wear off, the grout color will darken overall. If your grout doesn’t lighten up much after a thorough cleaning, it’s probably time to reseal.
- If you can’t remember the last time you had your grout resealed, or it’s been well over a year, it’s time!
CALL CARPET TECH
Whether grout problems plague your flooring, bathroom and kitchen features, or even your outdoor space, we have the right tools for the job. With our Turbo Tile and Grout Cleaner, we can give your grout the pressure washer treatment, removing any accumulated grime.
Your white grout will be white again, and colored grout will regain its attractive look. To make the treatment last we also offer a sealing service. Sealing your grout will protect your rejuvenated floors and make future maintenance and cleaning easier.
Call us today for 15% off professional tile cleaning!