We’ve all been there: you get a brand new tile floor or backsplash installed in your home, and for weeks, or even months, it looks beautiful and sparkling clean. But, after a while, the grout starts to change colour, and all of a sudden your tile looks worn and old!
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are a few experts tips to help you maintain your tile grout and keep it looking like new.
Seal the Grout
Immediately after you’ve had your new tile floor or backsplash installed, seal the grout. Grout is naturally porous, and will start to pick up dust particles and absorb stains almost immediately. This is especially problematic in areas like kitchens where food and spills often end up on the floor. Applying a sealant to the grout will protect it from these particles and prevent them from penetrating the grout, so the next time you clean your tile floors, the grout will be as easy to clean as the tiles themselves.
Clean Up Spills Immediately
Even if you’ve applied a sealant to your grout, it’s good practice to ensure that you’re cleaning up spills and stains immediately after they happen. From floors to backsplashes, the grout may eventually absorb these stains and make it impossible for you to remove them. Make sure you’re not using any cleaning products with dyes in them, and check your shampoo for dyes if you have a tiled shower. If you do use products that contain dyes, it may be necessary to clean the grout after every use.
Consider a Dark Grout
White can be a risky colour when it comes to certain areas of our homes. White couches are difficult to keep clean, white sheets yellow over time and white grout can be time-consuming to maintain. If you want to ease up on the amount of maintenance for your tiled floors or backsplash, consider a darker coloured grout. In fact, black or dark grey grout is becoming a popular style choice for many homeowners, and it looks great next to a white or cream tile.
Proper maintenance of your tile floor is an essential part of keeping your grout looking its best! Follow these tile maintenance instructions from Bigelow Flooring in Guelph.
