Tile and Grout Cleaning – Tips to Prevent Mold and Mildew

15 Jul Tile and Grout Cleaning – Tips to Prevent Mold and Mildew

Remember when you had the bathroom remodeled and the tile work just seemed to sparkle?  Or how you couldn’t wait to show off that that gorgeous backsplash in the kitchen when it was new? Has your home’s tile work lost it’s luster? Is the grout dingy and discolored? Tile work is beautiful but tile and grout cleaning can be a bit of a chore to keep to keep up with.

Protect Your Tile and Grout

Regular scrubbing and cleaning from the day your tile work is installed is the best way to minimize the buildup of grime and dirt. One of the biggest obstacles in keeping tile and grout clean and beautiful is the growth of mold and mildew, especially in the bathroom. While some growth is inevitable, there are steps you can take to minimize it.

Whenever possible, keep the doors and windows open. The shower door should always be left open when the the shower is not in use.

If you don’t have an exhaust fan in the bathroom, you might want to consider installing one. It will pull the moisture out of the room during and after the shower or bath has been used. It is recommended that the exhaust fan be left on for 20 minutes after showering.

Squeegee or wipe down shower walls, silicone seal joints and shower floor after it has been used. Leaving it dry on its own is an invitation for mold and mildew.

Make sure your bath towels are hung after being used and so they will dry quickly. Remember mold and mildew spread through airborne spores.

Keep the bathroom free of clutter from many items and containers, These just provide more surfaces when mold and mildew can grow and more for you to clean.

Use shower curtains and liners that are easy to clean and dry. It can be difficult to keep liners clean and free of mold and mildew. You may find it better to buy inexpensive liners that can be taken down and replaced when they begin to show signs of mold and mildew rather than buy a more expensive liner and constantly cleaning it.

Bathroom walls and ceilings are susceptible to mold and mildew as well. Using a mold resistant paint will help prevent build up and keep it from spreading to your tile and grout. When repainting, scrape all loose paint and clean the wall with an anti-fungal cleaner. Once the walls and ceiling are completely dry, repaint with mold resistant paint.

That tile backsplash in the kitchen isn’t immune to dirt, mold and mildew. It is going to get wet and dirty. Clean it regularly and wipe it dry whenever it gets wet.

Health Considerations

Besides detracting from the beauty of your home’s tile work, mold and mildew can also impact your family’s health. In small amounts, mold is generally harmless and easy to clean up.

Once it builds up, however, it can cause serious health concerns including allergic reactions, headaches or rashes. It can also be a trigger for someone who suffers from asthma or other breathing complications.

Benefits of Professional Tile and Grout Cleaning

Keeping the tile and grout in your home clean not only maintains its beauty, it will also extend its life. The buildup of dirt, mold and mildew can weaken tile and grout making it susceptible to permanent damage. You can do this cleaning yourself, but it’s probably best left to tile and grout cleaning professionals.

By enlisting the service of professional, you have the advantage of having your tile and grout cleaned properly and thoroughly, with the right equipment to deliver superior results.

Keeping your tile and grout clean will not only maintain their appearance, but it will enhance the quality and value of your home.

Hiring a professional service can save you money in the long run. Professional tile and grout cleaning can remove mold and mildew before it penetrates the surface, causing costly damage.

Best of all you won’t have to to that messy and aggravating job yourself!

With over 20 years experience, Always Immaculate Carpets takes pride in delivering a courteous and professional experience, from our customer service team right down to the cleaning professionals who visit your home or business. We can make your tile and grout look fresh and new. Contact us for free on-site consultation.

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