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We're often asked by cleaning business owners how to clean tile and grout floors. It's a big challenge for a couple reasons: 1. The tile itself is higher than the grout, so when you clean the surface, the cleaning solution naturally settles in the lower grout area. The cleaning solution suspends the soil while mopping, so if it settles in the grout line, the soil can get trapped there. 2. Grout is porous, so if it hasn't been sealed, the soil that is sitting on top will eventually work its way into the grout. So what's a person to do? Follow these steps: 1. First remove any dry soil by vacuuming with a backpack vacuum that has a hard floor attachment. Avoid sweeping, because brooms and dust mops tend to leave soil particles in the grout lines. 2. Wet mop using a neutral pH floor cleaner. In kitchens you may need to use a degreaser and in healthcare facilities you may need to use a sanitizer. 3. Do not leave too much solution on the floor. This will leave soil particles in the grout lines, which can work their way down into the porous grout. One way to accomplish this is to use microfiber flat mops, as they leave less solution on the floor than traditional mops, and they're able to pick up more of the soil particles due to the nature of the microfiber. 4. Increase frequency of mopping. The more frequently the floor is mopped, the less likely it is that the soil will settle into the grout lines. If it's not possible for you to increase the frequency, it's time to educate your customer on the consequences of infrequent mopping. If the grout hasn't been sealed, there may not be much you can do because the soil has probably penetrated the grout. If this is the case, you may need to call in a professional who can remove the top layer of grout with a grout saw, and then apply a skin coat of new grout. Then it can be sealed with a penetrating sealer after about 24 to 36 hours. If your customer asks you to clean and seal the grout, here are the steps to follow: Mix the cleaning solution according to the label directions. Then apply a small amount of solution to the grout. Allow the chemical to stand for several minutes, and then agitate with a grout brush or stiff bristled brush. You can also use a 175 rpm floor machine with a nylo-grit brush. Vacuum up the solution with a wet vac and then rinse the grout with clean water and allow to dry overnight. Once the grout is dry, protect it with a good penetrating sealer. Copyright (c) The Janitorial Store (TM)
Article Source: http://www.cleaningarticles.com
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