While learning how to clean tile grout and remove mildew is not that complicated, there are two very basic things you can do to make the process easier or, even better, unnecessary.
The first thing you can do is to use a grout sealer immediately after your tile is installed. A grout sealer will help protect it from dirt, stains, bacteria, allergens and other unwanted invaders that might otherwise get trapped in your pristine tile grout lines. Simply put: If you do not apply grout sealer, then your grout will be vulnerable to all of these things, but by applying sealer immediately after installation and then repeating the process every six to eight months, you can ensure your grout is protected and will last a lot longer.
Another tip to help protect grout in floor tiling is to put mats on the areas of your home that receive a lot of foot traffic — typically right in front of doorways and in hallways or walkways. You may also want to have a mat in your kitchen, by the sink or in front of the refrigerator, to prevent water and dirt from getting trapped in your tile grout. If you can keep water and moisture out of the grout, mildew and mold problems are less likely to develop. It probably goes without saying: the easiest way to remove mildew is to make it so you don’t have it!
Should you develop a mold or mildew problem, however, a steam cleaning unit is your best bet for attacking it and ameliorating discoloration. Using hot water and high pressure to remove stains quickly and effectively, the steam cleaning process can help you make great strides toward restoring grout to its original color. In addition, because the steam cleaner’s water is super-heated to high temperatures, it disinfects and kills mildew on contact. It really is one of the fastest and most effective ways to clean your tile and grout, and homeowners are often amazed by the improvement a steam cleaner helps them achieve.
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