Grout is used to seal joints and fill the space between tiles, it's easy to mistake grout as a minor product when it comes to how beautiful your floor will generally look. But no matter how nice your tiles are, an ugly grout can easily ruin it.

Common Tile Grout Problems

Grout is typically ignored until it becomes a problem. Issues can show immediately after the tiles and grout have been installed. But usually, it will only become apparent after several months.

Dirty Tile Grout

Newly-applied grout looks nice and clean. But dirt can easily accumulate and settle in the grout over time. One of the most common causes of dirty grout is dirty mop water. Water used to clean the floor becomes muddy and if you continue to use it, the dirt will go into the grout and settle there.

Grout is porous and this is why dirt can easily adhere and absorb into it. This makes grout cleaning a difficult task at the best of times. After a few years, the accumulated dirt build-up can make grout cleaning near impossible. It will most likely require deep cleaning in order for the grout to be restored and looking near new again. Worse case, replacing old grout might be the only option but this is only necessary if there is significant permanent staining or if the grout has any structural defects such as cracking.

Stained or discoloured grout

Apart from dirt, liquid contaminants, grease and grime can also penetrate the grout and make it look discoloured. In a short space of time your grout has turned from white to a darker shade.

Even newly applied grout can take on a discoloured appearance. Usually, this happens when the installer has added too much water to the grout and allowed it to sit to thicken up. An uneven colour may occur because the colour has separated and put together.

Cracked grout

Cracked grout has many causes-poor grout mix, improper tile installation, uneven or weak subfloor, lack of expansion joints and ordinary wear and tear over time. It's important that a professional assesses the underlying cause of the cracks so the appropriate grout repairs can be done. Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure. Once your grout starts to crack, it's best to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further grout damage and potential damage to the surrounding tiles.

Sick and tired of dirty grout, want your grout looking nice and clean again, would you like to protect your grout from permanent staining? Call ECO Grout Clean and Seal today on 0468 382 921.

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