Grout Cleaning

One of the things we are most often asked about is grout cleaning. It might be the smallest detail but it can have the biggest impact on your floor.

Regrouting

We don’t offer a regrouting service as part of our offering quite simply because most floors don’t need it. There are occasionally small areas of grout that are missing and these can usually be replaced. We will also repair small chips and cracks to a floor as part of the restoration process. This will use either a colour matched epoxy resin or a stone safe grout, depending on the stone type. Repairs are usually carried out after the initial clean in order that we can assess the stone  and grout colour with more accuracy.

Stone Cleaning and Resurfacing

For stone that requires a deep cleaning process, the grout will be scrubbed by hand as part of the process. This is usually applicable to a limestone or travertine with a tumbled edge or a textured finish. You can read a little more about the process on our services pages. The extra focus on the grout cleaning means that we can ensure to get in to every corner of the stone, whilst the machines that we use ensure an even finish across the floor.

Stone Restoration and Grinding

When a restoration or grinding service is required to refinish the tile, the grout cleaning is less of a focus. This type of treatment is usually applicable when a client is looking to have their stone polished or honed and they have a flat and uniform tile. When this is the case, diamond impregnated pads and segments are used with weights on the machines to very gently resurface the stone. This will remove the stains, scratches and etch marks on the surface. This will reveal a fresh later of stone retaining the qualities from when it was first installed – including grout that looks brand new.

Grout Cleaning at Home

When considering how to approach grout cleaning at home, there are a few important things to remember. The key with any stone cleaning that you undertake is to ensure that you use only pH neutral cleaning products. Don’t be tempted to tackle tough stains with something more aggressive as you will damage the stone around the grout. Keeping your grout in mind when mopping is important too. When you clean your stone floor, less is more. The more water that you leave to pool in the grout, the more discoloured with dirt it will become over time. The article here explains how we advise to approach the cleaning of your natural stone floors. For particularly wide or pronounced grout joints, you may also consider purchasing an angled grout brush to help you get into every corner.

For more information on how to care for stone throughout your home visit our Knowledge Hub. Or email info@athenastonecare.co.uk to request a copy of our Athena Aftercare guide.