Characteristics of Grout
Wherever you find tile, you find grout. There are many different kinds—sanded, unsanded, quarry, cementite, and so forth. All of them are porous. This means that grout soaks up all the dirt, microbes, and even water that washes over it. Cleaning is further complicated by the fact that grout sits lower down than the tile it surrounds. A common trend in modern spaces is smaller tiles. While this creates a sleek, elegant and seamless look, it also creates a higher ratio of grout—meaning even more difficulty cleaning.
Grout is resistant to traditional cleaning methods; porous grout is a breeding ground for bacteria. Viscous detergents and harsh chemicals seep into pores and leave a residue. Steel wool and coarse brushes are too erosive to use for grout cleaning. Acidic and basic cleaners do damage over time. Bleach will cause inconsistent coloring and long-term stains.
You should only use pH-neutral cleaners on tile, but unfortunately, they can be tough to find. Mop water may remove some soil, but it also spreads it and can actually lead to further staining. Over time, the soil that is left behind on your floor after mopping, not only darkens your tile and grout but also creates perfect conditions for germs and bacteria to multiply.
The Bio-Bright tile and grout sealant slows staining, helps make cleaning easier, and prevents unnecessary long-term repair costs. Some grouts naturally stain over time because of age and exposure to light; sealant will also help grout retain its original color on new tile installations. Unsealed grout also tends to wear away more quickly than sealed grout and often results with the grout cracking or disintegrating more rapidly. You want your investment and tile to last as long as possible; grout sealant is a great way to make that happen and ensure that you save time and money by never having to replace your tile!
We recommend sealing grout every 1-3 years depending on the traffic and daily wear and tear it experiences, for new tile installations or existing in-place tile.
Bacteria Found in Grout
Below we have compiled a list of some of the most common types of bacteria found in tile grout.
- Salmonella
- Escherichia Coli
- Streptococcus
- Campylobacter
- Staphylococcus
Plus 40+ others!