Have you started to notice that your bathroom or kitchen tiles are looking worse for wear? Perhaps they’re showing dark grout lines, unsightly stains, or discolouration that you’re sure wasn’t always there. If that’s the case, then it’s likely your tiles are overdue for a deep clean. Once you’ve made the decision to invest the time and effort into returning your tiles to their former glory, the only thing left to determine is whether you should roll up your sleeves and tackle a DIY job, or opt for a professional tile and grout cleaning service instead. In this blog post, we will outline the key differences between these two popular approaches, discuss the pros and cons of each, and give you some pointers regarding which option may be best for you and your tiles. Over many years of servicing Adelaide and the surrounding suburbs, we find homeowners amazed at the results that a professional service can achieve. So if you’re weighing up the benefits, or expect that your tiles may be begging for a little TLC, then this article is for you.
Why tile cleaning is an essential part of home maintenance
Whether you’re looking to invest time or money into tile cleaning, you can rest assured it is well worth it. Tile and grout cleaning is an essential step to maintaining not only the aesthetic appearance of tiled surfaces, but the hygiene of your home. This is especially important in spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens, where maintaining a clean environment is paramount for personal health. Unfortunately, kitchens and bathrooms are also particularly susceptible to retaining moisture, which in turn creates a veritable breeding ground for mold and mildew.
While It’s inarguable that these fungi play a crucial role in the environment by breaking down and digesting organic matter, they are far less useful indoors, where they become a common trigger for allergies and other respiratory issues. Luckily, proper tile maintenance can thwart the growth of these harmful microorganisms, and ensure a healthy home for you and your family.
Professional vs. DIY cleaning - which is right for me?
There are several crucial factors to consider when deciding between DIY and professional tile and grout cleaning, including time, effort, cost and results. In the following section, we will discuss all three, with the aim of giving you a better understanding of which is right for you.
Time and Effort
Let’s face it. Grout and tile cleaning isn’t exactly a walk in the park, and the time required to see desirable results is nothing to scoff at. The process usually involves diligently scrubbing the grout lines by hand, which can take hours depending on the size of the area you are endeavouring to clean. That’s not to mention finding effective cleaning chemicals that are not only potent, but safe for your tiles.
That’s right! Not all cleaning products are compatible with all tiles. For example, acidic cleaning products can damage natural stone, such as travertine, while abrasive cleaners can damage the surface of ceramic tiles, making the process of picking the right option deceptively difficult.
Opting for a professional tile and grout cleaning service can slash your time commitment to the bare minimum. In fact, our tile and grout cleaning services don’t even require you to be at home while we work! This means that you can spend a lot more time enjoying the things you love, and a lot less time battling dirty grout lines.
Cost
A professional tile cleaning service will generally be dearer than a DIY job. However, the results you receive and the minimal time investment required makes this option tempting for the vast majority of tenants and homeowners. It’s important to remember that professional tile cleaning is an investment that can prolong the life of your tiles, and keep them clean and hygienic for longer.
Results
The best results require the best equipment. At Refresh Carpet Care, our trained and certified technicians rely on state-of-the-art technology to deliver outstanding results that bring life back to even the bleakest tiles and grimiest grout lines. Don’t settle for sore knees and the sub-par results of manual scrubbing. You can trust our team to revitalise your floors, eliminating even the most stubborn stains.
How do I keep my tiles looking their best in-between professional cleans?
If you opt for a professional tile cleaning service, you will doubtlessly want to preserve the results for as long as possible. The best way to extend the life of your clean tiles is by implementing a regular cleaning routine that proactively tackles dirt and stains as it forms.
How often should my tiles and grout be cleaned?
The frequency of cleaning necessary for your tiles surfaces will depend on where they are located, and the kind of use they encounter. Below are some general guidelines, but it’s important to regularly assess the condition of your tiles to determine the most optimal routine.
Kitchens
Kitchen tiles can best be tackled with some regular sweeping or vacuuming, and a weekly mop-down. It’s important to clean up spills as soon as they happen, as they can become sticky and attract more dirt the longer they are left unattended. Regular and prompt cleaning of your kitchen tiles will help them look brighter for longer and will prevent that infamous “sticky floor” feeling that makes for a less-than-stellar cooking experience.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are one of the most humid areas in the home and consequently require more frequent attention. Soap scum, grime and any early signs of mould or mildew should be tackled every week.
Laundry rooms
Tiles in laundries generally don’t require quite as much regular care as those found in kitchens or bathrooms. However, it is still a good idea to vacuum and mop your laundry at least once a week to remove any dirt or residue from accidental spills.
Looking for a hassle-free tile cleaning service? We’re here to help
You shouldn’t dread going to your bathroom, or feel frustrated every time you take a glance at your kitchen floor. At Refresh Carpet Care, we pride ourselves on offering friendly, timely, and effective tile and grout cleaning services that will help you freshen up your home and create a hygienic living space that you can enjoy. If your tiles appear to be in need of attention but you don’t want to spend countless hours scrubbing for sub-par results, then don’t hesitate to give us a call or get in touch online. We’re always ready to help transform your bathroom, laundry, or kitchen for the better.
