I've read a bunch of threads and haven't heard anyone mention steam cleaning grout. I've done several floors now with my steam cleaner. no chemicals just plain high pressure steam. tedious work, but the results are awesome. my clients are real happy and can't believe the results. anyone else steaming?
i use a euro-pro. it comes with a few attachments, 2 for grout and tight spaces. residential cleaning is what i've been doing. also use on bathroom fixtures, toilet hinges and base. super clean, sanitizes these areas as well. it breaks up hard water build up ok, but i still use chemical cleaners to get the heavy stuff. not enough water to require a vacuum, it will evaporate, but leaves the residue behind. a good wipe with a towel does it for me. the steamer has a temperature adjuster on it, haven't used it on my truck engine yet, but i'm sure it'll come out real nice.
thanks for replying.
Yes , ofcourse Spanky, the results with steam cleaning are good. But Steam cleaning can be far too aggressive for grout that is under 1 year old and may cause significant damage to the grout. Some grout manufacturers void their warranty if it has been steam cleaned.
this I did not know. so far it's been working out fine. i can adjust the temp, but not the pressure. the jobs i've done is cleaning years of traffic build up. i'll be more aware now. thanks for the heads up...
Well, I have also done steam cleaner for floor. I am totally agree that it is tedious work with no chemicals and also with great result. These cleaners much good but you make it effective via accessories like brushes and telescoping wands.
The stream cleaner provide efficiency in cleaning.I am not familiar with this technique please provide me some general information in this context so that I can utilize this in my work.
Katty, stream cleaner is very much effective for cleaning purpose. Using liquid extraction is best way to clean grout. Also use dry/ wet vacuum, so that the dirt is pull back and flush out of the holes.
Fill the steam cleaner with water, and allow to reach proper operating temperature. Begin at the bottom or lowest point, if cleaning walls. Start applying steam with the applicator touching the wall or floor, concentrating on the grout lines. Pay special attention to any of the grout lines that have mold or mildew. Move slowly, and work on an area approximately 2 by 2 feet. Use a clean towel or rags to wipe off any water that runs down the wall to avoid streaks.
You must first pre treat the tile and grout with a high PH pre treat, scrub the grout and the steam rinse and extract all the contaminents out of the grout as well as the pits.
When having your tile and grout cleaned the very best and most powerful way is to use truck mounted steam cleaning equipment. This technique creates amazing vacuum coupled with high heat and pressurized water rinse. We use this technique at tile and grout cleaning orange county.
I agree that steam cleaning can be effective, but would also suggest pretreating with professional grade products like HMK R55 Intensive Cleaner with a 15 minute dwell time. You will find that this will speed up the process and give you good results.
i also agree that the grout needs to be fully cured, at least one year.
I agree that steam cleaning can be effective, but would also suggest pretreating with professional grade products like HMK R55 Intensive Cleaner with a 15 minute dwell time. You will find that this will speed up the process and give you good results.
i also agree that the grout needs to be fully cured, at least one year.
Yes I agree with you all....Steam cleaning is the best option to cleaning grout, it eliminates scrape marks and swill out dirt or kill grout at their roots. It is also the best method to work easily and efficiently. I think using steam cleaner to remove the first level of dirt or if you are effort to remove a large stain or to clean the grout in hard- to reach corners, you will require cleaning products like crushed oxygen bleach, a basic all purpose cleaner and a scour brush. If you want to clean the kitchen area, be sure to have to use only non-toxic cleaning products.
Yes I too prefer steam cleaning over traditional methods of cleaning tiles and grout lines. I take help of professional steam cleaning expert in this regard.
Honestly I wold not steam clean your grout on your tile. It could seriously damage it. Short of getting a grout brush and creating a solution with vinegar and water I wouldn't do anything else. It's hard work but the results are well worth it.
Steam cleaning will give you the best results. the proper cleaning solutions, agitation, time an temperature is most important. I tend to clean at a lower pressure (aprox 500-600psi on residential and 800 on commercial) Some guys will crank up the pressure to over 1000 psi. This is where you can run into problems with grout chipping. If you employ the other factors of the cleaning pie, 600 psi should be more than enough to get the job done.
All carpet suppliers suggest steam cleaning because it's the most comprehensive method of getting the job carried out. Enhanced carpet cleaning methods generally need some specialized products and equipments.
The cleaning grout in the bathroom or kitchen is way down the list of favorite things to do. No one likes to drag out an arsenal of cleaning products and the other one .
This is a good technique. For commercial use you can buy all necessary professional cleaning equipment from Akro catering because their equipment is affordable, efficient and also makes your work easy!
I might be going overboard, but here is how I clean grout. first I spray a grout cleaning chemical. Then I scrub the grout joint the best I can with a grout brush. After that, I use a vapor machine and vapor clean the grout joints. Once I cleaned it up as good as its going to clean up, I wipe all of the dirt off the floor with rags. It normally cleans up pretty good and the customer will tell me to go ahead and seal it.But if it doesnt clean up as good as you would like, you could always color seal it. either way , you end up with clean looking grout joints
It is really new concept to compare than the use of harmful chemical but you should considered when you apply this technique. This new concept really good for household and it gives a safer and healthier home for your family.
I have split brick flooring in my home and steam cleaning does the trick every time.
We have 4 dogs and they can't always hold it, I find that steaming is the fastest / easiest way to clean up that gross, dried urine that collects between the grout.
I agree that steam cleaning can do a good job, but I cannot agree that it is the best method. I use water instead of heated steam, at pressure adjustable up to 1300 PSI. My equipment has a built-in extracting vacuum, so cleanup doesnt get any easier. I let my cleaning products dwell on the surface about 15 minutes, then I pass my tools. I can typically clean 1000-1200 square feet per hour this way. There's no wiping afterwards, spray the tile, let it dwell, then spray and extract in one step. I use this primarily on ceramic tile, but have also done brick, concrete, marble, limestone, slate.....I get really great results without the extra hassle. Also, I dont believe that this is indicative of all steam cleaning, but I have gone up against a local competitor on two occasions....he uses a steam cleaner. The first time, I did a demonstration in a room he had cleaned two days prior. The homeowner was so mad that she had paid the other guy money for the poor results he provided. There was a night and day difference between his finished product and my demo.
Careful when steam cleaning grout... old grout, new grout, too much psi pressure, wrong cleaning product, .... can damage it. Personally, I will use the good old elbow grease method for small jobs but for big jobs, since I'm self-employed, do not have employees, etc.. I will refer them to professionals that mainly do this and are a butt load more experienced them me at this.
You have to know where your weaknesses are....
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