Cleaning and Regrouting: Maintenance for Vancouver Properties
In business since 1964, we are the experienced professionals for tile selection and installation in the Lower Mainland. Our staff can also help you maintain your product for years to come. For cleaning tips and regrouting advice, Vancouver homeowners and contractors can turn to Star Tile.
How Do I Clean My Dirty Grout?
If you are faced with dirty grout, a good scrubbing with a scrub brush and a general purpose cleaner is often the best solution. Once you have finished scrubbing, be sure to thoroughly rinse the grout to remove any loosened dirt. We suggest you use the scrub brush along with plenty of fresh water to result in the cleanest surface possible. Let this dry overnight. Now apply a good sealer before the grout gets dirty again. It may be easier to remove and replace extremely dirty grout than it is to clean it, so consider this as an option.
Replacing and Grouting Tile
Repairing Your Floor
Hard-surface flooring is durable, long lasting and stands up well to hard wear. But occasionally a tile cracks or chips. Such damage cannot be repaired, but the cracked tile can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the floor. The tools required to make the repair yourself are a hammer, cold chisel, notched trowel, and sponge. Be sure to wear some form of eye protection when working with a cold chisel.
Step-By-Step Regrouting
1. Begin by chipping out the old grout with a hammer and a cold chisel held at an angle. As you work, be careful not to damage adjacent tiles.
2. When all of the old grout has been loosened, clean out the joints on all sides of the tile with a stiff-bristled whisk broom.
3. With the joint spaces cleaned, you now have room to chip away and remove the damaged tile. Again, using a hammer and cold chisel, begin chipping at the center of the tile and work toward the edges.
4. To set the replacement tile, use a notched trowel to apply adhesive evenly to the back of the tile. Call us and ask about the kind of notched trowel that will best suit the kind of adhesive and flooring material you intend to use.
5. When overlaying a wood or resilient floor, use an epoxy cement. For concrete surfaces, dealers recommend a thin-set mortar.
6. After applying adhesive, carefully centre the tile and press (don't slide) it in place.
7. After the adhesive has had at least 24 hours to dry, fill the joint spaces with grout. Wipe off the excess grout with a clean, dampened sponge.
If you have ANY FURTHER INQUIRIES, please get in touch with our team.