Grouting experts Megasealed has shared their top tips and tricks to save you from the costly repairs and health hazards of unkept grout.
Many don't pay much attention to grout until there's a problem. However, costly repairs and damage to health can be avoided with a little bit of regular maintenance.
Why is maintaining grout important?
Grout is porous like a sponge, absorbing water, dirt, and bacteria, which can lead to the growth of mould and mildew. Neglecting grout can lead to cracks, erosion, and leaks that can be costly to fix.
Mould growth in your bathroom is a hazard that may cause dangerous side effects on health. In prevention of these headaches and threats it's important to maintain grout regularly with a consistent cleaning routine with quality products.
Signs you may need to give your grout some love
To keep tiles looking its best its vital to clean and maintain grout regularly. With over 40 years of experience in bathroom renovations Megasealed founder and managing director Jacques Courtin shares his top signs that your grout may need some attention.
Spills, dirt, mould, and mildew growth over time can cause staining and discolouration on your grout. If your grout is discoloured or stained, this is a sign that it is time to clean your grouted areas.
If your is cracking or crumbling, it no longer provides a secure seal between your tiles. This can lead to water damage and other structural issues if not addressed. This makes repairing or replacing damaged grout as soon as possible is essential for the long-term longevity of your grout.
If your grout feels soft or spongy, it can absorb moisture and break down. If water is allowed to seep through tiles it can lead to more sinister leak issues, so it is crucial to address this promptly with the help of a grout expert.
If you notice any of these signs, it's time to give grout some much needed TLC. Regular cleaning and maintenance will do wonders in preventing any leak or mould issues and keep your tile looking immaculate.
Top tips to keep your grout sparkling clean
Every day non-invasive household cleaners like dishwashing liquid and some elbow grease to keep your grout in tip-top shape can be used. If you notice your grout needs a deep clean, you can use steam cleaners or a scrubber with a specialised grout cleaning product.
Regular cleaning routines, including a daily wipe-down and a weekly deep clean, will make maintaining your grout much more manageable in the long run.
If grout begins to discolour, opt for a specialised grout cleaner that won't damage. A diluted non-chlorinated bleach can be an excellent place to start and is gentler for grout and tiles than other liquid chlorine-type bleaches on the market. Frequent use of bleach can weaken grout structure and cause it to become brittle and deteriorate over time.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not maintaining grout correctly. It's important to reseal your grout annually as it's prone to cracks and damage from constant exposure to water.
With over 40 years of experience in grout and leak repair Jacques recommends that anyone tired of monotonous cleaning only to be left with discoloured or mouldy grout undertake a professional regrouting service.
"You can avoid many expensive repairs by simply maintaining your grout with a grout friendly cleaning routine,” Jacques says.
“I always recommend to our clients to have their grout resealed every year to maintain its integrity and ensure it is working to effectively keep leaks at bay. If you’re in need of a more robust solution regrouting is the best solution.
“Megasealed’s regrouting process involves removing the existing grout and mould build-up between tiles and then regrouting with our industry-leading epoxy grout solution. This will ensure less maintenance and cleaning in the future.”
Here's how Megasealed can help
Megasealed offers a range of services to help you maintain grout. Their team of experts can identify the problem and provide a customised solution to meet your needs.
From regrouting to resealing, Megasealed's process involves removing the existing grout, cleaning the surface, and applying new grout. They even provide a range of sealers to protect your grout from further damage.
As an industry pioneer for 26 years, Megasealed offers a revolutionary stop-leak service that restores your bathroom to a pristine condition without the need to remove tiles.