Maintenance and Care of your Granite Countertops

Natural granite is considered the countertop material of choice by many home owners and contractors alike. But why is this? Quite simply the versatility and ease of cleaning and care makes it so popular.

* Granite is available in countless natural patterns and colors, making it possible for even the choosiest customers to find a countertop they will love for years to come.

* It is durable - highly resistant to staining agents and acidic foods that are very commonly found in the kitchen. It's durability means that granite requires much less care and upkeep than other popular countertop materials available.

* It's beautiful - with all the patterns and colors available it can be difficult to choose just one pattern from all the ones available. Clear crystals give some patterns a 3D depth, and new colors and artifacts appear every time you study it.

* Temperature is not an issue with a stone countertop. You can take a boiling pot of water off the stove and place it directly on the granite without worrying about burns. After all, when it was formed deep in the earth, it was a lot hotter than a boiling pot of water.

What is the best product for daily cleaning?
We recommend using Grout Kleen's Tile and Stone Cleaner for daily cleaning. It can be purchased here.

How often should I seal my granite countertops?
An annual professional cleaning and resealing is recommended. Granite is still porous, and some patterns are more porous than others. This is why it needs to be resealed once a year. Sealing helps it resist staining, and retain its luster.

Can you point me to someone that can do this for me?
Yes, Grout Kleen in New Jersey will clean and reseal your granite countertops.

How do I maintain my floor after it's been sealed?

Care and Maintenance of Sealed Grout
To remove spills or soil/dirt from the grout joints use a properly diluted, true neutral pH cleaner (7-7.5 on pH scale) with a string type mop, pole brush or grout brush. Change your cleaning water often, most dirt buildup is caused by wiping dirty water onto the tile surface.

After your grout has been thoroughly cleaned and sealed with either clear or color sealer, you should follow these simple maintenance instructions described below:

Do's and Dont's of Ceramic Tile Grout Care

Do use a Neutral pH cleaner for periodic and regular maintenance of your tile and grout. I.E. Zep Neutral Maintenance Cleaner (Home Depot), AquaMix Ultra Clean Neutral Floor Cleaner (Lowe‘s), Regency Professional Neutral Floor Cleaner, Enhance Neutral Floor Cleaner…(Online) Bona Hard Surface Cleaner (Target, Etc.)

Don't use vinegar and water for cleaning tile. Vinegar is acidic and will damage grout and bleach its color. A neutral pH cleaner is a better choice.

Don't use muriatic acid or other acidic cleaners- it is dangerous to people, pets, tile and grout.

Don't use bleach on a tile application. It is acidic, corrosive and toxic and has the same effect on tile and grout as vinegar.

Don't clean the surface of tile with abrasive cleaning powders. They will scratch the tile and wear down glazed and unglazed surfaces prematurely.Don't use steel wool on tile - this is another way to scratch the tile surface.

Don't use dish detergents, they will leave a soapy residue and cause dullness.

Remember........ If your grout has been sealed with a clear sealer, prompt clean-up of spills and regular cleaning with a true Neutral pH cleaner will help prolong the life of the sealer. To maximize protection, sealer will need to be applied every year.
If your grout has been sealed with a color sealer, regular cleaning with a true Neutral pH cleaner will keep your floor looking it's best for many years to come.

Why hire a professional to clean my grout?

If you need grout cleaning done in your home, you may want to consider having it done by a professional grout cleaning company. Many people do not have the time to do grout cleaning themselves but they may try to do it a quick and easy way to try to save money. Many times, doing it yourself can cause a great many of problems, so it usually is best to let grout cleaning professionals do the job in your home. The following are a few reasons that you should consider having professional grout cleaning done.

It is hard work
One reason to hire grout cleaning professionals is that it is hard work that can require a great deal of time. More than likely, you do not have the time that will be needed to do grout cleaning properly, so why not let the professionals do their work. Grout cleaning can be hard on the knees, especially if you do not have knee pads to wear while working. Grout cleaning professionals can get this job done for you in a fraction of the time that it would take you and save you the trouble of having to do it all yourself.

Professionals have the "right" equipment and cleaners
Another reason that you should consider having professional grout cleaning done is that the professionals have the right equipment and cleaners to get the job done right. Professionals that do grout cleaning for a living know the right equipment and cleaners to use to get the grout cleaning done quickly and effectively.

Adding Value to Your Home
Professional grout cleaning can actually add value to your home, and you want to be sure that it is done right. If the grout in your home is looking clean and new, more than likely you can get even more money for your home than you thought. If you are selling your home, you will want to be sure that a professional does the grout cleaning. If you decide to try to do the grout cleaning on your own, you may end up with results that are less than desirable. Leaving it to professionals can ensure that grout cleaning helps raise the value of your home.

A Clean Look
It may be easy to look at your grout day after day and not really notice how dirty it looks, but once you have grout cleaning done, you will be astounded at how dirty your grout really was. Having professional grout cleaning done can ensure that your home looks great for company and for yourself. You want to keep your home looking clean, and grout cleaning is one way that you can accomplish this.

These are just a few reasons that professional grout cleaning is important. If you are tempted to try to save money by doing grout cleaning yourself, remember how much money you may have to spend to fix any problems you create. Take the safe route and hire professional grout cleaning services for your grout cleaning needs.

For more information, contact Grout Kleen of Flemington, NJ at 908-864-2122 or visit us online, www.groutkleen.com

Clear or color seal for my grout?

There are 2 types of sealers for your grout. One is clear and the other is referred to as a color seal. We will discuss both and the differences between them in this article.....

CLEAR PENETRATING SEALERS

Why should I seal my grout?

Grout is porous which causes it to absorb water, oils and soils. The presence of these contaminates leads to the growth of mold and mildew. Grout Sealers help to prevent this absorption into the grout line.

Will the clear sealer keep my grout from getting dirty?

No, it will not. The purpose of the sealer is to protect the grout from staining in order to allow the grout to be cleaned in the future as normal wear of the surface causes it to become dirty again. Without the sealer you invite deep staining of your grout.

Do I have to use special cleaners after my grout has been clear sealed?

Yes, it is recommended to use a Neutral Cleaner. Caustic bathroom/kitchen chemicals which may be high in alkaline or acid will not only strip the dirt but also the sealer.

How long will the clear sealer last?

Manufacturers boast anywhere from 3 to 22 years as the life of their sealer, under perfect conditions which is usually not representative of most floors or walls. The life of the grout will vary depending upon wear, maintenance practices and the effects of the cleaners being used. The Ceramic Tile Council of America recommends sealing once a year, as the tile installation breathes thereby opening microscopic fissures in the grout.

COLOR SEAL

Will the color seal keep my grout from getting dirty?

YES, it will. The color staining/sealer provides a water-tight, stain resistant durable layer of protection. And with it's with its fungicides, bactericides and mildicides built right in, it insures sanitation for many years.

Do I have to use special cleaners on my color sealed grout?

Yes, it is recommended to use a Neutral Cleaner. Caustic bathroom/kitchen chemicals which may be high in alkaline or acid will not only strip the dirt but also the sealer.

How long does the color seal last?

When maintained properly, and depending on the traffic/wear, color stain/sealer can last up to 10 years

Is it expensive?

It is more expensive than conventional sealers due to the product cost and labor involved in its application. But, if you consider its ease of maintenance and durability, it is a better value over clear sealers. Also it is far less expensive than re-grouting.

How is it different from a clear/pernetraing sealer?

A Clear/Impregnating sealer sits just below the surface of the grout, preventing staining, but not very effective for preventing soiling.

Color Sealer not only penetrates the grout, but also coats it, providing superior protection against both staining and soiling, while retaining the texture and appearance or your grout.

When you should you apply the sealer? For a new tile surface or re-grout, nearly all grout manufacturers advise that you wait at least 72 hours after grouting before applying sealers so the grout has time to finish setting.


Before sealing your grout, it is important to have it thoroughly cleaned, otherwise you will be sealing in the stuff you are trying to seal out. For more information or a free estimate to have your grout thoroughly cleaned by a professional, visit us online at www.groutkleen.com

How to eliminate mold in your shower

Bathroom mold is ugly, disgusting, and unhealthy. And, unfortunately, it often seems an ever-present nuisance that even the most fastidious home owners must deal with. However, mold doesn't have to greet you every morning as you step into the shower. These preventative measures and cleaning tips will help you get rid of the mold and mildew that collects in showers, baths and sinks.

Do Your Drains Drain?

First, make sure that you have good drainage in your sink, tub or shower. If the water does not drain as quickly as you run water, you have a present (or building) problem. When water doesn't drain properly, it stands, creating an environment that is moist for longer periods of time. These types of environments are those in which mold thrives. Use a bleach solution, a chemical specially formulated to unclog drains, or call a plumber if the drain stoppage is particularly bad. It will be impossible to maintain a clean bathroom without properly working drains.

Minimize

Toiletries, beauty tools, and soaps are common bathroom items, but do you need all of them? Variety is the spice of life, as they say, but almost-empty bottles of shampoo, the once-a-week facial scrub, and the plastic toothbrush cup are all breeding grounds for mold. The more stuff you have, the longer it takes for your shower, bath or vanity to dry. Damp or wet crevices will only encourage mold growth. Throw away, store, or use up any products that you don't use frequently. Set or place beauty tools where they will not sit in collected water - you may even consider hanging a shelf that is easily reached from the shower, as this will allow your products to air-dry completely, avoiding mold growth.

Thorough Cleaning

When you go to clean your bathroom, make sure that you remove all products first. Use a quality cleaning product and spray or wipe on all stained, soiled, damp, and moldy areas with a sponge - brushes can scratch surfaces, reducing their life and appearance. Use an old toothbrush to clean around faucets, drains, and in crevices. For moldy showers, it's possible to use a mild solution of bleach to kill mold and prevent its immediate regrowth. However, never mix bleach with any other cleaning solution, as this could produce toxic fumes. Before putting the products back, wipe them with a moistened cloth that contains some of the same cleaning solution. This will deter mold by removing any already present around the bases of bottles and jars, kill germs, and prevent the already sanitized surface from being re-contaminated with mold and bacteria.

Repairs and Remodeling

It may be that the caulking around your sink, tub or shower is peeling, old or cracked. Caulking that is no longer doing its job needs to bw replaced; it is often impossible to remove mold that has found its way behind caulking, and some mold even grows in the pores of the caulk itself. This is unsightly and unsanitary. Old caulking can be stripped away and replaced with new caulking appropriate for sealing areas that come in contact with water.

Keeping your bathroom free of mold doesn't have to be an routine task. Care of your bathroom, regular maintenance, and reduction of surfaces on which mold can grow will keep mold at bay.

If this is something you would rather not tackle yourself, hire a professional. For more information, check out Grout Kleen @ http://www.groutkleen.com/