How Dirty Tile & Grout Affects Your Health

What Is Tile and Grout in Flooring?

Have you never heard of the term “grout” and hence are unaware of what it stands for? No worries, as we got your back. Grout refers to the filler or lines which you see between the tiles on your home flooring. It is a powered type of cement or mixture that is mixed together with some amount of water.

Once the grout mixture is applied, it helps fill spaces between the tiles and seals the gaps. It further hardens the area so that the tiles can stick together without falling apart. For simple understanding, you can think of grout as glue for the tiles.

What Happens When Your Tiles and Grout Get Dirty?

Before we discuss how dirty tiles and grout can become, let’s talk about when was the last time you got a professional cleaning done for your tiles. When tiles are left unclean for a long time and do not get the attention they require, the grout lines start collecting dirt and dust.

Over time, the same ground and dust accumulate, and your grout lines start growing dark and dirty. Once the grout area becomes contaminated, it can nearly become impossible to clean the lines between the tiles unless you make a lot of effort.

What Harmful Effects Do Dirty

Tiles and Grout Have on Your Health?

Germs and Bacteria

This might seem like a no-brainer, but most of us forget how harmful germs and bacteria can be for our health just because we are too busy in our daily lives. When we delay cleaning our tiles, it leads to the growth of germs and bacteria in the grout.

This might not seem like a big deal, but if you have elderly or small kids at home, then they can be exposed to all sorts of illnesses and health concerns. Imagine walking on the dirty tiles with bare feet and letting all the germs get to you without knowing.

Mold

Can you see that weird green or black thing in between your tiles? If yes, then that is what we call mold. Along with affecting the appearance of your tiles, mold can cause your health to deteriorate without you even realizing what is behind your sickness.

If mold is left untreated for a long time, it just continues to grow and aids the growth of multiple other bacteria. If you have a bathroom with tile and grout and it has mold growth then, the hot water from the shower will cause the mold to grow and thrive even more.

If you are allergic to a patient of asthma, mold exposure can also cause extreme reactions such as nosebleeds, sore throats, and a weak immune system.

Smelly Tiles

Sometimes when tiles are left dirty for a long time, they start to smell and create a weird smell in your indoor space. The smelly tiles ruin the interior of your house, make it difficult to breathe, and reduce the air quality.

They remove the warmth and comfort of your home, along with making it feel stuffy and uncomfortable when you live inside. Many people think that this might be happening because of the weather, but they fail to realize that the culprit behind smell tiles or breathing issues is dirty tiles and grout.

How To Clean Tile and Grout at Home?

Are you looking for effective and easy ways through which you can clean tile and grout at home in less than no time?

To clean tile and grout, you can mix two baking soda and 1 part of bleach to create a paste. Then spread the paste on the grout area properly and let it be for the next 5 to 10 minutes. After the time has passed, use an old toothbrush to scrub the grout while ensuring that the dirt comes off properly. After scrubbing off everything, use a sponge or a cloth to remove the mixture from the grout.

For a more straightforward cleaning hack, you can also spray vinegar and warm water on the grout and let it sit for several minutes. Once the mixture has had enough time to settle in, use a bristled brush to scrub off the dirt and germs accumulated over time.

When you don’t have cleaning products with you, the toothpaste will also work for cleaning grout. Dab white, non-gel toothpaste on the grout and spread it evenly. Scrub the toothpaste with a brush, and then use a soft cloth to wipe off the surface once you are done with the cleaning process.

Professional Cleaning Services

Do you not have enough time on your hands due to workplace and household responsibilities? Are you struggling with home-related chores and cannot give them enough time as you should have?

While the cleaning hacks mentioned above for tile and grout might be effective for you but keep in mind that nothing beats a professional cleaning. The best part about hiring professionals is that you don’t have to worry about cleaning things yourself. Also, when you avail yourself of services from a professional, they are long-lasting and leave behind a good impression.

We at “It’s All Clean San Diego” are the best option you can opt for professional cleaning services. As expert cleaners, we will ensure that your work is completed in the least amount of time at the most affordable rates.