Tile and Grout Cleaning Services

Tile floors in commercial kitchens and restrooms need to be cleaned regularly to prevent slip and fall injuries and to prevent them from becoming stained which can affect customer appeal.  Proper cleaning of tile floors is important because:

• Contaminants can also break down grout, shortening the life of your floor.
• Dirt, debris, bacteria, mold, and mildew can build up in grout between tiles.
• Unclean floors put people at risk of allergy symptoms, infections, and disease.

Even though Tile is used in kitchens and restrooms, or in showers or locker rooms is chosen for its durability and strength.  In most cases, kitchen tiles are unglazed to aid in slip resistance for employee safety.

Quarry tile is primarily used in commercial kitchens because it can withstand heavy foot traffic and regular cleaning. Quarry tile is hard-fired at extremely high temperatures and has a low absorption rate which helps prevent stains from penetrating into it even in high-moisture environments.

Commercial kitchen floors are also made from other materials like brick, concrete, and ceramic tile.

Cleaning tile and grout floor surfaces in a commercial kitchen requires knowing what materials are present and which products or procedures will be effective without causing damage to the surface.

Maintenance cleaning of tile floors in commercial kitchens

Tile and grout maintenance for areas like kitchens, restrooms, and showers typically includes the removal of grease due to the constant presence of oils and fatty foods.  For bathrooms removing surface debris, and application of an alkaline cleaner, agitation, vacuuming or drying, and then rinsing usually works fine.

When tile and grout get stained from not being properly maintained, a professional tile and grout restoration company is the best option for restoring appearance and sanitation.

When hiring a tile and grout restoration provider, beware of protective solutions for tile surfaces unless they are formulated to provide enhanced slip resistance and traction. In most cases, an impregnating sealer can be used for porous tile since it fills holes that are subsurface.

Maintaining tile and grout in commercial kitchens

Sealing grout lines is a critical step in maintaining and protecting any tile and grout surface; it certainly holds true for kitchen floors.  Grout is naturally porous. Without an impregnating sealer, the tiny pores in grout will allow contaminants and liquids to penetrate grout lines, resulting in deep soiling, bacteria, and foul odors. If cementitious grout is used, beware of harsh industrial chemicals, hi pressure washing and no-rinse cleaners.  With repeated use, grout will eventually start to deteriorate and break down, worsening the cycle of use and abuse.

Many commercial kitchens are now opting to use industrial-grade epoxy grout with 100% solids. This type of epoxy grout can stand up to no-rinse cleaners, which can make maintenance a bit easier, but it is important to realize not all epoxy grouts are industrial-grade or suitable for commercial kitchens.

When epoxy grouts fail, they can fracture, allowing bacteria to breed in the cracks and create odors to grow. That’s why the application of a protective coating to grout lines is important, regardless of the grout material. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last indefinitely.

Continuous use and routine maintenance will eventually wear away the protective coatings and sealer. As with other types of flooring, routine maintenance should be partnered with occasional deep cleaning and the refreshing of sealants and polymer coatings to preserve the value of your commercial kitchen’s tile and grout surfaces and prevent potential repairs.

How to perform regular cleaning of commercial ceramic tile floors

1. Sweep/vacuum: whether you sweep the floor manually or use a vacuum cleaner, cover every square inch of the floor, including corners that are more prone to dirt buildup.
2. Mix cleaner and warm water: for general mopping, mix hot water with a mild detergent.
3. To deep clean tile floors, use a ¼ cup of low-foaming detergent or 1-2 tablespoons of commercial floor cleaning powder (or washing soda or trisodium phosphate) per gallon of water.
4. Mop so you cover the entire floor: use even, gentle strokes and follow the same pattern for the entire room; it’s important not to miss any spots, or the remaining dirt will get tracked around.
5. Change bucket water frequently: in larger spaces, you’ll need to rinse out the mop or rag regularly.
6. The water will eventually get cloudier and dirtier. Refill the bucket to avoid leaving behind a grimy film. If a film appears, soak a rag in hot water and white vinegar (or a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner) and wipe it away.
7. Don’t miss the grout: spray on a grout cleaner, wait a few minutes, and rinse it off. A mild bleach solution can be used as well (safely with gloves). Wait up to 10 minutes with deep stains, and then scrub the grout with a small, soft brush; afterward, mop the floor and rinse thoroughly before drying.
8. Dry the floor thoroughly: use a clean cloth to get the floor dry and prevent water spots from forming on the tile.
9. ALWAYS Use wet floor signs for safety: wet, slippery floors are a common cause of slip and fall accidents. Warning signs alert people in your facility of potential danger.