TILE AND GROUT CLEANING FAQs
We specialise in all tile cleaning, especially for natural stone services. Read our Frequently Asked Questions below about our tile and grout cleaning services. Questions answered include the benefit to your home or office in getting your tiles and grout cleaned, the tile cleaning process, how we charge, and how to care for your tiles and grout once we leave.
If you have any further questions relating to our tile and grout cleaning services contact us either by email or phone.
What’s included in your tile and grout cleaning service?
Using different specialised tools, such as a Turbo Hybrid Spinner and a Rotary Scrubber combined with formulated solutions specific to your tile and grout requirements, we restore your grout and tiles to their best possible condition. The inbuilt vacuum recovery means water is extracted as we clean or we manually vacuum up excess water with our wet vacs. Operating pressure ranges from 500 psi – 2500 psi. In smaller areas where our larger machines can’t fit, we use miniature scrubbers or manually clean the grout.
How do you clean tiles?
The Turbo Hybrid Spinner and Scrubber machines that Tile Cleaning Experts use will clean your grout and tiles using a pressurised hot water system. The operating pressure ranged between 500 psi – 2500 psi with the pressure being determined by our qualified technician on the day. This steam cleaning technology means optimal efficiency is used in the cleaning process and the pH balance in your tiles and grout is not compromised on completion. Steam cleaning technology is also a safe alternative for both family and floor. Many other companies use toxic chemicals which may be harmful.
What tiles and stone types do you specialise in?
We’re experts in all hard surfaced, natural and manmade stone areas. Some common types we service (but are not limited to) are: ceramic, slate, limestone, travertine, sandstone, bluestone, terracotta, marble, granite, terrazzo, vinyl, concrete and porcelain. You can read more about the properties of these under ‘types of floors’
How do you charge for your tile and stone services?
All floor tile and stone cleaning specialists charge per square metre. We ask you for an estimate of the area size that will be serviced when booking over the phone. Our experts will measure each room individually and confirm the dimensions and work prior to starting the job.
How long can I expect you to be at my home/office?
Depending on the size of the tile area and how much work is necessary in order to restore your floor to its best possible condition; times may vary from initial estimates. In most cases the average job takes 3-4 hours. Once our technician has inspected the area and done a sample, they will give you a more accurate indication of how long the work will take.
How long until I can use the floors as normal again?
After a clean of your tiles and grout, the floor is ready to use as soon as we are done.
How do I measure the tile and grout area that needs to be cleaned?
When quoting over the phone, the simplest way to measure the area is to multiply the width and length of the area to be cleaned. E.g. A room that is 2 metres long and 4 metres wide would be 4 x 2 = 8m2 in total. Our tile cleaning experts will determine the exact dimensions when on site and confirm before they start any work. In rare cases, we may need to attend the location to provide a quote. This can be discussed with you over the phone.
How do I organise a quote for my tiles to be cleaned and how long will it take?
Simply, fill in our ‘free online quote’ section and a team member at Tile Cleaning Experts will contact you with the details you provide. In most cases, we can easily provide a quote to you over the phone within 5 – 10 minutes, answering any questions or concerns that you may have. On the day, Tile Cleaning Experts will inspect the area and confirm the quote before starting. In rare cases, we may need to attend the location to provide a quote. This can be discussed with you over the phone.
Do I need a professional to clean my grout lines?
If your grout lines are looking stained and you’re unable to remove it with the appropriate household products, it’s recommended that you get an expert in. Keep in mind, when attempting to clean tile and grout lines yourself, harsh chemicals and abrasive equipment can damage both grout and tile area. Our professionals know the properties of each floor’s materials to ensure the utmost care is taken to restore your area back to the best possible condition.
Are your cleaning products toxic?
Your family, workers and customers’ safety is very important. This is why we prefer to use non-toxic finishing products. This not only protects your floors and grout but the people that come into contact with it as well. If your floor has previously been sealed with solvent (a hazardous chemical previously used in the industry), it’s important that this is removed by a professional with the correct precautionary equipment and experience. We will advise you if your floor has a solvent coating on it.
How often should I professionally clean my tiles and grout?
We recommend every 1 – 2 years, depending on how heavy the foot traffic is and your own personal preference. Most of our regular customers schedule an appointment annually to clean their tiles and grout – as both preventative and general maintenance. This may be more frequent in commercial and business locations.
How can I regularly clean my tiles and grout between visits?
To keep your tiles and grout looking like it’s just been professionally cleaned, we first recommend professionally sealing your tiles and grout lines with a water-based grout sealer. This will assist in preventing dirt absorption, mould, germs and stains from penetrating into the porous material. Tile Cleaning Experts also recommends cleaning weekly with a damp microfiber cloth mixed with mild detergent or pH neturalised solutions. We do not recommend stronger solution for your regular weekly tile cleaning, as both acidic and alkaline based cleaners may affect the integrity of the sealer and can damage the grout and tiles.
Will you help me move my furniture?
We ask that you clear the area that Tile Cleaning Experts is cleaning. Tile Cleaning Experts insurance coverage means we are only covered by our tile restoration services and cannot be held responsible for the damage to any furniture or items.
What are your hours and availability?
We understand that everyone’s schedule is a little different, so we are flexible in the hours that we work. Generally speaking, we work Monday – Saturday between 7am to 5pm. However, if there is a need for after-hours services we are happy to accommodate. Our tile cleaning technicians can usually attend the property within 2 – 10 days from making the booking at a time that suits you.
How can I prepare for a professional to come to clean my tiles?
We ask that you move all furniture and items in the area to be cleaned, as well as any obstructing furniture between the main entrance point and the area to be cleaned to allow for our professional equipment and machines. A quick vacuum is appreciated to remove any loose dirt, dust and hair. We also recommend painter’s tape on cornices that may come into contact with the industrial hose (as a precautionary). You can read more about this in our blog section.
Is there a call out fee?
As our expert technicians are travelling to your premises, our call out fee is inline with industry standards, which is charged at $75 + GST if the job does not go ahead.
Is there a minimum charge?
We have a minimum charge of $250 + GST for all metro jobs. This is inline with standard industry rates.
Can’t you just use a mop and scrubber to clean my tiles?
Mopping excess cleaning agent does not completely remove it from your floors, which means the cleaner is left in the pores of the grout and tiles which will disrupt the pH level of the floor. This will create a dirt magnet and you’ll need a professional cleaner to return the next week. We use specially developed, state-of-the-art machine that uses steam to clean the area thoroughly while maintaining the integrity and safety of your floors.
Do you use a ride-on cleaner or a truck mounted machine?
Depending on the size and nature of the area to be cleaned, we may use a truck mount or a ride on machine. These generate water pressure between 1500 – 3000 psi (compared to our hand-held machines which are 500 psi – 2500 psi). Our experts will always determine the correct pressure depending on the type of grout you have to eliminate the risk of any crack forming in the join or worsening any existing cracks.
What is grout recolouring?
Sometimes customers wish to change the entire look of their grout lines – making them darker or lighter. By applying grout colourant we can match your grout lines to your exact specifications. Your existing grout can also fade due to sun exposure and excessive foot-traffic. By recolouring your grout you can ensure consistency throughout the grout work (whether you want to keep the same colour or change it completely.
Can you notice grout recolouring?
Not at all. The process leaves your grout lines looking brand new and eliminates any colour variations. We will mix in a colour sealer, along with your preferred tone, that penetrates the grout in its natural state as it bonds to the silica in the grout joining. Be aware that not all colour sealers are created equal – some topical sealants used by other companies may cause your grout to look painted.
I have efflorescence build up on my tiles, can it be cleaned?
Efflorescence (a crystalline, white-like deposit on the tile surface or grout lines) often appears on outdoor tile surfaces and areas that are prone to being wet . It’s formed from water bringing the minerals found underneath the tile surface to the top. Once the water evaporates, a whitish coating appears on the tile. It can be removed with specialised cleaning techniques, but it normally caused by a leakage causing water to travel beneath the tiles. It’s therefore important that the cause of the efflorescence problem is resolved. We also recommend having a professional seal it with the highest-quality penetrative water-resistant sealer to stop any more water from penetrating the tiles and grout.
LET US HELP
Our tile cleaning experts go that extra step and advise you on the best method and products to maintain your shiny and clean newly sealed floors.
Contact us today for a free online quote.