Tile flooring is beautiful and long-lasting, but grout, on the other hand, causes us to scrub and scratch our heads.
Grout is a dense, viscous substance used to fill gaps between the tiles and reinforce existing structures. Though it keeps the tiles in place, grout is porous in nature. Grout tends to absorb moisture, dirt, and debris, which can be challenging to clean. In many cases when tiles appear clean, unfortunately, the grout lines do not.
If you are struggling with dirty grout lines, never fear! We have some great information and tips to help you out.
Different Grout Types
There are a number of kinds of grout, most of which come in a variety of colors. Before you decide on the type of grout, begin collecting cleaning equipment and creating a cleaning plan, you must consider both type and color.
1. Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grout is more resistant to water spills and less prone to sagging and shrinking than cement grouts. According to the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), epoxy grout is as stain-proof as tile. It absorbs up to 50 times less moisture than cement grout and is more durable.
Epoxy grout is effective in harsh environments such as shower floors and walls, and kitchen backsplashes. If you want white, or light-colored flooring, epoxy grout is your best choice. Although the chances of epoxy grout needing deep cleaning are slim to none, it is more costly than traditional cement grouts and takes a little longer to apply.
2. Sanded Grout
Sanded grout is made of cement with grit, and you’ll also feel and see it when working on it. Tilers use sanded grout in the joints, which are 3.1 mm to 15.8 mm wide, depending on the product. It is an excellent choice for high-traffic floors, but it’s not ideal for smooth, polished stone. When applying the grout, the grit may scratch the tile surfaces.
3. Unsanded Grout
Unsanded grout is also a type of cement grout which does not contain grit. Tilers use it for narrower joints, like 1.58 mm. This long-lasting material is easier to apply and cleans up faster than sanded grout. Also, it can be used on both smooth tiles and longitudinal areas, such as shower floor tiles.