2024 Idaho Statesman Boise Favorites Popular Vote
1st Place: Remodeler / Contractor
2nd Place: Cabinets & Countertops
3rd Place: Interior Design Firm
Voted Idaho's BEST Remodeler In The State, & Best Contractor in Treasure Valley, For Two Years In a Row! 2020 & 2021
What a fantastic achievement for a small family owned and operated business!  "We Must be doing Something right!"

1. Product Maintenance

   Clean with a neutral cleaner such as Aqua Mix AquaKleen, Aqua Mix Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner or Tilelab Grout & Tile Cleaner

MAINTENANCE - ROUTINE

Purpose: Routine cleaning of Cement-Based Grouts and CUSTOM’s® Prism® SureColor® Grout Product Recommendation: Aqua Mix® Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner
Equipment: Sponge or synthetic mop and bucket with wringer
Coverage: Approximately 10,000 - 20,000 sq. ft. per gallon

Procedure:

1. Sweep or vacuum surface.

2. Mix 2 to 4 ounces of Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner per gallon of water.

3. Apply solution onto surface.

4. Allow to dwell 3 to 5 minutes on heavy soiled areas.

5. Agitate with sponge mop, synthetic mop or floor scrub machine using a white nylon scrub pad.

6. Remove dirty solution with a mop. A wet/dry vac may be used.

7. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, changing water every 500 sq. ft. or as needed.

8. Background

9. Cleaning grout properly is key to maintaining a beautiful installation for years and years. Regular maintenance and prompt clean-up of spills will aid in the appearance of all grout types. The following are some tips for cleaning cement based, premixed and epoxy grouts.

10. General DOs and DON'Ts:

11. DOs:

12. Wipeupallspillspromptly.Acidicsubstancessuchasjuice,wine,mustard, ketchup or soda can etch the grout.

13. Clean routinely with a pH neutral cleaner.

14. Clean regularly to keep dirt, scum or other residue from building up.

15. Rinse thoroughly to prevent cleaning solution residue to building up in the grout joint.

16. DON'Ts:

17. Do not use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general purpose cleaning products that contain lemon, lime or other acids. Using these routinely can degrade the grout.

18. Do not use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers for everyday cleaning. These are for spot cleaning of stains only.

19. Do not use wax or oil based cleaners.

20. Do not regularly use heavy mechanical scrubbers or scrubbing machines on the grout as they can cause damage to the grout over time.

21. Cement Based Grouts

22. Routine care:

23. Use a pH neutral cleaner, such as diluted dishwashing soap, for everyday cleaning. Rinse with clean water and dry the area to avoid the dirt settling back into the joints. Always test a small inconspicuous area first. Do not use enzymatic cleaners with cement based grout.

24. Deep cleaning:

25. For grease and soap scum, use an alkaline based cleaner. For hard water deposits and other inorganic stains, use an acid based cleaner. Follow cleaning instructions, and always try in a test area first. Scrub the joints with a white nylon scrub pad. Rinse with clean water and dry the area to avoid the dirt settling back into the joints. Always test a small inconspicuous area first.

26. Note: If a sealer was used, refer to the sealing manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning. Acid based cleaners are not to be used with natural stone or acid sensitive tile, and can ruin stainless steel appliances. Always try a small inconspicuous
    area first and allow to dry to ensure compatibility of cleaner with the surface to be cleaned.

27. Premixed Grouts

28. Routine care:

29. Use a pH neutral cleaner, such as diluted dishwashing soap, for everyday cleaning. Rinse with clean water and dry the area to avoid the dirt settling back into the joints. Always test a small inconspicuous area first. Do not use enzymatic cleaners with ready to use grout.

30. Deep cleaning:

31. Use an acid based cleaner. Follow cleaning instructions, and always try in a test area first. Scrub the joints with a white nylon scrub pad. Rinse with clean water and dry the area to avoid the dirt settling back into the joints. Always try a small inconspicuous area first and allow to dry to ensure compatibility of cleaner with the surface to be cleaned.

32. Epoxy Grout

33. For routine cleaning, use a pH neutral cleaner, such as diluted dishwashing soap, for everyday cleaning. Rinse with clean water and dry the area. The epoxy grout can be cleaned with enzymatic cleaners, and can handle steam cleaning. If the environment dictates either of these cleaning methods, epoxy grout should be used.