A Grout Cleaning Job in Chevy Chase, MD Provided an Amazing Restoration in This Dingy Shower
August 15, 2023
Grout is an essential component for tile installation because it supports the integrity of the surface. Its main function is to hold tiles in place and fill the gaps. Damages on the grout can have negative effects on the structure. For instance, water can leak through and cause serious problems on the area. For this reason, keeping the grout lines in good condition is very important. Unfortunately, grout has a porous composition and can absorb different external agents, depending on the area where it is installed. In a shower, for example, soap residue and dirt particles can seep deep into the grout lines. When this happens, the entire surface acquires an unclean appearance and it can lead to more severe issues, like fungi growth. Moreover, when the damaging agents and the grout become one, conventional cleaning methods are not effective. Professionals have the knowledge and the right tools to perform this task successfully.Our next client was having a hard time with the maintenance of his shower. He never had any problems and was able to keep the surface clean without much effort. However, as time passed, signs of deterioration started to appear. The grout lines were full of dirt and the tiles looked dingy and unappealing. The owner tried using some DIY cleaning methods he found online, but unfortunately, he couldn't improve the condition of his shower. After considering his options, he decided to look for professional assistance. Thankfully, he found the solution thanks to our grout cleaning service in Chevy Chase, MD. Our experts successfully restored his shower and gave the surface a brand-new look.
We later asked him how he found us. He said one of his friends recommended us. She told him we had worked on her natural stone floors and the results were amazing. She highly praised our service and suggested checking our website to get more information. He followed her advice and went to visit our site. As he browsed the homepage, our picture gallery caught his attention. The pictures showed him all the surfaces we have restored over the years. He was relieved when he saw all the showers we had renewed. After going through the pictures, he read testimonials from previous satisfied customers. The positive feedback was a testament to the success of our processes and certified us as leading experts in hard surface restoration. Our reputation and the recommendation we received from his friend convinced him we could solve the problems in his shower. He called us and scheduled a free in-home consultation.
On the appointed date, we arrived at his house for the evaluation of the shower and to offer the most effective solution for the restoration. The owner greeted us, and after introductions, we began the inspection of the surface. At first glance, we noticed the problems in the grout. It suffered from the accumulation of dirt and grime. Because of this, the grout lines had acquired an unclean look that spoiled the entire appearance of the shower. Soap residue, improper cleaning methods, and harsh products were the cause of these issues. This daily wear and tear led to the slow deterioration of the grout. Additionally, we ran our sealant test and found that the surface needed sealing. This was a major flaw because the grout was exposed to all sorts of damage. We concluded that the damaging agents had seeped deep into the grout's composition. For this reason, conventional cleaning methods wouldn't be effective. This task required our special process.
We suggested a grout cleaning service to remove all the dirt and grime from the shower with our top of the line equipment and products. We would also apply our special epoxy sealant to provide an extra layer of protection. We assured the owner his shower would have a completely different appearance when we finished our work. He was satisfied with our assessment and our proposal, so he decided to hire us.
A couple of days later, we returned to our client's house to begin our grout cleaning process. This procedure consisted of several steps and required professional equipment, the most effective techniques, and our high-quality products. First, we needed to make sure everything was free of dirt or debris. For this purpose, we cleaned the surface using our special pH-neutral cleaner and a high-speed scrubber. Our product now has an enhanced formula that can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi for an extended period of time after application. When the tiles were completely clean, we were ready to perform all the necessary repairs in the grout lines. We fixed all the issues in the grout and moved to the next step. Using a high temperature steam cleaner, we removed the remaining grime and dirt from the joints. Once that was done, we followed with the sealing process.
For this project, we sealed the grout lines with our epoxy ColorSeal. This is a higher-level sealant, especially useful for damp and moist areas, like showers. It blocks the absorption of liquids and wards off damages from dirt, grime, and all other harmful external agents. Another advantage is that it makes cleaning routines easier and faster because excessive scrubbing is not necessary once the surface is sealed. Moreover, ColorSeal comes in a variety of colors that lets the owner match the grout with the tiles, giving the entire shower an enhanced appearance. Thanks to its resilient composition, our epoxy sealant reduces deterioration from daily wear and tear, and with the right maintenance, the great condition of the surface will last for a long time.
We painstakingly worked on the shower until it was completely restored. After our grout cleaning process, everything looked brand-new and beautiful. Then, we invited our client to see the results. The owner was beyond thrilled with the appearance of shower's floor. He was happy to see that the grout lines were pristine and all the issues had been solved. He was relieved because the process had been cost-effective, successful, and it only took one day. The owner was impressed by the excellent performance we displayed, and after thanking us, he said he would always contact us for all his hard surface restoration needs. From that point on, he would recommend our service to all his friends, family, and neighbors.
Before leaving, we always take time to teach our clients how to perform proper maintenance on their restored surfaces. These recommendations and suggestions will help the owner clean his shower easier, faster, and safer:
- Set a weekly cleaning routine. This will ensure that the surface is always free of dirt and grime. Use only pH-neutral, soap free cleaners like Sir Grout's Natural Hard Surface Cleaner. Our product doesn't leave residue and won't cause damage. It also has ingredients that can help provide protection against bacteria and fungi. Soap-based cleaners leave residue that seeps into the grout lines, promoting mold and mildew growth. Cleaners with acidic properties, on the other hand, are harsh and can discolor the grout or cause even more severe damages. It is best to avoid these types of products.
- Keep the area dry and well ventilated. This is important to prevent fungi growth due to the high levels of moisture and humidity of the shower. Leave the door ajar or a window open, especially after hot showers. Also, use a squeegee, a towel, or a terry cloth rag to dry the surface. Squeegeeing is a great option to keep the shower spotless.
- Even if the shower has not presented soap scum problems yet, we recommend using liquid soap instead of bar soap. This will decrease soap scum buildup because these soaps won't leave any foam. Bar soap residue hardens on the surface and forms ugly, hard to remove stains. Not using bar soaps will help prevent the appearance of soap scum in the shower.
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