Tile and grout is fast becoming the most popular choice when installing new kitchen or bathroom floors. Many people choose to install tile and grout in the hallways too. It looks much better than the typical linoleum floor. There are so many choices of ceramic and porcelain that you can accomplish about any "look" that you trying to achieve.

Everyday though we come across people who are very unhappy with this investment in their home. Are you one of them? It seems after a year or two the floor is increasingly more difficult to keep clean. The tile looks dull and the grout is filthy. This happens even if your cleaning the floor often. Unfortunately, most floors are not sealed after it is installed. This starts the problem. Grout will absorb grease and dirt very fast when it is not sealed. When it gets to the point where you think nothing can be done, you feel terrible because you think you need to replace the floor. Another very sizable investment. Even after days of being on your hands and knees scrubbing and cleaning, your still UN- happy.

There is good news! Most tile & grout can be restored to "like new" condition; or very close to it. This starts with having a professional floor cleaning company inspecting and giving you a FREE demo of their service. This way you will know what to expect from a professional restoration. We will cover what is involved with restoring and maintaining your floors.

Cleaning and Restoration
Most floors over one year old will need to be restored to bring it back to "like new" condition. If the floor was properly sealed upon installation, restoration will most likely not be needed. Restoring tile and grout requires a few steps. First we degrease the floor to remove as much oils and grease as possible. Next, we restore the grout with a special grout line restoration product. This will help remove most if not all surface staining. This process also "opens" the grout for proper sealing. When doing these 2 steps mechanical agitation, strong rinsing and vacuum equipment is required. After the cleaning and restoration the sealing will begin.

Sealing
There are 2 basic types of sealers. Clear or color seal. A clear sealer is used on most grout where you want to keep that same color. The sealer is liberally supplied and worked into the grout lines. It is vital to use a high quality durable impregnating sealer for this process. Cheap silicone sealers do not last very long. After sealing it is important to maintain the floor using the right cleaning agents and tools. You will not need to use ammonia, bleach, or other harsh chemicals. This will only damage the sealer and grout.

Stainproof Color Sealing
If you are not happy with the way your grout looks after a restoration cleaning, you can change the color of the grout without replacement. Instead of a clear seal you choose a color of your liking. This process gives your grout a "Brand New" appearance. It gives the floor a whole new look. This process makes the grout lines resistant to staining. Once again it is important to maintain the floors properly following this process.

Maintenance
Once the floor is restored and sealed maintain, the floors with a professional cleaning every 6 months. This will keep your floors looking new forever. The sealer will last longer and no more scrubbing grout lines again. Interim maintenance should be done with our a pH neutral cleaner. The Hoover Floormate is an excellent tool to use these products with.

I have had the privilege of working with Advanced Restoration, LLC, on a personal and professional basis.  I highly recommend them. They are very proficient in their work.  They show up when they say they will!

Beverly Jackson
Jenkins Brick Company
Montgomery, Alabama