It might seem like a banal and well-known concept, but maintaining clean floor joints is essential for preserving the overall appearance of the floor and ensuring an environment that is not only hygienic but also pleasant to look at. While cleaning floors is a well-established practice, many professionals in the industry often inquire about the correct use of a floor scrubber or a single disc machine for cleaning grout between tiles. This is why we decided to write this article, exploring different techniques and tools that guarantee effective and effortless grout cleaning. We will discover how to clean floor joints professionally, using the right approach and, above all, the most suitable equipment.
Why do grout lines always seem to get dirty?
To understand why floor joints get dirty, we must grasp their composition and formation. These floor joints, also known as tile joints, refer to the spaces or gaps left between individual tiles. They are commonly filled with grout, also known as mortar, or an elastic binder to create a uniform and even floor surface. The purpose of these joints is to allow the floor to naturally expand and adjust to structural movements, changes in humidity, and temperature variations. In addition, mortar and joint materials are usually porous, leading them to absorb any water or liquids that come into contact with the floor. Consequently, as the floor dries, the grout lines tend to retain dirt and stains. Moreover, the structure of these joints facilitates the accumulation of dirt or small debris that often goes inadequately cleaned, contributing to the persistent issue of dirty grout lines.
Why tile and grout cleaning is important
There are two main reasons why it is important to clean floor joints:
- Maintain a high level of hygiene in an environment. Cleaning tile joints is crucial as it allows you to sanitize areas where mold, mites, germs, and bacteria harmful to people’s health can accumulate.
- Enhance the overall environment. Dirty floor joints can make the space itself appear old and unkempt. Consider a restaurant kitchen: how often have you noticed this aspect and had a negative impression of the experience in that place?
Why are traditional cleaning methods not enough?
Before delving into specific cleaning equipment, it’s essential to understand traditional approaches. Using brushes, specialized cleaners, and manual techniques can be effective. However, for a faster and more efficient result, we recommend using professional cleaning machines. If you use a simple brush or broom, in addition to exerting a lot of effort, there’s a risk of leaving dirt on the ground. When washing with traditional methods such as mopping, you spread dirty water on the floor, allowing it to be absorbed by the grout. As mentioned earlier, the material of which the joints are made is porous. Therefore, besides soaking in water, it also absorbs dirt. This is why it’s essential to use professional equipment and have well-organized cleaning methods.
Grout cleaning: how to do it professionally and effortlessly
The most effective professional method for cleaning floor joints in both commercial and private environments involves using a machine equipped with at least one brush, such as a floor scrubber or a single disc machine. In both cases, it is the principle of mechanical action, also described in the Sinner Circle, that applies the force necessary to remove dirt. Now, let’s explore how to use the single disc or the floor scrubber for grout cleaning.
How to clean floor joints with a single disc floor cleaning machine
If you’ve opted to use a single disc machine for grout cleaning, it’s crucial to follow a cleaning procedure to achieve the best results. We recommend that you follow these steps:
- Vacuum or sweep the floor: remove coarse dirt and small debris.
- Use the single disc floor cleaning machine equipped with a brush suitable for the type of floor to be cleaned. The brush should be soft enough to allow the bristles to access the cavities of the floor joints but not too hard to avoid damage. If necessary, you can also use a detergent to leverage the chemical action of the Sinner Circle. Remember to choose one specifically designed for single disc machines and for the type of floor you need to treat.
- Use a wet & dry vacuum cleaner to collect the dirty water that remains on the floor after using the single disc machine, and thus prevent it from settling on the floor joints.
How to clean floor joints with a floor scrubber
The most effective method for professionally cleaning floor joints is by using a floor scrubber. This machine is highly efficient, thanks to the mechanical action of its brushes, and it allows for a significant reduction in working times. Additionally, the floors are immediately dry and clean after its use. If you opt to use a floor scrubber for grout cleaning, remember to follow these steps:
- Vacuum or sweep the floor: remove coarse dirt and small debris.
- Use the floor scrubber equipped with suitable brush for the type of floor to be cleaned. We’ve published a guide on brushes for scrubber dryers that can assist you in making the right choice. Similar to a single disc machine, you can enhance cleaning effectiveness by using a detergent with the floor scrubber. Always select one specific to the machine and the type of floor you are treating.
- Pay attention to the squeegee blades of the floor scrubber: a squeegee with 40 Shore hardness is ideal for effectively cleaning floors with joints.
After running the floor scrubber, the joints will be immediately clean and dry, allowing you to save both effort and time.
Why is the floor scrubber the best method for grout cleaning?
The floor scrubber is the best method for cleaning floor grout because it ensures immediately dry floors. This means that water and dirt are not absorbed by the joint material. The scubber dryer excels in cleaning tile joints not only due to its effectiveness and efficiency but also because it comes equipped with cleaning technologies that simplify and expedite the task. Opting for a floor scrubber with brush pressure monitoring, such as the Versa equipped with PM, allows you to constantly monitor the power delivered to the brushes. This ensures maximum cleaning effectiveness on any type of floor, even those with uneven surfaces. If you choose compact floor scrubbers like Igea or Vispa XS, you will be able to achieve professional cleaning quality even in small environments without having to resort to traditional methods for cleaning joints. Additionally, opting for a floor scrubber with a cylindrical brush base makes cleaning floors with straight joints even simpler and more effective, thanks to the high specific pressure.
Flawless floor joints with a professional approach
In conclusion, cleaning floor grout requires a professional approach and the use of appropriate tools. From floor scrubbers to single disc floor machines and wet&dry vacuum cleaners, there are many options. Choose the solution that best suits your needs and keep the floor joints clean and in optimal condition. Remember to follow our advice and carry out maintenance cleaning regularly for long-lasting results. If you still have any doubts about grout cleaning or need further advice, always feel free to contact us. A network of authorized Comac dealers is at your complete disposal.
This post is also available in: Italian