REGROUTING
COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q: My floor
tile and grout are really looking bad. What can I do?
A: There are a few things you can try. If your tile and
grout on your floors are looking dirty and old in most cases
a simple steam cleaning can bring it back to life. Companies
charge from $100 to $300 and more to clean a typical kitchen
floor. Usually vapor steam cleaning yields amazing results
on floor grout. Many cleaning services use vapor steam
technology to clean the grout. For less then paying to have
it done you can order your own steamer and do it yourself.
Floor grout cleaning is a snap with a steamer. For more on
how to
clean floor grout click here. If your grout is cracking
and falling out you may need to have it regrouted or
replaced. Check your phone book for a regrouting company
near you. Check our
contractor look-up service here.
Q: Can I
regrout my shower myself?
A: Yes, in fact we offer a comprehensive
regrouting video that
teaches you how. We also sell off of the important
grout removal tools
right here at Just Renew-It! The video is very inexpensive
and you can save yourself hundreds of dollars as well as
earn the pride knowing you did it yourself. If you are a
professional looking to make a lot of money
regrouting, reglazing,
recaulking or doing tile repair try out videos! We show
you how.
Q: What is a sealer and
should I seal my bathroom tile?
A:
The
sealer is a liquid that is applied to the grout about 2
days after the grout work is done. Once it is applied it
soaks into the grout and dries creating a protective barrier
against water and dirt. We strongly recommend you seal your
grout and tile after it has been newly regrouted or any new
tile work installed. It can greatly extend the life of your
grout and even make it easier to clean as the dirt will tend
to float on the surface rather then penetrate deep into the
grout. You can also
steam clean your grout for like new results and then
seal it for results that last.
Q: How often should I seal
my grout?
A:
To protect your tile and grout
you may want to perform regular maintenance including steam
cleaning or regular cleaning a few times a year. It is also
very important to visually inspect your whole for any
missing or cracking grout or caulking. You should fix any
such failing caulk or grout right away. If you like we can
come in and power clean your walls, tend to any
missing grout or caulk making sure you are protected and
your walls are safe from any leaks. We will then re-seal
your shower. Feel free to call about this service.
Q: Can I regrout my shower
myself?
A: Yes, in fact we offer a comprehensive
regrouting video that
teaches you how. We also sell off of the important
grout removal tools
right here at Just Renew-It! The video is very inexpensive
and you can save yourself hundreds of dollars as well as
earn the pride knowing you did it yourself. If you are a
professional looking to make a lot of money
regrouting, reglazing,
recaulking or doing tile repair try out videos! We show
you how.
Q: How do I keep my shower
looking clean and new?
A: There are a few tried
and true methods you can use but first, remember that we
offer a full cleaning & maintenance service for your shower.
We will be happy to come in and periodically
steam clean or
power clean your shower for like new results.
If you are going to clean it
on your own the most effective of all is to simply dry the
walls and tub with a towel after every use. By doing
this soap scum and hard water will have no chance to build
up. Mold can only grow in a high moisture environment so if
you dry it you should have no problems with mold. Another
good method is to use a shower squeegee to dry the walls
after your shower. Some of our cleaning kits come with a
free squeegee.
From time to time, at least
once a month it is important to thoroughly
clean your shower. First, spray all the walls down with
a tub and tile cleaner. If you have mold be sure to use a
product containing bleach like TILEX mold & mildew remover.
Otherwise, use something like a TILEX soap scum remover or
any other popular liquid non abrasive tile cleaner. Soak the
walls and let sit for about 5 minutes. Come back with a
plastic a plastic scrubbing pad and (PLEASE REVIEW THE DO's
& DON'T's IN
REGLAZING SECTION!) Scrub down the walls and tub (never use
abrasives on a
re-glazed tub or
acrylic/plastic surfaces). This should take little
effort and should leave you with a bright new looking
shower. Now simply dunk the large sponge in the pail of
water and lift the soaked sponge to flush off the walls.
Same goes for the tub unless it was reglazed then simply use
the sponge in place of the scrub pad provided. For a
reglazed tub use a sponge in place of our scrub pad! Always
test new cleaners or abrasive pads on surface before you
clean.
Q: I have really bad hard
water and I cant get my tile clean.
A: There are several
products available on the market. CRL and LIME AWAY are just
two. Simply follow the directions. Many people recommend
white vinegar but I have found in most cases it does little
to solve this problem. Often the only way to get the tile
clean is to razor each tile with a sharp blade. Test a small
area first. The Doodle pad we provide in the cleaning kit
can also be very affective when combined with a tub & tile
cleaner or a CRL. A little elbow grease usually does the
trick.
Q: What do I do if I find
some grout or caulk has opened up?
A: Make sure you call us
to fix this problem or fill it yourself. A small hole that
allows water to get behind your tile or tub can over a
period of time, even a short time, make this seemingly
insignificant problem into a huge mess and a costly
repair. It is a good idea to stop once every month and
eye-up the entire shower looking for holes or openings.
These minor problems can be fixed with a minimum of effort
but left alone can become a real problem. If you think your
grout it failing you should have it
regrouted. Give us a call and let ‘Just Renew-It!' take
care of it for you.
Q: How do I get that gunk
out of my shower door tracks?
A: Try our powerful
steam cleaners!
They can blast the grime out of the smallest of places.
Otherwise you can take a plastic abrasive pad or towel and a
screw driver, a butter knife might work too. Wad up the pad
and stuff it in the track with the screw driver and begin
scrubbing the track. Do the same for both sides and use some
tub and tile cleaner. After, simply flush out the track with
clean water. If the drain holes are clogged you may use the
utility knife or just the end of the screw driver to scrape
clean the drain hole openings to allow the water to run out.
For hair clumps and other material use the screwdriver as a
sort of a shovel and push the dirt up on it with your
finger. If you use an abrasive pad be sure you do not damage
surface. Test first.
Q: How do I get my shower
doors clean?
.A: There is no easy
answer for glass doors. Plastic doors are even worse. Try
the steps described in the "How do I keep my shower looking
clean and new" & the Hard Water sections. A good cleaning
and scrubbing is all you can do. If you feel the need we can
remove and refit new shower doors for you.
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