Grout is a building material consisting of a mixture of cement, water and sand and is used to fill gaps and seal joints. You have most likely seen this material being used to seal the gaps between ceramic tiles on a wall or floor. Different types of tiles (such as ceramic, slate or natural stone) will use this material, although the way it is applied can vary.
There is a general misconception that tile floors are easy to keep clean, and while you can take care to maintain the floor properly by regularly sweeping, vacuuming, and washing, it is possible that, over time, the floor will take on an uneven appearance, unsatisfactory and dull. appearance. The grout is probably the reason why.
Grout is used to fill the spaces between the tiles, and if you look closely, it is usually recessed below the surface level of the tiles. As a result of this, it is these spaces where spills will accumulate, and since tile floors are usually found in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, the likelihood of spills is very high. Even if spills are dealt with quickly, grout can still stain as it is a relatively porous substance that liquids can easily seep through.
The best way to keep the grout even is to apply a good sealer. This will offer an extra layer of protection and make the grout less permeable, which will aid in cleanup efforts. The right grout sealer can be recommended by a company that specializes in tile grout cleaning and, if the floor is properly maintained, it should last for a considerable period of time.
If the grout is stainable, it can cause a dull effect and can change the appearance of the floor even if the tiles are spotlessly cleaned. This can lead to an unsatisfactory appearance, and when this occurs, general cleaning methods may no longer be effective.