Monthly Archives: January 2017

Cleaning tile and grout

Tile grout cleaning

The holiday season is overĀ for 2016, and it is time for some cleaning to start the new year. We would like to share a few tips about cleaning your tile and grout.

 

The best way to clean grout joints is with a solution of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Mix three parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide and make a paste. Spread the paste in the grout joints and let sit for an hour. Use a toothbrush or other soft bristle brush to gently scrub the area, wipe clean with a sponge and warm water.

There are cleaners on the market, but most of the household methods are just as effective and a lot less expensive. Be sure to only use the method we’ve outlined for ceramic or porcelain tile surfaces, marble and other stone require different solutions. Most quality tile supply companies will have special solutions for cleaning natural stone.

What is a fair price for tile installation?

Tile installation involves much more than simply laying the product in a straight line. There are many things to be considered by the homeowner. For example, what type of surface will the tile be installed on? If it’s a floor, is it a raised floor or concrete slab? Floors can be tricky, if the surface is uneven with raised concrete areas it may be necessary to grind those areas down depending on the product you’ve chosen. If the floor is a large raised wood surface it may be necessary to put backer board down prior to tile installation.

You may save money by tearing out and hauling away the old flooring yourself, just make sure to sweep away all debris and scrape down any remaining adhesive element that can cause uneven spots.

Another consideration in the cost of the installation is the amount of special cuts that may be involved. If you have an elaborate pattern that includes custom shapes or have areas around the perimeter of the floor that necessitate multiple cuts the labor and time increases.

For more specific information try Homewyse. Their website will provide you with the fair cost of nearly any home improvement work based on zip code. We wish you the best in your efforts to update and beautify your home or design the one of your dreams and hope you will keep Hunter Tile and Stone in mind when it comes time to bring the beautiful artistic finish to your project with tile.