Five Step Carpet Care of Asheville NC provides rug and carpet cleaning services at the most affordable price in Asheville NC.

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew on Bathroom Tiles

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prevent mold on tiles

Mold and mildew are common issues in bathrooms due to the high levels of moisture and humidity. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also pose health risks, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can prevent mold and mildew from taking hold on your bathroom tiles.

1. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Good ventilation is key to preventing mold and mildew growth in the bathroom. After a shower or bath, excess moisture lingers in the air and settles on surfaces, creating the perfect environment for mold to thrive. To combat this, always use an exhaust fan while bathing and leave it running for at least 15-20 minutes afterward. If you don’t have an exhaust fan, open a window or door to allow fresh air to circulate and dry out the room.

2. Keep Surfaces Dry
One of the most effective ways to prevent mold and mildew is to keep bathroom surfaces as dry as possible. After using the shower or bath, take a few minutes to wipe down the tiles with a squeegee or a dry cloth. This simple habit helps remove excess water that can seep into grout lines and create the damp conditions mold needs to grow.

3. Clean Regularly
Regular cleaning is essential for preventing mold and mildew on bathroom tiles. Use a non-abrasive cleaner or a homemade solution of equal parts water and white vinegar to clean the tiles and grout at least once a week. Vinegar is a natural antifungal agent that can help kill mold spores and prevent them from spreading.

4. Seal Grout Lines
Grout is porous and can absorb moisture, making it a prime target for mold growth. To protect grout lines, apply a grout sealer every six months. This creates a barrier that repels moisture and makes it easier to clean the grout. Be sure to thoroughly clean and dry the grout before applying the sealer.

5. Fix Leaks Promptly
A leaking faucet, showerhead, or pipe can create a persistent source of moisture that encourages mold growth. Regularly check for leaks and fix them promptly to prevent water from seeping into tiles and grout. Even small leaks can lead to significant mold problems if left unattended.

6. Use Mold-Resistant Products
When renovating or maintaining your bathroom, consider using mold-resistant paint and caulk. These products are specially formulated to inhibit mold growth, providing an extra layer of protection for your tiles and other bathroom surfaces.

Preventing mold and mildew on bathroom tiles requires consistent effort, but the results are well worth it. By maintaining good ventilation, keeping surfaces dry, cleaning regularly, sealing grout lines, fixing leaks, and using mold-resistant products, you can keep your bathroom tiles looking clean and fresh while protecting your home from the health risks associated with mold and mildew.

 

Cleaning Tips for Different Types of Tile

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Tile is a versatile and popular choice for flooring and walls, offering durability, aesthetic appeal, and easy maintenance. However, the cleaning requirements for different types of tile can vary depending on their composition and finish. In this guide, we’ll explore the best cleaning tips for different types of tile to keep them looking pristine and prolong their lifespan.

 

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic is one of the most common types of tile found in homes and commercial spaces. It is relatively easy to clean and maintain, requiring regular sweeping and mopping with a mild detergent solution. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the tile surface. For stubborn stains, a mixture of baking soda and water can be applied and gently scrubbed with a soft brush.

 

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is known for its durability and water resistance, making ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. To clean porcelain tile, sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris. For routine cleaning, use a neutral pH cleaner diluted in water. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, as they can dull the tile finish over time. For tougher stains, a paste of baking soda and water can be applied and left to sit before scrubbing with a soft brush.

 

Natural Stone Tile

Natural stone tile, such as marble, granite, and travertine, requires special care to maintain its beauty and integrity. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners that can etch or scratch the surface of the stone. Instead, opt for pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for natural stone. Sealing natural stone tile regularly can help protect it from staining and water damage.

 

Glass Tile

Glass tile adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space but requires gentle cleaning to avoid scratching the surface. Use a non-abrasive cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to remove dirt and grime from glass tile. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that can damage the tile finish.

 

Quarry Tile

Quarry tile is a durable and slip-resistant option commonly used in high-traffic areas such as entryways and commercial kitchens. To clean quarry tile, sweep or vacuum regularly to emove dirt and debris. For routine cleaning, use a neutral pH cleaner diluted in water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the tile surface.

 

Maintaining the beauty and longevity of your tile flooring and walls requires understanding of the unique cleaning requirements of each type of tile. By following these cleaning tips and using the appropriate cleaning products, you can keep your tile surfaces looking pristine and enhance the overall appearance of your space.

 

How to Clean and Protect Grout

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clean and protect grout

Grout plays a vital role in keeping tiles secure and providing a finished look to your floors and walls. However, grout is porous and susceptible to stains, mold, and discoloration. By implementing proper protection and cleaning techniques, you can keep your grout looking clean and fresh. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to clean and protect grout effectively.

  1. Sealing the grout. Sealing grout is essential to protect it from stains and water damage. Choose a high-quality grout sealer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Apply the sealer evenly over the grout lines using a brush or applicator. Allow sufficient drying time before exposing the grout to water or foot traffic.
  2. Regular cleaning routine. Establish a regular cleaning routine for your grout to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. Sweep or vacuum tiled floors regularly to remove loose debris, or use an after-shower spray to maintain bathroom grout in between cleanings. Use a PH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for grout cleaning. Apply the cleaner to the grout lines and scrub gently with a grout brush or an old toothbrush. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that can damage the grout.
  3. Natural Cleaning Solutions. For a more environmentally friendly option, consider using a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water. This can be an effective and gentle cleaner for grout. Apply the paste to the grout lines, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Vinegar diluted with water can also help remove stains and disinfect grout.
  4. Preventing Mold and Mildew. Mold and mildew can thrive in damp environments, making grout lines susceptible to unsightly fungal growth. Use proper ventilation in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. After showers or baths, squeegee excess water from the tiles and dry the grout lines. Periodically inspect your grout for signs of mold and mildew, and promptly address any issues with appropriate cleaning solutions.
  5. Professional cleaning. For heavily stained or neglected grout, professional cleaning may be necessary. Professional cleaners have specialized tools and techniques to deep clean grout and restore its original appearance. Consider scheduling professional grout cleaning at least once a year or as needed for optimal results.

Grout protection and cleaning are essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your tiled surfaces. By sealing the grout, establishing a regular cleaning routine, using natural cleaning solutions, preventing mold and mildew, and considering professional cleaning when necessary, you can keep your grout looking clean, fresh, and well-maintained. With proper care, your grout will continue to enhance the aesthetics of your tiled areas for years to come.

 

 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Maintaining Tile Floors

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maintaining tile floors

Tile flooring is a great option for both residential and commercial properties due to its durability and ease of maintenance. However, it is crucial to know the right cleaning and maintenance techniques in order to keep your tile floors looking their best for the life of the tile. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the Do’s and Don’ts of cleaning and maintaining tile floors.

Let’s start with the Do’s.

  • Regularly sweep or dry mop the tile floors to remove any dirt and debris. This will prevent any damage to the tile and grout caused by scratches.
  • Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean your tile floors.
  • Use a damp mop to clean the tile floors.
  • Seal the grout regularly to protect it from staining and damage. Re-seal every 12-18 months or as needed.

Now, let’s move on to the Don’ts.

  • Don’t use abrasive cleaning products or scrub brushes on your tile floors. These can scratch and damage the tile and grout.
  • Don’t use too much water when cleaning tile. This can cause damage to both the grout and the underlying subfloor.
  • Don’t use a high heat steam cleaner, as the heat and pressure can be destructive to the tile and grout.
  • Avoid walking on tile floors with high heels or other hard-soled shoes. This can cause chipping and scratching.

Maintaining tile floors doesn’t have to be difficult! By following these Do’s and Don’ts, you can ensure that your tile floors will remain in great condition for a long time. Remember to sweep or dry mop regularly, use mild detergent and warm water to clean, seal the grout, and avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water. With proper care, your tile floors will continue to be a durable and attractive feature in your home or business.

If you’d rather have the professionals handle your tile cleaning, we’d love to help! Give Five Step a call at 828.327.3237 or contact us today!

 

 

10 Amazing Historical Facts About Tile!

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It’s strange to think about these days, but the art of tile-making has been with us for a very, very long time! Here are a few fascinating historical facts about tiles and how they came to be one of our favorite floor coverings.

  1. Ceramic tiles were first made in China, around the time of the Chinese invention of pottery, circa 20,000 BC. The earliest Chinese tiles were made from white porcelain, and had stunning images hand-painted on them.
  2. The ancient Egyptians used tiles in their architecture, including in the pyramids!
  3. Of course, one of the original purposes for baked clay tiles was to use as roof coverings. Terracotta tiles are still used for this purpose today.
  4. The art-form of tile mosaic was developed in ancient Greece. Mosaics are made with small pieces and slivers of broken or cut tile, often placed in such a way that they form elaborate patterns. Ancient Greek mosaics often created images of gods or other scenes, and Greek tile artisans incorporated stones and shells into their mosaics.
  5. The Ishtar Gate, a magnificent brick-tile structure in ancient Babylon, was commissioned around 575 BC by Nebuchadnezzar in his bid to beautify his city. Tile imagery on the gate depicted lions, dragons, and bulls. The Ishtar Gate was once included in the Seven Wonders of the World.
  6. Over thousands of years, Persian traders brought pottery and tile-making knowledge from China to faraway points in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Eventually, kiln-fired pottery was an old-world staple, and basic clay tiles became commonplace nearly everywhere, though the fancier glazed and hand-painted tiles were reserved for the wealthy.
  7. A tile making method was developed independently in the Americas by Aztec peoples.
  8. Decorative tiles journeyed to the New World aboard Spanish ships, and were used in the beautification of mission churches.
  9. Tiles were first mass-produced for flooring by British factories in the 19th Now, for the first time, customers could order a shipment of more-or-less identical tiles with which to floor their homes.
  10. A 2,000-year-old Roman mosaic has recently been discovered. The owner apparently did not know what she had—the artwork had been used in her Manhattan apartment for over fifty years, as a coffee table!

Debunking Top Tile and Grout Myths

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If you have tile floors in your home, you want to keep them looking bright and shiny, and prevent the grout from yellowing over time. In pursuit of clean tile floors, you may have run into some questionable maintenance advice.

As Western North Carolina’s top tile and grout cleaning experts, we’ve seen and heard plenty of horror stories about damage caused by these common tile cleaning mistakes. Don’t fall victim to these top tile and grout cleaning myths!

 

  1. All you have to do is mop it! Of course, regular mopping is essential to keeping tile floors clean, but to keep them looking their best in the long term, a little more maintenance is required. Periodic deep cleaning can prevent grout from becoming yellowed or old-looking.
  1. Acid cleaners are best for cleaning tile and grout. Acid-based cleaning agents are great at cutting through years of caked-on dirt and grime. The problem is they are also great at corroding tile and grout. If you do choose to use an acid-based cleaner, make sure it is in a very low concentration and that you rinse it off quickly, before it has a chance to eat away at your tile.
  1. Abrasive brushes and powders are the way to go. Wire brushes and scouring powders are another thing that’s very effective at removing dirt, but can also damage your tile and grout. Using these materials, you run the risk of scratching the tile surface or creating minute holes in grout, where adulterating particles can seep in.
  1. Sealed grout doesn’t need maintenance. Sealants can go a long way toward protecting grout, but even sealed grout requires periodic maintenance.
  1. Just soak it in soapy water. Soap molecules can actually settle into the tiny surface holes in grout and attract dirt and grime. In addition, certain types of soap can create a veneer of “soap scum” on your tiles that can be difficult to remove.
  1. Bleach is safe for use on tile and grout. Never use bleach or bleach-based cleaning agents on tile and grout. Over time, bleach causes deterioration of grout, and it can also damage the shiny glazed surface of many types of tile.

 That about covers it! If you are in the Asheville, NC area and are looking for top-notch tile and grout cleaning professionals, look no further than Five Step! For more information, drop us a line or give us a call at 828.231-3237.

How to Get Stains Out of Grout

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how to get stains out of grout

Due to its beauty, durability, and waterproof quality, tile is a great flooring choice for your home—especially in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry area, and mudrooms.

Another nice thing about tile is that it’s super easy to clean. But over time, the porous grout in between the tiles can take on a dirty appearance, gathering cooking stains, dirt and grime, or even mildew. So how do you return your grout to its original, white brilliance? Follow these tips to learn how.

  1. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub. An old toothbrush or fingernail brush may do the trick, depending on how serious the stains are. But if you want something more specialized, you can find brushes specifically for cleaning grout at any hardware store. To start, try scrubbing with warm water only. If you find you need something stronger, continue on to the next step.
  2. Try a vinegar and water solution. Mix white vinegar and warm water in a 1:1 solution, then spray on the stained grout and let stand for a few minutes, then scrub.
  3. Add baking soda. To enhance the effectiveness of the above method, try spreading a paste of baking soda and water onto the stained area before spraying with vinegar. This will produce a foaming, bubbling chemical reaction that can help to loosen and lift the stain. When the foaming ceases, scrub the grout and rinse.
  4. Apply hydrogen peroxide. If none of the above solutions work to get rid of the grout stains, you can try spraying or pouring 3% hydrogen peroxide (the same kind you get at the drug store) directly onto the stains. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then scrub.

Most grout stains can be addressed through one of the four methods above. But if you find yourself struggling with stubborn stains, you might need to escalate the problem to a professional. If you live in the Asheville, NC area, Five Step can help! Give us a call at 828.237.3237 or drop us a line today.

 

 

 

Asheville Tile Cleaning

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You may not have known that Five Step Carpet Care doesn’t only clean WNC’s carpets and rugs. Among other things, we are Asheville’s top source for tile and slate cleaning.

If you have tile or slate floors or walls in your home, you know they can begin to look dirty or dull over time. The grout between the tiles becomes stained, yellow, or aged-looking. Periodic deep cleaning is necessary to keep your tile floors looking new, but going the DIY route can leave your knuckles scraped and your knees aching. And without specialized equipment, a one or two-hour job can take days!

Instead of going it alone, give Five Step a call. Our friendly, professional crew will make your tile sparkle, your grout gleam, and your slate shine!

We can handle any surface:

  • Bathrooms— tubs, showers, and floors
  • Kitchens— floors, backsplashes, counters and walls
  • Outdoor areas— terraces, decks, patios, pool areas
  • Traffic areas— foyers, hallways, staircases

As always, our cleaning procedures are sustainable and non-toxic, using just a fraction of the water our competitors use, and keeping harmful pollutants out of our precious waterways. Just one more reason to choose Five Step!

If you have dirty tile and grout or slate that needs a little TLC, contact us today or give us a call at 828.237.3237. We promise you’ll be glad you did!

Tile and Slate Cleaning in Hendersonville, NC

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Five Step is Hendersonville’s top source for tile and slate cleaning!

Tile floors are beautiful and durable, but even with regular cleanings, they can start to look dull and dirty in a well lived-in home. The tiles lose their gleam and the grout gets stained and dingy, just from normal everyday wear and tear. Bathroom tile gets covered with soap scum or even mildew, and slate floors can take on an aged look.

Periodic deep cleaning is necessary to keep your tile and slate looking clean and new, but doing the work yourself can leave you with bloody knuckles and aching knees. Not to mention that it can take a lot of time without specialized equipment!

Instead of subjecting yourself to that kind of punishment, give Five Step a call! Our professional crew will make your tile shine and your grout gleam.

We can tackle any surface, including:

  • Bathrooms- tubs, showers, and floors
  • Kitchens- floors, backsplashes, counters, and walls
  • Outdoor areas- terraces, decks, patios, pool areas
  • Traffic areas- foyers, hallways, and staircases.

And of course, our cleaning process is green, non-toxic, and sustainable. We conserve our precious waterways by using just a fraction of the water resources our competitors use. Just one more reason to choose Five Step!

If you have tile or slate in your home that needs some TLC, drop us a line today or give us a call at 828.237.3237. You’ll be glad you did!

 

Western NC Tile and Slate Cleaning

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Five Step Carpet Care is the top choice in Western NC for tile and slate cleaning!

(That’s right—we clean more than just carpets!)

Do you have tile or slate floors in your home, or tile walls in your bathroom or laundry area? Then you know that they can start to look dull and dirty after a while, even though you clean them regularly. Tiles lose their sparkle and grout becomes stained, yellowed, or aged-looking. It’s necessary to treat your tile and slate to periodic deep cleaning in order to keep it looking new, but doing the work yourself can leave you with bloody knuckles and aching knees. Not to mention that it can take a lot of time without specialized equipment!

Instead of going it alone, give us a call! Our professional crew will make your tile shine and your grout gleam!

We can handle cleaning any surface, including:

  • Bathrooms- tubs, showers, and floors
  • Kitchens- floors, backsplashes, counters, and walls
  • Outdoor areas- terraces, decks, patios, pool areas
  • Traffic areas- foyers, hallways, and staircases.

As always, our cleaning process is green, sustainable, and non-toxic. And we conserve our precious waterways by using just a fraction of the water resources our competitors use. Just one more reason to choose Five Step!

If you have dirty tile and grout or slate in your home that needs some TLC, drop us a line today or give us a call at 828.237.3237. You’ll be glad you did!