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Construction site care: understand why grout becomes loose over time and ways to prevent these failures. Also learn how to keep it clean, making the environment more pleasant
There are things that we only realize after there is a problem. grout is one of them. It is there, quietly, between the floors and tiles, and many people only notice its importance when it starts to come loose, crack or darken over time. But look, this detail makes all the difference in a work or renovation, both for the visual aspect and for the health and safety of the home. This question is more common than it seems. And the answer can have several causes. One of them is wrong application, done in a hurry or without the right products. Another is time itself: with daily use, the structure of the house moves, and the grout, if it is not of good quality, will not be able to withstand the impact.
Additionally, factors such as humidity, very strong cleaning products and even the type of grout used influences its durability and the main reasons why the grout comes loose. Then cracks, leaks and even mold start to appear. When we least expect it, the wall or floor already has that old and neglected appearance.
Here's a tip from someone who has seen a lot of headaches because of this: choose a good quality grout. One of the most recommended today is the epoxy grout such as super easy quartzolit. This type is very resistant, lasts longer and can be used both indoors and outdoors — great for the kitchen, bathroom, laundry area or even the balcony.
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Another important thing: perform maintenance. It doesn't have to be every month, but checking it every now and then can help identify problems before they get worse. Sometimes, a small repair now can save you a bigger expense later on.
How to keep grout clean for longer and why does grout come loose?
Anyone who has tried to clean dirty grout knows that it is not easy. And do you know why? Because grout gets dirty easily, especially in places like the kitchen and bathroom. Grease, moisture and even soap residue build up. And if you don't take care of it, you'll see: mold, stains and even bad smells.
So here's a simple way: use products suitable for cleaning grout. There are several brands on the market, including those that make their own grout, and they work much better than those homemade recipes that can sometimes ruin the material.
But if you're on the team that likes homemade alternatives, the combo vinegar with baking soda Yes, you can do it. Just be careful with things that are too strong, like caustic soda — that can destroy the grout and even cause health problems.
The right way to clean grout
Each type of grout has its own set time for the first cleaning after application. Take a look:
- Cementitious: clean between 15 and 40 minutes after applying.
- Acrylic: 30 to 40 minutes.
- Epoxy: you have to clean it quickly, up to 30 minutes after application, because it dries much faster.
Use a damp cloth or sponge, without scrubbing too much. And never iron anything before the drying time indicated on the packaging, otherwise it will ruin everything.
Grout is not just decoration
Some people think that grouting is just for looking pretty, but it goes far beyond that. seal the gaps, prevents water from infiltrating and also helps to keep the environment healthier, away from mold and fungi. Choosing the right type, applying it the right way and keeping it clean are the basics for your work or renovation stay just the way you dreamed — and stay that way for a long time.
