When it comes to our adoring pets, many people are under the false notion that the tile and grout are safe when the pets have their accidents on them. Where they may not endure the same inflictions as say, carpets, the tile and grout are just as susceptible to stains, odors, and even damage. With that in mind, we at Silver State Floor Restoration would like to take the opportunity to discuss the general harm pet accidents can do to your tile and grout if not immediately removed and treated.
Can Dog & Cat Pet Urine Ruin Grout?
Tile is far more resistant to pet accidents, but in the event there are any scratches or other damage, it can be vulnerable to the pet accidents. Grout, is especially problematic; as its high porosity causes it to absorb the pet stains, leading to stains, odors, and etching effects. Unless the pet has chronic accidents, your tile and grout can suffer little to no affects when the mess is cleaned up promptly. Where the damage occurs, is when you have gone for the day, or went to bed for the night or simple neglect allows the pet stains to linger for lengthy periods of time. Staining and odors are not the only concern. As pet accidents carry an acidic content, the pH in fresh urine, for example is about 6, no cause for alarm. However, as the urine dries, it increases in its level reaching between 10 and 12 on the scale. In addition to the oxidation affects, the high pH sets in motion, etching on the grout.
Can Dog Pee Soak into Grout & Cause Odors?
With the oxidation process in conjunction with the high pH levels, staining becomes permanent, odors become dominant, and the damage has the potential to be irreversible. Unfortunately, the pet accidents that were permitted to set in are rarely effectively treated with DIY methods, and if the grout can be saved, it will take the high-tech equipment and powerful cleaners to get the job done. Not only is the pet accidents extracted from the grout, but so is additional moisture, dirt, debris, and any bacteria and microbes, maximizing the level of clean. As mentioned pet urination, defecation, and even vomiting, has an acidic content that contributes to etching of the tile, and even more on the grout. Eventually, unsightly cracks will arise, later evolving into crumbling, which will then require a complete re-grout service. Keep in mind the volume of bacteria found in the pet’s accident. The porous grout allows for a perfect breeding ground of the bacteria which will only thrive.
Professional Tile & Grout Cleaning
Professional cleaning is the only failsafe method to ensure the bacteria is properly disinfected and sanitized. To help offer a barrier against pets that have chronic accidents, consider sealing your tile and grout when applicable. The sealant will provide an increase in resistance to the absorption, and sparing your tile and grout from the greater effects of pet accidents.
Tile & Grout Cleaning, Sealing, Polishing & More in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
If your tile and grout in your Las Vegas, NV home has suffered from the adorable pets having accidents, call in the experts of Silver State Floor Restoration and let our specialist get started on removing the stains, neutralizing the odors, and leave your tile and clean, sanitized, and fresh.
