When it comes to your pets having accidents in the house, most homeowners are only concerned with the carpets and upholstery, but the hard surfaces should be equally cared for and protected. As many people take in pets, most are patient with the accidents. These pets eventually learn where they need to use the restroom, but some will still have the occasional accident while aging pets in particular may have chronic issues. With that in mind, we at Silver State Floor Restoration would like to talk about the damage pet accidents can do to tile and grout.
Clean Puppy & Other Pet Accidents Right Away
Grout is susceptible to absorbing pet stains as it is porous in nature and tile can be equally so if there is any damage no matter how minuscule. If the pet accidents are immediately addressed, they are likely not going to cause any issues, but the pet accidents that come into contact with tile and grout that are permitted to linger can cause staining, odors, and even damage. The pH in fresh urine has a level of about 6 and as the urine dries, the pH rises it can easily reach levels of 10 – 12 on the scale. As the pH rises and the effect of oxidation reaction to the surface, it will alter the color of the grout. If not immediately addressed, the pet stains can become permanent if left to dry for extended periods of time, and the damage becomes irreversible. When removing the pet stains a professional is needed as DIY grout and tile deep cleaning methods are not. Your grout and tile can be better protected and cleaned from pet accidents as well as the daily grit, grim, and moisture buildup with professional cleaning and sealants.
Etching on Tile & Grout Floors
The acidic content in pet accidents such as urine, feces and vomit causes stains but it also contributes to etching on tile and grout surfaces. Unsightly cracks that will eventually lead to crumbling if not properly rectified are inevitable when etching starts. The floor might even have to be re-grouted if the etching becomes too serious due to pet accidents.
Pet Urine Stains & Damages Grout
The damage and staining isn’t the end of pet accidents; it also contains bacteria. Grout leaves the perfect housing for the bacteria to breed, thrive and spread. In order to stop the bacteria from becoming a health risk to you, your family, and your pets, it needs to be properly disinfected as well. While treating pet accidents, ensure your cleaner is able to sanitize, deodorize, as well as remove any potential staining.
Importance of Tile Sealing
Sealants are an ideal pre-treatment application for most tile and grout. Depending on the stone; whether it is manmade or natural, the tile and grout can be sealed according to act as a barrier to resist the staining. Keep in mind, the sealant dissipates over time, wear, and professional cleaning. It is highly recommended that tile and grout get professionally cleaned and sealed once a year, and if your pet has chronic accidents, consider professional services every six months.
Tile Floor Cleaning, Sealing, Regrouting & 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
Silver State Floor Restoration knows the composition of tile and grout and can effectively clean, sanitize, and deodorize the tile and grout to ensure it is beautiful, vibrant, and fresh. If your grout is damaged beyond cleaning, we can regrout your floors in the same or a new color as well. Call us today to schedule your tile and grout services.
