October 2023 – Blue Star Remodeling IL

Dirty grout isn’t just unsightly—it can be a breeding ground for harmful mold and mildew. It can also make your tile look old and unmaintained.

Use a manufactured cleaner designed specifically for tile and grout. Try this recipe: Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, hydrogen peroxide loosens dirt and discoloration, and dish soap removes any greasy grime. Visit Website to learn more.

1. Scrub with a brush and cleaner

Some of the best tile and grout cleaners feature a scrub brush that makes the job go much faster. These brushes can be used in conjunction with water or a cleaning solution to remove stuck-on dirt, debris, and stains.

For a natural, non-chemical approach to tackling stubborn stains and grime, try using baking soda. It can be mixed with water to form a paste that will lift away stubborn dirt and stains from your tiles and grout. For an extra boost of stain fighting power, add hydrogen peroxide to the mix. Just be sure to test your solution on a small area before applying it to the entire surface to make sure that it won’t damage or discolor your tile and grout.

Bleach can also be effective in lifting stains from your tile and grout. However, it’s recommended that you use bleach-based cleaners sparingly, as prolonged usage can cause grout to deteriorate over time. Also, bleach-based cleaners often have a very strong smell that can be unpleasant for those with sensitive noses.

When using a bleach-based cleaner, apply the product according to its instructions and wait for it to sit on the grout for several minutes before scrubbing. After you’re finished, rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining residue.

Using the right cleaner and the proper cleaning techniques will help you keep your tile floors looking their best. But for a truly professional-looking finish, it’s usually better to leave the grout cleaning and sealing to professionals. This will ensure that your tile and grout looks its best and is protected from future staining and deterioration.

2. Scrub with a sponge

A simple cleaning solution of water and a bit of dish soap can refresh tile and grout. Harsh cleaners can damage or weaken different types of tiles and may etch stone. If you can’t get your tile clean with this method, a heavy-duty grout cleaner like our top pick may be able to help. Just spray the formula on, let it sit for a few minutes and scrub. Rinse, then apply a sealer to protect your hard work.

For a deeper clean, try scrubbing your tiles and grout with a brush and a sponge that’s designed to be used on tile. Look for one that’s rounded to prevent scratching and has a texture similar to a natural sponge. You can also use a nonabrasive scrub brush, a scrub pad or a toothbrush. Avoid using metal scrubbers or rough brushes as they can scratch glass walls, plastic tubs or even some types of tile and grout.

If you find you need a stronger cleaner than the mild ones we’ve mentioned, try chlorine bleach or a cleaning product that contains it. Use these cleaners sparingly, though. Chlorine bleach is corrosive and produces toxic fumes, so be sure to work in a well-ventilated area. Rinse your tile and grout thoroughly, then dry the surface to avoid mold, mildew or stains.

You should also wipe down your bathroom tile and floors every two weeks or more to keep them looking fresh, especially in high-traffic areas where soap scum and grime can build up quickly. Use a microfiber towel or cloth, and always make sure the area is well-ventilated. And don’t forget to leave the shower door or curtain open for air circulation, too.

3. Scrub with a solution

Aside from scrubbing, a good grout cleaning requires a bit of sanitization and disinfection. Most experts recommend using a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide, which kills bacteria and bleaches surfaces. This cleaner is safe for sealed tile and grout, and can be purchased at grocery stores and drugstores.

Before applying a cleaner, it’s important to sweep up any loose dirt and dust. Then, apply the cleaner to a small area of the floor and scrub with a brush. For best results, allow the cleaning agent to sit on the grout for a few minutes (called dwell time) before scrubbing. This allows the cleaner to penetrate the pores and loosen dirt.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how long to leave the cleaner on the tile and grout. Also, test any cleaner in an inconspicuous spot before you use it on the whole floor. It’s wise to wear rubber gloves during tile and grout cleaning to protect your hands from the harsh chemicals. You may want to wear goggles as well, to shield your eyes from splashes and fumes.

Once the grout is clean, rinse the surface with a damp sponge mop or towel. Be careful to not use too much water, as this can cause the tiles and grout to become saturated with water and appear dull. After rinsing, let the tile and grout air dry. For added protection, consider resealing the grout after it’s completely dry. Regular, weekly cleaning prevents grime from building up and helps keep grout looking fresh. In addition, scrubbing high-use areas of your home on a schedule will help prevent mold and mildew from developing. To keep your grout as bright as possible, it’s a good idea to have it professionally cleaned twice a year.

4. Scrub with a scrubbing pad

Grout is a popular finish for many floors, adding a nice touch of color and style to any room. However, despite its beautiful appearance it is also very porous and attracts dirt and grime like a magnet. Over time, this dirt can wear away at the grout and even cause it to lose its brightness and quality. This is why it’s important to have regular tile and grout cleaning to keep your tiles looking their best.

Whether your tiles are porcelain, ceramic or slate, scrubbing them regularly with a scrub brush can help to prevent dirt and grime build up and keep them clean. The key is to use the right kind of cleaner, something that will be safe and gentle on your grout. The best choice is a pH-neutral cleaner such as vinegar or a mild detergent. Avoid using acidic cleaners, as they can etch and discolor your tiles.

While you may be able to clean your grout with these simple tips, it can be difficult to get rid of stains that are particularly deep. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to contact professionals for professional grout cleaning. They can remove dirt, grime and stains from your tiles, leaving them looking new again and providing a better finish for your floor.

It’s recommended that you clean your grout on a weekly basis. If you do this, your floors will stay clean, fresh and beautiful for longer. Additionally, it’s a great way to protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your tile. If you don’t want to do this yourself, hiring a professional tile and grout cleaning company can save you time and money.

5. Scrub with a scrubbing brush

Tile and grout cleaning can be a tough job because of dirt that becomes trapped in the porous material. This dirt is difficult to remove with standard home cleaning products and requires extra elbow grease, stiff scrub brushes and a special cleaner. With the right products and hard work, you can restore your dirty grout to a clean, lustrous appearance.

When selecting a tile and grout cleaner, make sure the product is safe for your type of tile. Marble and natural stone are more sensitive to acidic cleaners, while some ceramic and porcelain tiles can be tainted by bleach-based cleaners. It is also important to read the label and test any cleaner in an inconspicuous area before using it on your entire surface.

A few weeks after your tile and grout cleaning, you can protect your investment by sealing the grout lines with a penetrating sealant. This will help to maintain your clean, lustrous floor and keep it looking great for longer.

To maintain your new clean, follow the advice from your tile and grout cleaning professional. Regularly schedule service to keep your tile and grout in a healthy and attractive condition.

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Dirty, discolored grout can make an otherwise beautiful bathroom or kitchen look drab and dingy. The good news is that you can get rid of the dingy grout in your home with a few simple steps and a bit of hard work. The first step is to remove any furniture that you can move (using felt pads or other methods that won’t scratch the tile). Then, if necessary, remove items like rugs, mats, plants and trash cans.

Timothy Lemoine

bluestarremodelingil.com

Painting is a quick and inexpensive way to refresh an entire room. It can also add to a home’s resale value. Despite the many different paint colors available, choosing one that best suits your home’s style is important. The following tips can help you make the right decision.

A popular choice for contemporary homes, Glidden’s Red Delicious is a vibrant yet soothing hue. This shade pairs well with white trim and doors.

Warm neutrals are a go-to option whether you prefer traditional or contemporary styles. Beige, tan, and cream shades are easy on the eyes, create a sense of warmth and coziness, and work well with various furniture and accent colors. These neutrals are also great for balancing out cooler tones in your home.

To choose a warm, neutral shade, consider the color’s undertones. Shades with warm undertones (reds, yellows) advance toward the eye and appear more active, while cool tones (blues, greens, violets) recede from the eye and appear more calming.

Another way to tell if a paint color is warm or cool is by assessing its Light Reflectance Value (LRV). A warm tone will appear golden and glowy in natural light, while grayer shades look cooler under less direct sunlight.

White is the classic go-to neutral, but it’s important to know that white paint shades have a wide range of undertones that affect their overall look. Shades with gold or golden-beige undertones like Ballet White and Sherwin Williams White Duck are warm neutrals, while Sherwin Williams Shoji White has a more cool undertone.

A greige is the perfect balance between gray and beige. Soft neutrals like Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray and Sherwin Williams Silver Lake are popular greige paints. Sherwin Williams Yukon Sky is a lighter, cooler version of greige that works well in north-facing rooms with more blue light.

Try darker hues like Black Forest Green from Benjamin Moore’s Historic collection if you want to get a bit more adventurous with your greige. This rich, greenish-blue is a modern take on the traditional classic and can be balanced with cooler elements such as gray decor.

Even though the color black is technically neutral, it can still add interest to your room. Use this versatile color sparingly with your other neutrals to maintain a clean, polished look.

With their nod to precious gemstones, jewel-tone hues offer a rich, saturated option that can elevate a room. From a deep sapphire blue to a rich amethyst purple or citrine yellow, this regal color palette has the power to bring an instant sense of elegance and elevation.

Jewel tones can be intense for contemporary homes, but using them sparingly as accents or full wall colors can soften the look and make them feel more understated. To help balance out the high quotient of saturated hues, add a lot of neutrals in the form of window trim, area rugs, or cabinetry.

Incorporating texture into your jewel-toned palette can also help soften the overall feel of a space and keep it from feeling too overpowering or OTT. Choose fabrics like velvet or faux fur that offer a soft, luxurious touch to your jewel-toned paint colors.

While jewel-toned hues work well with various fabrics and textures, they pair wonderfully with metallics like gold and bronze. Add some shimmer to your space with jewel-toned strip lights (popularized through TikTok) or a shiny chandelier for a truly luxurious aesthetic.

As a bonus, many of the most popular jewel tones fall into the green and blue family of hues. These saturated shades work beautifully with various natural wood stains, neutrals, and other warm tones like brown and cream.

Whether you’re going for an earthy, teal vibe or something more vibrant, consider bringing in some greenery to compliment your jewel-toned walls. Adding just one solitary plant to your home can instantly boost the look of your room and help offset the richness of the color palette.

Choosing the right shade of jewel-toned paint is essential to creating the right look. Fortunately, ECOS Paints offers diverse expressive colors to suit any style and taste. If you want to incorporate jewel-toned hues into your contemporary home, try a sage green Sonoma Skies 737 or a bright turquoise Sonoma Waters 737 for an eye-catching accent wall.

Accent walls have long been a popular design trend, and they are a great way to introduce color into contemporary homes. Whether you want to highlight artwork or create a focal point with a bold color, an accent wall can do the trick. Choosing the right shade and ensuring your professional painter knows how to execute the project properly is important.

To start, consider which existing features could benefit from an accent wall. For example, a fireplace, brick wall, built-in bookshelves, and architectural nooks are good candidates. Ideally, you’ll also want the accent wall to be symmetrical, as this will reinforce its focal nature. Avoid choosing a wall already dominated by furnishings or other building materials, such as windows and frames.

When selecting the actual color for your accent wall, remember that lighter shades open up spaces, while darker colors are more likely to draw the eye and make a room feel cozier. Choose a shade that complements your home’s furnishings and decor for the best results.

Consider using a rich color for an exterior accent wall that will stand out in your neighborhood. Dark blues like Benjamin Moore’s Newburyport Blue are popular for modern exteriors and work well with contrasting shingle styles and natural wood textures. Gray paint is another option for an exterior accent wall. It works well with various siding materials, including natural wood and stucco.

You can even go wild with your accent wall and opt for textured wallpaper or patterned paint. Use a high-quality, washable wallpaper that will withstand the elements and require less maintenance than a painted surface.

There are endless painting options for your contemporary home, and the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. The most important thing to remember is that your home should reflect your style and match your family’s needs. With the help of a professional, you can find the perfect color and texture to make your house come alive.

The contemporary home is about letting light in and accentuating sleek textures, but that doesn’t mean your modern interior can’t have a pop of color. Opt for neutral shades like beige, taupe, and gray in your living areas to create a comfortable space suitable for relaxing or entertaining. Then, add color to furniture, art, or other accents. For example, the bedroom is perfect for bold blues or greens that pair beautifully with patterned upholstered headboards, as shown here.

Color can also be a great accent to your contemporary exterior. If you’re looking for a color that will stand out without feeling too over-the-top, consider a shade of orange or yellow. For example, a terra cotta-like orange can warm a concrete-colored house and look fantastic with wooden features such as decking and railings. Or, try a deep sea blue or ocean aqua paint shade that pairs well with your wooden windows and doors.

In addition to incorporating some of these popular paint colors, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and go for something more experimental. For example, if you have a beautiful piece of wall art or other artwork that could better match your space, try painting a section of the room in a new color to see if it works better with your existing decor. This is an easy and affordable way to experiment with a new paint color without committing to a whole room.

If you’re ready to give your contemporary home a facelift, contact our team today for more information on how we can help. We’re happy to discuss your color ideas and recommend the best painting options for your unique space.

While traditional homes are rooted in a specific period, contemporary styles adapt to the current trends in design. Therefore, They are more likely to appeal to prospective buyers. For this reason, it’s a good idea to incorporate some elements of contemporary style into your home before you put it on the market.