Excess grout can leave freshly tiled floors with an unpleasant haze, making your floor appear dirty or dull. That underscores the significance of embarking on grout cleaning shortly after installing new tiles.
To clean grout efficiently, you need to combine a grout cleaning machine and recommended cleaning solutions.
A quick search for the best grout cleaners reveals dozens of recommended products. But while options abound, picking the best equipment can be an undertaking for newbies.
We’ve taken the liberty of putting together the essential factors to consider when shopping for a grout cleaning machine for your home or business.
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1.Brand Reputation
There’s no shortage of grout cleaning appliance makers. However, not every manufacturer is credible.
Insist on a grout cleaning machine brand that enjoys impressive reviews from previous users. Sample online user feedback and testimonials to understand a grout machine’s performance and durability before purchasing it.
Besides, we strive to establish other key aspects, such as the availability of spare parts and the warranty terms.
2.Type of Grout Cleaner
Grout cleaning machines come in numerous designs. Popular options include;
Electric Grout Cleaners
Electric grout cleaners utilize electricity and rotating brush heads to dislodge stubborn grout off your tiles. They’re ideal for large cleaning projects, allowing you to remove unsightly grout before it dries.
Steam Cleaners
Steam cleaners use a combination of hot steam and chemical-free cleaning solutions. If properly used, this equipment can deliver outstanding results.
Combination Units
Combination grout cleaning machines feature both steam and electricity, providing unparalleled versatility.
3.Handheld versus Upright Cleaners
Handheld grout cleaning machines stand out for their compactness and portability. Their ease of moving around makes them ideal for both home and office usage.
However, this equipment is best used for lighter-duty grout removal.
In contrast, upright grout cleaners are larger and more energy intensive. They’re excellent for removing stubborn grout over a fairly expansive area.
4.Size and Convenience
A handheld grout cleaning machine will almost always be lighter than an upright cleaner. Some lighter brands can weigh a paltry 4 pounds (lbs) or less, making them safe to use in confined areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and hallways.
But even in the realm of upright grout cleaners, the equipment may still differ considerably in their overall size.
Smaller upright grout cleaning machines are preferable for their ease of use and convenience of storage. Just remember that this equipment may fall short if you’re looking at major grout cleaning work.
A good thumb rule is to balance between size and convenience, bearing in mind that larger grout cleaners are heavier and harder to maneuver than their smaller counterparts.
5.Corded versus Cordless
Grout cleaners can be corded or cordless.
Corded cleaners come equipped with a pre-built power cord for plugging into an electrical outlet. Some also include a battery compartment, making them reliable even during power outages.
Cordless grout cleaners are strictly battery powered. But while you cannot plug these machines into a power outlet, the absence of a cord minimizes trip hazards and electrical shocks.
The conventional wisdom is to choose a corded grout cleaner that’s also battery powered.
6.Cord Length
If you opt for a corded grout cleaning machine, understanding the ideal cable length is paramount.
Five feet should be the optimum length for your grout cleaner’s power cord.
A longer cord provides the convenience of working on a larger radius without unplugging your grout-cleaning equipment. However, note that a longer cord can lead to voltage drop, reducing the machine’s efficiency.
7.Intensity and Frequency of Use
How often do you anticipate using a grout cleaning machine, and to what extent?
A small handheld cleaner may serve your needs if you’re looking for equipment for grout removal during occasional home renovations. In contrast, you’ll require a heavy-duty grout cleaning machine if you’re a professional builder or tiling technician.
Heavy-duty cleaners are also preferable if you’re anticipating a mega tiling project, whether in your private property or as part of your professional engagements.
8.Water Reservoir Capacity
The amount of fluid your grout cleaning machine can hold determines how long you can use the equipment continuously.
A larger tank will keep you going longer between refills, making them excellent for heavy-duty grout cleaning jobs. Smaller grout cleaners have a tank capacity of around one liter, while larger models can hold up to ten liters.
However, note that a grout cleaner’s tank size directly impacts its size, weight, and maneuverability.
9.Power Rating
Grout cleaning machines utilize both hot water and pressure. For maximum results, the water may need to be heated up to 320 degrees Fahrenheit, and the equipment should be set at 600 – 800 pounds per square inch (psi).
These dynamics make grout cleaners power-intensive equipment, underscoring the importance of checking for power rating.
While buying a grout cleaning machine, check the packaging for the recommended power draw. That may be expressed in terms of amperage, voltage, or wattage.
Understanding this information is critical in determining where to plug a corded grout cleaner. Always connect the machine to electrical circuits with similar or higher power draw.
10.Flexibility in Setting
As grout cleaners utilize temperature and pressure, it’s important to choose a machine with variable settings. You can adjust the steam temperature depending on the project at hand.
For instance, hotter steam may be effective for stubborn grout.
Similarly, ensure the machine comes with adjustable pressure. Unlike steam, where higher settings translate to improved efficiency, a higher pressure on a grout cleaner only wastes water by splashing it all over the room.
The trick is to balance low-to-medium pressure with hotter steam. This is especially recommended for combination grout cleaning machines.
11.Value for Money
After narrowing it down to a few grout cleaning machines, it doesn’t hurt to compare prices and pick the most affordable product.
However, don’t let cost be your sole motivation while sifting through grout cleaners. Shun products that are marketed purely based on their price, as cheap can often turn out to be quite expensive.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, choose a grout cleaner that comes with at least a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
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Final Thoughts
Following these recommendations can point you to a grout cleaning machine designed for maximum efficiency and durability.
However, even the most robust grout cleaner may not penetrate dried grout. The trick is to clean your floor of excess grout 15 – 30 minutes after tile installation.
Using a grout cleaner specifically for its intended purpose is also best. Dried paint spills and other stubborn stains are best cleaned with heavy-duty machines, such as the scrubber-dryer.
