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The Grout Doctor

Happy Grout, Happy House

By Marge Shoemaker

It’s time for spring cleaning, and for our floors, the time can’t come soon enough! Over the winter, our floors take a beating—even when we think we’ve wiped our shoes and boots clean, we’re still tracking in snow, dirt, and salt. No problem…that’s what tile floors are for, right? Easy to sweep or vacuum up the loose dirt; easy to mop or wipe up dried surface stains. Fair enough, but what about the deep stains that show up in the grout? There’s no easy clean there. Grout needs special attention to stay in good health. That’s why you should call Frank Allen, the Grout Doctor.

About 13 years ago, Frank needed a change. He’d Recoloring may be suggested Frank Allen, owner worked in food service for several years and was tired of if the grout shows traffic patterns the long and irregular hours. He wanted a hands-on job or still looks discolored after cleaning. Frank tells us he can that was satisfying and left time to spend with his growing family.

He and his wife had done a lot of the work on their first home, and Frank had helped friends with many small projects. He started looking into home improvement. In 2008, he found Grout Doctor, a national franchise that had been around for 16 years. Other franchisees that he spoke with told him Grout Doctor was a good company to work for, very supportive and helpful. “The company offered,” Frank recalls, “hands on training, guidance, and learned knowledge, all focused on acquiring the necessary skills needed for the craft.”

Over the past decade with Grout Doctor, Frank has hired a few helpers, but he ultimately decided that he would rather do the work himself. “I make sure the job is done right the first time,” he declares. “No shortcuts!” You can’t be in a hurry when working with grout, he explains. It needs time to set up and dry naturally.

Frank cleans the grout using a proprietary cleaning product developed by the company. The process involves application and rinsing to make sure the stains are removed. “The cleaner breaks down and removes the cause of the stain,” Frank says. “It does the work more efficiently than I could by scrubbing it. Once it’s cleaned, we can tell if additional services are needed.”

Damaged or missing grout detracts from the beauty of your tiled floors. “If the damaged grout can be repaired, I’ll fix it,” Frank says, “but sometimes it’s just better to replace it.”

Recoloring may be suggested if the grout shows traffic patterns or still looks discolored after cleaning. Frank tells us he can lighten or darken grout or even match the original color. Recoloring can give the room a new look and feel. "Generally, matching the grout color to the tile color makes a room look larger," he comments. "It's really about what the client wants."

Sealing the grout is also recommended to maintain a healthy grout surface. Most new tile installations don't include sealing the grout, Frank cautions. Unsealed grout absorbs water, bacteria, and stains. Using a sealer on the grout repels moisture, prevents the growth of mold and mildew, and makes it easier to clean. Over time, floor cleaners and general usage can break down the seal. Frank recommends resealing the grout every two years.

Clients have many reasons for calling the Grout Doctor. Many clients call when they are getting ready to sell their house. Others call when they are remodeling. Some even call when they are planning to host a special event. All of them want their house to shine in its best light. "When the tile and the grout are clean and properly sealed, your floor will shine," Frank says.

Don't forget the shower! Grout isn't just found between floor tiles. He advises us to use a squeegee or wipe down the walls whenever we use the shower to help prevent hard water spots and to enhance the life of the shower.

"Take care of stains or spills before they soak in," Frank says, "and seal the grout every two years." Regular maintenance will make you and your grout happier. That's what Frank wants! "I only ask to get paid when the job is done and the people are happy." Call Frank Allen, the Grout Doctor, at 402-393-2565 for a free estimate.