See How Our Team of Tile and Grout Cleaners in Manhattan, NY Saved This Ceramic Tile Shower from Severe Water Damage

May 31, 2023

Cracked grout is a common issue found in showers. This problem can be caused by water seepage, incorrect cleaning and sealing procedures, and harmful cleaning products. If cracked grout is neglected, it can lead to costly repairs. Unfortunately, most homeowners fail to notice changes in the appearance of their shower's grout until it's too late.


Our team of tile and grout cleaners in Manhattan, NY recently helped a woman restore her beautiful ceramic tile shower. A month prior to our visit, the homeowner noticed the shower wasn't in good condition. The grout lines were filled with dirt and white powder had begun to build on the tiles. She overlooked the problem at first, thinking the dirt and white residue would come off over time. It never did. In fact, things got worse. The homeowner had a busy schedule, so she decided to try cleaning the shower the following weekend.

On the weekend, she went to the store and bought several products. When she got home, she immediately began cleaning the shower. After hours of scrubbing the shower's surfaces using the products she bought, she observed the overall appearance of the surfaces didn't change. Through her efforts, she had only managed to remove some of the grime that had lodged into the shower's grout. That's when she noticed many of the grout lines in the shower were cracked. Concerned, she went online and searched for advice.

Most users from the websites she found suggested having the grout lines repaired by professionals. They explained that damaged grout could result in severe water damage. That's when she decided to search online for a local hard surface restoration company. Shortly after, she found our website. After watching video testimonials from satisfied customers and browsing our Before and After, she was convinced we were the right company for the job. She filled out the form on our website to request a free evaluation and a quote.

On the day of the evaluation, our experts arrived at the client's home to assess the shower. The floor was full of dirt and soap scum, the grout lines were cracking, and the caulk was falling apart. There was also a white buildup on the floor. This meant water had picked up some of the disintegrated grout mixes and carried it to the surface. When our techs asked the client about her cleaning routine, she explained she rarely cleaned the shower, and when she did, she used harsh cleaning products. The products she had been using damaged the tiles, grout lines, and caulk. Most store-bought products will damage grout when it hasn't been properly sealed.

To fix the problem, our techs offered to clean and seal the shower's surfaces. On top of that, they offered to repair the damaged fixtures using our proprietary products. The customer agreed to the proposal and set up an appointment for the job.

On the scheduled day, our specialists returned to the client's house to get the job done. They started the restoration process by soaking the shower's surfaces with a pH-neutral cleaning solution. On top of being safe for tile and grout, our cleaner contains ingredients that can help inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms for an extended period of time after it has been applied. After letting the cleaner sit for a couple of minutes, our techs rinsed the shower's surfaces using a high-speed scrubber. They also used a steam cleaner for the shower's joints to ensure all of the mold and mildew had been removed.

After they finished cleaning the shower, our experts performed the necessary repairs on the shower's fixtures. They applied our proprietary sealant, ColorSeal, to the grout lines. ColorSeal is an acrylic-based sealant that protects grout against water, stains, soap, mold, and mildew. It also comes in a variety of colors to match the appearance of the tiles. The customer chose white. When our techs finished the sealing procedure, the customer asked them if they could do anything to keep the shower's glass doors protected. She explained that the glass doors always proved difficult to clean. Our specialists assured the client they could do what she asked. To do so, they would apply our topical protective nano sealant to the doors. This sealant is designed to protect glass surfaces in areas that are constantly exposed to moisture. The customer agreed and had our professionals perform the service shortly after.

When he finished, our techs let the homeowner see the results. She was amazed by the appearance of her brand-new-looking shower. There was no trace of dirt and the grout looked flawless. She thanked our experts for the service and said she would recommend Sir Grout Manhattan to anyone in need of hard surface restoration services.

Before leaving, our specialists gave the homeowner some tips for maintaining the shower. First, they suggested she start using liquid soap instead of bar soap. The latter leaves a sticky film behind that traps dirt and moisture. Second, they recommended steering away from store-bought products to maintain her shower. Unknown to most homeowners, most of these cleaners contain harmful components that can deteriorate tile and grout. A pH-neutral cleaner like Sir Grout's Natural Hard Surface Cleaner will successfully keep hard surfaces clean while prolonging the lifespan of the shower's fixtures.

Are the grout lines in your shower cracking? Contact Sir Grout Manhattan, a leading expert in hard surface restoration. We have the necessary tools and expertise to provide you with the best services in the field. Call us at (718) 557-9283 or fill out the "Request a Quote" on this page to schedule a free in-home consultation. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with our latest news and promotions.

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