This is a very frequently asked one. The answer is that if you use a Grout Sealer then this will help keep the grout looking like new for a longer period of time. It will also make the cleaning process much easier because any dirt will be kept at the surface and hence will be easier to wipe away. Using grout sealer will also prevent the growth of mildew because the pores in the grout will be sealed and make it much tougher for mildew and mould spores to prosper.
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Last year I had limestone tiles fitted in my bathroom, sadly the tiler left grout on the surface of the tiles. It has long since hardned, how do i remove it?
Hi Seano, it might be possible to do something about this. If you are talking about a ‘grout haze’ or fine residue then you could try a product called Nanoscrub[http://www.tileandstonecare.co.uk/productdetailpage.asp?id=3] – unlike the traditional cement/grout removers, this product contains no acidic chemicals (which you should not use on your limestone). Instead, it uses a mild cream cleaner, combined with a safe abrasive cleaner (itself derived from limestone, so it won’t scratch your stone), it acts as an ‘exfoliating cream’ for stone and will safely remove fine grout hazes. The nano-technology used in the product will also works on the surface tension, allowing the cleaner to get into smaller micro pores.
If you have very heavy deposits then, it may be more difficult. Worst case, you may have to employ a specialist floor restorer to regrind the floor. This can be done using polishing or honing compounds or diamond grinding.
Hope that helps