The Grout
The problem is the cementatious lime based grout easily absorbs moisture, oils and sugars that in turn attract bacteria, dirt and other solids that change the overall appearance by darkening the grout. Other porous surfaces like brick, Italian quarry- tile, limestone and other engineered flooring all acts like concrete or grout, absorbing liquids, oils and dirt to a point that their appearance also darkens with time .

Chemicals can dilute the grime well enough, but without effective removal the formed slurry only soaks deeper into the grout. Rotary scrubbers fail to reach into the grout lines or the texture of the tiles. Tile and grout is often associated with food halls, restaurants, rest rooms and leisure areas. Dirty tile and grout is not aesthetically pleasing. More importantly it is unhygienic. Bacteria collects in the grout lines along with oils, food matter, sugars and moisture. The final "mop and bucket "of the day further exasipates the problem further adding more moisture and dirt.

Historically this has been tackled by either labour intensively scrubbing with nail brushes and detergents or accepting that after a number of years lifting and relaying the tile and grout surface. This is clearly:

• Very expensive
• Lost business while establishment is closed
• Disruption to clientele and staff