Ever walk into a home or property and smell a faint but offensive odor and can't quite figure out where it's coming from? If you have odors that you can't quite identify the source, it just might be coming from your grout lines.

Think about it. Unsealed grout is porous. That means it is full of tiny holes. Everything that comes in from the bottom of shoes can get deposited and ground in. Food and drink spills, pet accidents, and other substances can get trapped in the holes. Trapped moisture can result in mold and mildew forming. Regular sweeping, mopping, or even janitorial services clean the surface but do not remove contaminants embedded in grout lines and may even drive these unwanted substances in further.

Stone and tile restoration contractors resolve with all kinds of problems, from polishing dull floors and countertops to repairing chips and cracks to etches, stains, and more. But, did you know that removing odors from grout lines is another valuable service your stone restoration contractor can help you with?

Professional deep cleaning can break down and flush out contaminants, sanitize grout lines, leave you with clean and fresh results impossible to achieve with regular cleaning methods. If the source of the odors is biological, an enzyme treatment can be done.

Don't forget to have your grout lines sealed following a deep cleaning. This will protect them from spills being able to penetrate beyond the surface.

The next time you smell a faint odor and can’t tell where it is coming from, remember, the source may be your grout lines. Having your grout lines professionally cleaned will not only leave your home or business looking better, it can clear the air and resolve some mysterious odor problems.

This is one of a series of articles written and published  on behalf of Stone and Tile PRO Partners.