Frequently Asked Questions About Tile & Grout Restoration

Traditional grout sealing uses an impregnating sealer that penetrates the grout to create a barrier against moisture and stains. While effective, these sealers wear off over time , typically within 12-24 months , requiring regular reapplication. Grout color sealing is an entirely different process. Our color seal product penetrates deep into the pores of your grout and bonds permanently with the material. Once cured, the grout becomes 100% non-porous. This means liquids, dirt, mold, and bacteria physically cannot penetrate the surface. The "color" component allows you to choose from over 350 different shades. You can match your existing grout color to restore its original appearance, or you can completely change the color to transform your space. Many homeowners use this opportunity to go from dingy gray grout to bright white, or to choose a contrasting color that makes their tile pop. The key difference: traditional sealers protect grout temporarily and require ongoing maintenance. Color sealing creates a permanent, stain-proof, maintenance-free surface that we back with a 15-year warranty.

Our grout color seal is rated to last 15 years or more. Unlike traditional impregnating sealers that wear off in 12-24 months, our color seal creates a permanent bond with the grout material itself. We back this with our industry-leading 15-year warranty. If your color seal peels, discolors, or fails to perform within 15 years, we will return and repair it at no additional cost to you. In practice, most of our customers never need to think about their grout again after color sealing. The surface is completely non-porous, so there's nothing to wear off or break down under normal use.

Our 15-year warranty on grout color sealing covers: • Peeling or Flaking: If the color seal separates from the grout surface under normal use, we will repair the affected areas at no charge. • Discoloration: If the sealed grout changes color, yellows, or fades under normal conditions, we will restore it to the original color at no charge. • Staining: If stains penetrate the sealed grout under normal use (which should not happen with properly applied color seal), we will repair the affected areas at no charge. • Adhesion Failure: If the color seal fails to bond properly and comes off during normal cleaning, we will reapply at no charge. What the warranty does not cover: • Damage caused by harsh chemicals, acids, or abrasive cleaners • Physical damage from impacts, scratching, or gouging • Damage caused by improper cleaning methods (steel wool, abrasive pads) • Grout that cracks or fails due to structural movement or settling • Areas that were not included in the original service • Normal wear in extremely high-traffic commercial environments (commercial warranties are quoted separately) To maintain your warranty, we recommend cleaning sealed grout with pH-neutral cleaners only. We provide a complimentary bottle of Lazona Multi-Surface Cleaner with every color sealing service, and it's available for purchase afterward.

Yes. We offer over 350 grout colors, which means we can match virtually any existing grout shade or help you choose a completely new color. Popular color choices include: • Bright white (most popular for bathrooms and kitchens) • Off-white and cream tones • Light gray and charcoal • Beige and tan (popular for matching travertine) • Dark brown and espresso • Black (popular for modern and industrial looks) • Custom colors to match specific tile or decor During your free assessment, we bring color samples so you can see exactly how different options will look with your tile. Many customers are surprised by how dramatically a simple grout color change can transform a space , without replacing any tile.

This is the most common question we hear, and the answer lies in understanding what grout actually is. Grout is a mixture of cement, sand, and water. When it cures, it becomes extremely porous , filled with microscopic holes and channels. From the moment grout is installed, it begins absorbing everything it contacts: dirt from mopping, body oils in showers, soap residue, cleaning chemicals, and moisture. When you clean grout with household products, you're only addressing the surface. The staining you see has actually penetrated into the pores of the material. It's not ON the grout , it's IN the grout. That's why scrubbing, bleaching, and store-bought cleaners provide only temporary improvement. In wet areas like showers, the problem is compounded by mold and mildew that grow inside the grout pores. Surface cleaning can't reach this embedded mold, which is why it keeps returning. The only permanent solution is to either replace the grout entirely or to clean it professionally and then seal it with a product that makes the grout non-porous , like our color seal. Once sealed, nothing can penetrate, which means nothing can cause the discoloration to return.

In most cases, yes , color sealing is a better option than regrouting for several reasons: Cost: Color sealing typically costs 50-70% less than complete regrouting. Regrouting requires removing all existing grout (labor-intensive), disposing of debris, applying new grout, and waiting for cure time. Time: A color sealing project is typically completed in one day. Regrouting a bathroom or kitchen can take 2-4 days. Results: Color sealed grout is actually superior to new grout because it's completely non-porous. New grout, even when sealed with traditional sealers, will eventually absorb stains. When regrouting IS necessary: • Grout is severely cracked, crumbling, or missing in large areas • Water damage has compromised the substrate beneath the grout • Grout is so deteriorated that there's insufficient material to bond with the color seal • You want to change grout joint width or style During your free assessment, we'll evaluate your grout condition and give you an honest recommendation.

Yes, but the existing sealer must be removed first. If your grout was previously sealed with a traditional impregnating sealer, we can usually apply our color seal directly after thorough cleaning, as impregnating sealers absorb into the grout and don't leave a surface film. If your grout has a topical sealer (one that sits on the surface and creates a shiny film), this must be stripped before color sealing. Topical sealers prevent proper bonding of the color seal. During your assessment, we'll identify what type of sealer (if any) is currently on your grout and include any necessary prep work in your quote.

The difference comes down to equipment, solutions, and extraction. Equipment: Our truck-mounted cleaning system generates up to 1,500 PSI of water pressure and heats water to 220°F. This combination of pressure and heat reaches deep into grout pores and tile texture to break loose contamination that household mops and scrub brushes simply cannot reach. Solutions: We use professional-grade cleaning solutions formulated for specific soil types and surface materials. These are more effective than consumer products while being safer for your tile and grout. Extraction: Perhaps most importantly, our truck-mounted system provides powerful vacuum extraction that removes all dirty water and contamination from your home. When you mop, dirty water gets pushed into grout lines. Our extraction pulls everything out, leaving your floors clean and dry. The result is a level of clean that household methods cannot achieve , typically removing 90-95% of embedded soil compared to 20-30% with DIY methods.

For most residential homes, we recommend professional cleaning every 12-24 months depending on several factors: Annually (every 12 months) if you have: • High foot traffic areas (entryways, kitchens) • Pets in the home • Children who track in dirt regularly • Light-colored grout that shows soil easily • Health concerns that require maximum cleanliness Every 18-24 months if you have: • Moderate foot traffic • Dark-colored or color-sealed grout • Good maintenance habits between professional cleanings • No pets or young children Showers specifically should be addressed when you notice mold, soap scum buildup, or grout discoloration that regular cleaning isn't addressing. These recommendations assume your grout is sealed. Unsealed grout accumulates soil faster and may need professional attention more frequently , or better yet, should be color sealed to prevent ongoing contamination.

Technically yes, but we don't recommend it. Here's why: Tile and grout exist as a system. When tile is cleaned but grout is left dirty, the visual contrast actually makes the grout look worse. Clean tile next to dirty grout draws the eye to the grout lines and emphasizes the discoloration. Additionally, much of what makes tile look dirty is actually soil in the grout lines creating an overall dingy appearance. Cleaning the tile surface alone often produces disappointing results because the grout , which covers 10-15% of most floor surfaces , remains discolored. Our standard tile cleaning service always includes grout cleaning for this reason. The price difference between tile-only and tile-with-grout cleaning is minimal, and the results are dramatically better when both are addressed.

We can move light furniture such as chairs, small tables, and lightweight items as part of our standard service. For heavy furniture , sofas, beds, large entertainment centers, heavy dressers , we offer furniture moving as an add-on service for $150-$500 depending on the scope. Alternatively, you can move these items before our arrival or leave them in place and we'll work around them. We do not move: • Electronics (TVs, computers, stereo equipment) • Breakables (china cabinets, collectibles, glassware) • Pianos or extremely heavy items • Items requiring disassembly Please ensure all personal items, small rugs, and clutter are cleared from the work area before our arrival.

For standard tile and grout cleaning without sealing: Light foot traffic (socks or bare feet) is fine within 1-2 hours. The floors will feel slightly damp but are safe to walk on carefully. For cleaning with sealer application: We recommend staying off the floors for 2-4 hours to allow the sealer to begin curing. Full cure takes 24-48 hours, during which you should avoid heavy traffic, dragging furniture, and mopping. For cleaning with color seal application: Light foot traffic is typically okay after 2-4 hours. We recommend waiting 24 hours before mopping or exposing grout to water to allow full cure. Your technician will provide specific instructions based on the services performed and products used.

Our shower restoration service is comprehensive, addressing all the common issues that make showers look dated and dirty: Deep Cleaning: Professional cleaning of all tile surfaces, grout lines, glass doors, and fixtures using specialized shower cleaning solutions and equipment. Mold and Mildew Treatment: Application of mildewcide to kill embedded mold and prevent regrowth. This addresses mold living inside grout pores that surface cleaning cannot reach. Grout Repair: Any cracked, missing, or damaged grout is repaired before sealing. This is critical for both appearance and preventing water damage. Recaulking: Old, moldy, or failing caulk around the shower pan, corners, fixtures, and where tile meets other surfaces is removed and replaced with professional-grade, mold-resistant silicone caulk. Grout Color Sealing: All grout is color sealed for permanent protection against mold, mildew, and staining. This is what transforms a shower from "cleaned" to "restored." Glass Restoration (Optional Add-On): Hard water spots, mineral deposits, and etching on glass doors can be polished and restored to clarity. Stone Restoration (For Natural Stone Showers): Travertine, marble, and other natural stone surfaces can be honed and polished to remove etching, water spots, and dullness.

Showers create the perfect environment for mold growth: constant moisture, warm temperatures, soap residue (which mold feeds on), and porous grout that provides shelter. When grout is unsealed or when sealers have worn off, mold spores penetrate into the grout pores. Surface cleaning removes visible mold but leaves spores embedded inside the material. With continued moisture exposure, the mold simply regrows from within. This is why many homeowners feel like they're fighting a losing battle with shower mold. Cleaning provides temporary improvement, but the mold returns within days or weeks because the source isn't eliminated. The permanent solution is two-fold: 1. Kill the mold completely , not just on the surface but within the grout, using professional mildewcide treatment 2. Make the grout non-porous , through color sealing, so mold physically cannot establish itself in the grout pores After color sealing, shower grout stays mold-free with basic maintenance because there are no pores for mold to inhabit.

Yes. Grout repair is a standard part of our shower restoration service. Cracked grout in showers is common and occurs for several reasons: • Normal house settling and movement • Expansion and contraction from temperature changes • Improper original installation (wrong grout type, insufficient curing) • Water erosion over time We repair cracked grout by removing the damaged material, cleaning the joint, and applying new grout that's properly matched to your existing color (or your chosen new color if you're color sealing). Important: Cracked grout isn't just a cosmetic issue. Cracks allow water to penetrate behind your tile, which can cause: • Mold growth in wall cavities • Damage to cement board or drywall substrate • Loosening of tiles • Structural damage in severe cases If you have cracked grout in your shower, we recommend addressing it promptly before water damage compounds the problem.

Most shower restorations are completed in 4-8 hours depending on the shower size and condition. Standard shower (single shower stall or tub/shower combo): 4-6 hours Large or luxury showers (walk-in, multiple heads, bench seating): 6-8 hours Showers requiring extensive grout repair or stone restoration: 8+ hours or may require a second day You can typically use your shower within 24-48 hours after restoration. We recommend waiting at least 24 hours to allow the color seal and caulk to fully cure. Your technician will provide specific guidance based on the services performed.

Absolutely. We specialize in natural stone restoration including travertine, marble, limestone, and slate showers. Natural stone showers face unique challenges: • Etching from acidic products (many household cleaners, soap, shampoo) • Water spots and calcium buildup from Arizona's hard water • Dulling from wear and improper cleaning • Staining from soap, body oils, and rust Our stone shower restoration process includes: 1. Deep cleaning using stone-safe solutions 2. Honing with diamond abrasive pads to remove etching and surface damage 3. Polishing (if desired) to restore shine 4. Sealing with penetrating stone sealer to protect against future staining The result is stone that looks like it did when first installed , smooth, even-toned, and properly protected.

Travertine shows several signs when it needs professional attention: Dullness: Travertine that was once shiny or lustrous now appears flat and lifeless. This indicates surface wear and degradation of the polish. Etching: White marks, rings, or dull spots where acidic substances contacted the stone. Common around sinks, near planters, and anywhere drinks are set down. Scratches: Visible scratches from furniture movement, pet claws, grit tracked in on shoes, or dragging items across the floor. Traffic patterns: Distinct pathways showing wear , usually from entry doors to kitchens or living areas. Staining: Discolored areas from spills that penetrated the stone. Dirty pits and holes: The natural holes in travertine are filled with dirt and debris that cleaning cannot remove. Grout issues: The grout between travertine tiles may be dirty, cracked, or missing. If you observe any of these signs, your travertine would benefit from professional restoration.

Both honing and polishing are mechanical processes that refinish the surface of natural stone, but they produce different results: Honing uses diamond abrasive pads to grind down the stone surface. This removes the damaged top layer , eliminating etching, scratches, and wear patterns , and creates a smooth, uniform surface. Honing typically produces a matte or satin finish. The honing process progresses through increasingly fine grits: • 100-200 grit: Aggressive removal of damage • 400 grit: Smoothing • 800 grit: Refining • 1600+ grit: Creating a satin finish Polishing follows honing and uses very fine diamond pads (3000+ grit) along with polishing compounds to create a glossy, reflective finish. Which is right for you? • Matte finish: Honing only (stops at 800 grit). Natural, understated look. • Satin finish: Honing through 1600 grit. Soft sheen, very popular in Arizona homes. • Semi-gloss: Honing plus light polishing. Noticeable shine without being formal. • High gloss: Full honing and polishing sequence. Mirror-like shine, more formal appearance.

For travertine protected with penetrating (impregnating) sealer, we recommend resealing every 12-24 months depending on traffic and use. Factors that affect sealing frequency: • High traffic areas (entryways, kitchens) may need annual sealing • Low traffic areas can often go 24 months between applications • Bathrooms and wet areas should be sealed annually due to moisture exposure • Quality of previous sealer affects longevity • Maintenance practices , proper pH-neutral cleaning extends sealer life How to test if your travertine needs sealing: Perform a simple water test. Place a few drops of water on the stone surface. If the water beads up and sits on the surface, your sealer is still effective. If the water absorbs into the stone within 1-5 minutes (you'll see the stone darken), it's time to reseal. When we perform professional travertine cleaning, sealing is included as a standard part of the service.

Yes. Etching is surface damage caused by acidic substances reacting with the calcium in marble and travertine. It appears as dull spots, rings, or marks where acidic items contacted the stone. Common causes of etching: • Citrus fruits and juices • Wine and alcohol • Vinegar and acidic dressings • Tomato sauce • Many household cleaners (including some advertised as "safe for stone") • Hard water deposits Etching is physical damage to the stone surface, not a stain. This means it cannot be cleaned away , it must be mechanically removed through honing. The honing process grinds down the stone surface just enough to remove the damaged layer, revealing fresh, undamaged stone beneath. The area is then polished to match the surrounding stone and sealed. For isolated etch marks, we can often spot-treat the specific areas. For widespread etching, full floor honing and polishing produces the best, most uniform results.

Yes. Travertine naturally contains holes (called "pits" or "voids") that are part of its character. Most travertine is sold "filled" , meaning the factory filled the holes with colored epoxy or cement before shipping. Over time, this fill material can: • Fall out, leaving open holes • Crack or chip • Discolor and not match the surrounding stone • Collect dirt that's difficult to clean During travertine restoration, we can: 1. Clean existing holes , removing embedded dirt from the pits 2. Re-fill holes , using color-matched epoxy or fill material 3. Leave holes natural , if you prefer the unfilled look Re-filling holes creates a smoother surface that's easier to clean and more resistant to collecting debris. The fill material is matched as closely as possible to your stone's color.

Absolutely. We provide tile, grout, stone, and carpet services for commercial properties throughout the East Valley including: • Hotels and resorts • Restaurants and food service • Fitness centers and gyms • Spas and wellness centers • Medical and dental offices • Retail stores • Office buildings • Apartment complexes and HOAs • Assisted living facilities • Schools and educational facilities Commercial environments have higher traffic and unique maintenance challenges. We offer: • One-time deep cleaning and restoration • Scheduled maintenance programs (monthly, quarterly, or annual) • After-hours service to avoid disrupting your business • Customized solutions for your specific facility needs Commercial warranties and pricing are quoted separately based on traffic levels and maintenance requirements.

Yes. We understand that most businesses can't shut down during the day for restoration work. We offer flexible scheduling including: • Early morning service (before your business opens) • Evening and night service (after closing) • Weekend service • Phased projects that allow you to remain partially operational We'll work with your schedule to minimize disruption to your business and your customers.

Our tile and grout cleaning pricing is based on square footage and condition: Basic cleaning: Starting at $1.00 per square foot Includes pre-treatment, agitation, hot water extraction cleaning of tile and grout, and detail work in corners and edges. Cleaning with sealer: Add $0.25-0.50 per square foot Includes everything above plus application of penetrating impregnating sealer. Cleaning with color seal: Starting at $3.00-5.00 per square foot Includes deep cleaning, grout repair as needed, and permanent color sealing with your choice of colors. Factors that affect pricing: • Total square footage • Current condition (heavily soiled areas require more time) • Accessibility (stairs, tight spaces) • Additional services (furniture moving, grout repair, stone restoration) We provide exact quotes after a free in-home assessment. There are no hidden fees , the quote we give is the price you pay.

Shower restoration pricing depends on the size and condition of your shower: Standard shower or tub surround: Starting at $1,500 Includes deep cleaning, mold treatment, grout repair, recaulking, and grout color sealing. Large or luxury showers: Starting at $2,000-3,000 Walk-in showers, showers with benches, multiple walls, and extensive grout require additional time and materials. Natural stone shower restoration: Starting at $3,000 Includes all standard restoration services plus stone honing/polishing and specialized stone sealing. Add-on services: • Glass restoration: $150-300 per door • Fixture cleaning and polishing: $50-100 During your free assessment, we'll evaluate your shower and provide an exact quote based on its specific needs.

Yes. We provide free in-home assessments for all services. During your assessment, we will: • Examine your tile, grout, and stone surfaces • Identify any issues or areas of concern • Discuss your goals and expectations • Recommend appropriate services • Provide an exact price quote with no obligation Assessments typically take 15-30 minutes depending on the scope of the project. To schedule your free assessment, call (480) 352-0392 or complete the contact form on our website.

Yes. We require a deposit of 30-50% to secure your appointment, depending on the scope of work. The deposit: • Confirms your appointment date and time • Allows us to order any materials specific to your project (grout colors, specialty sealers, etc.) • Must be received 5-14 days prior to your scheduled service The remaining balance is due upon completion of the work. We accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, and cash. Credit card payments are subject to a small processing fee.

We understand that schedules change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair while respecting the time our technicians have reserved for your project: Cancellations more than 48 hours before service: Full refund minus any non-refundable materials already purchased for your specific project. Cancellations within 48 hours of service: Deposit is forfeited. We reserve technician time and often turn away other jobs to accommodate your appointment. Rescheduling: We're happy to reschedule your appointment with at least 48 hours notice at no penalty.

To help us complete your service efficiently and thoroughly: For floor cleaning/restoration: • Clear the floor of small items, rugs, and clutter • Move small furniture and chairs out of the work area • Secure pets in a separate area • Ensure we have access to a water source and electrical outlet For shower restoration: • Remove all toiletries, shampoo bottles, soap, etc. from the shower • Clear the bathroom counter of personal items • Provide access to the bathroom for the duration of service For whole-home or large projects: • Ensure pathways are clear for equipment • Identify any areas of special concern to discuss with the technician • Make arrangements for children and pets during service

We serve the entire East Valley and surrounding areas including: Primary service area (no trip charge): • Chandler • Mesa • Gilbert • Ahwatukee • Queen Creek • San Tan Valley • Paradise Valley Extended service area ($50 trip charge): • Florence • Coolidge • Tempe • Scottsdale • Phoenix (East) • Casa Grande • Marana If your location is not listed, please call us. We can often accommodate projects outside our standard service area.

Yes. Lazona Tile Care is a licensed, bonded, and insured Arizona contractor. We carry full liability insurance to protect both our team and your property. We also hold certifications from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the recognized standard of the cleaning and restoration industry. IICRC certification requires ongoing education and adherence to industry best practices.

Yes. Every service comes with our 30-day workmanship guarantee. If you're not satisfied with any aspect of our work, contact us within 30 days and we'll return to address your concerns at no additional cost. For grout color sealing specifically, we offer our 15-year warranty as detailed above. We stand behind our work because your satisfaction is our reputation. Our business is built on referrals and repeat customers, and we earn that loyalty by delivering exceptional results every time.

Proper maintenance extends the life of your professional cleaning and protects your investment: For sealed grout: • Clean with pH-neutral cleaners only (we provide Lazona Multi-Surface Cleaner) • Avoid acidic cleaners (vinegar, citrus-based products) • Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals • Wipe up spills promptly • Use mats at entryways to reduce tracked-in dirt For travertine and natural stone: • Use only stone-specific pH-neutral cleaners • Never use vinegar, lemon, or acidic products • Wipe up spills immediately (especially acidic substances) • Use coasters under drinks • Use felt pads under furniture legs For color-sealed grout: • Wipe clean with water or pH-neutral cleaner • That's it , your grout is now maintenance-free! Your technician will provide specific care instructions and product recommendations based on your surfaces.

We developed Lazona Multi-Surface Cleaner specifically for the surfaces we restore. It's pH-neutral, safe for tile, grout, natural stone, and sealed surfaces, and leaves no residue that could attract dirt or damage sealers. Every customer receives a complimentary bottle with their service. Additional bottles are available for purchase. For customers who prefer store-bought options, we recommend: • For tile and grout: Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner (available at Home Depot) • For natural stone: StoneTech Stone & Tile Cleaner or Granite Gold Daily Cleaner • Avoid: Vinegar, bleach, Fabuloso, Pine-Sol, and most "multi-surface" cleaners (they're often too acidic) When in doubt, check the pH , look for products labeled "pH neutral" or with a pH between 7-10.

Absolutely. We're here to support you long after your service is complete. If you have questions about: • Maintenance and cleaning • Products to use (or avoid) • Warranty coverage • Scheduling follow-up services • Anything else related to your tile, grout, or stone Call us at (480) 352-0392. We're always happy to help.

Scheduling is easy: Phone: Call (480) 352-0392. We answer calls Monday-Saturday, 8am-5pm. Online: Complete the contact form on our website. We'll respond within 24 hours. Email: lazonarestorative@gmail.com When you contact us, please be prepared to share: • Type of service you're interested in • Approximate square footage or number of showers/bathrooms • Brief description of current condition • Your preferred dates for the free assessment

Office hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed Service appointments are typically scheduled Monday-Saturday between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. We can accommodate early morning, evening, or weekend appointments for commercial clients.