Allergens and Bacteria That Lurk Under Your Feet
No discussion of a truly clean tile floor would be complete without covering the importance of maintaining the tile and grout that collect and trap much of the moisture and offending dirt and bacteria that accumulate there.
You’ve probably noticed that the grout around your tiles is especially porous by virtue of the fact that it collects and holds stains from makeup, dirty water, mold and mildew. This build up of moisture and soil is also a breeding ground for bacteria and allergens.
So in addition to being unsightly, it’s also unsanitary. In fact, grout acts like a sponge to absorb both dirt and stains which, over time, become trapped below the surface and are difficult to remove.
Potential Bacteria That May Be Living In Your Tile or Grout:
- Serratia marcescens: involved in nosocomial infections, particularly catheter-associated bacteremia, urinary tract infections and wound infections, and is responsible for 1.4% of nosocomial bacteremia cases in the United States.
- Athlete’s foot: caused by the ringworm fungus (“tinea” in medical also called tinea pedis. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot can be found on many locations, including dirty grout and tile on floors in bathrooms, showers, and entry ways. The fungus can also be spread directly from person to person or by contact with these objects.
- Onychomycosis: a fungal infection of the finger or toe nails which is very difficult to cure.
- Plantar warts: are spread by contact with moist walking surfaces, they can be prevented by not walking barefoot in public areas such as showers or bathrooms, and avoiding direct contact with warts on other parts of the body or on other people.
- Mildew: a type of fungus that be found growing on a multitude of surfaces where moisture and temperature levels are high. Mildew can be identified and distinguished from other types of fungi by its thin, sheet-like appearance that often coats entire surfaces. Mildew can be black or white in color. As mildew grows, it leaves behind a musty, sour-like odor. Most mildews are caused by an overgrowth of it’s close cousin, mold.
For ongoing restoration and maintenance, it’s best to schedule regular professional cleaning by Bizaillion Floors, LLC for all of your tile and grout restoration. It takes professional expertise and equipment to remove the stains and filth lingering below the surface and apply the sealants necessary to prevent future staining and bacterial growth.