Tile and grout cleaning is a chore that may tempting to postpone, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Live Oak, FL’s Pioneer Janitorial Service reminds you that failure to perform regular tile and grout cleaning leads to mold and mildew growth, and these can cause or exacerbate health problems.

Mold and mildew love to colonize on damp surfaces, such as the tile or grout in your bathroom and kitchen. Both are types of fungi that feed on and break down organic matter. Mildew is an early stage of mold, usually brown, black, yellow, or white in color. Mold starts forming on a damp surface after about a day, and it has an earthy, cheesy odor. It creates spores, which ride air currents to colonize new areas. Thus, mold spreads quickly if not controlled. To remove mold and mildew, scrub your tile with a mixture of water and bleach. Use a soft brush to reach tiny crevices and wipe (but do not rinse) the surface. This lets the bleach continue its work long after you finish scrubbing.

Aside from being unsightly, mold is a health hazard. When inhaled, its spores often results in respiratory problems such as asthma. Stachybotrys, or toxic mold, consists of about 15 mold species that cause both minor and serious health complications. Minor symptoms include sore throat, headache, and feelings of depression. More serious problems include dermatitis, hair loss, immune system deficiencies, chronic fatigue, diarrhea, and nosebleeds. It can even cause pulmonary hemorrhaging. To avoid mold growth and the resulting health risks, consider hiring a cleaning service to do the heavy lifting for you.

Pioneer Janitorial Service has provided tile and grout cleaning to residential and commercial clients in Live Oak, FL, since 1969. Visit their website for contact and location information, like their Facebook page for regular updates, or call (386) 362-3845 to speak with an expert about your floor cleaning needs.