Although commercial kitchens receive as much use and abuse as restrooms, their tile and grout surfaces typically require a different maintenance approach than those used for restrooms. 

Tile selected for both kitchens and moist environments (such as restrooms, showers or locker rooms) are chosen for their strength and durability, but kitchen tile is often unglazed to aid in slip-resistance and safety.

Quarry tile is an extremely popular choice for commercial kitchens because it can endure heavy amounts of traffic even when a large number of contaminants and abrasives are present. Quarry tile gains its strength from being hard-fired at extremely high temperatures and has a low absorption rate, enhancing its value for high-moisture environments. Commercial kitchen floors may also be made from other materials including brick and variegated ceramic tile, as well as cementitious and epoxy grouts.

Successfully maintaining and restoring tile and grout surfaces in a commercial kitchen depends on knowing what materials are present and which products or procedures will be effective without causing damage.

Maintaining Tile in Commercial Kitchens

Tile and grout maintenance for areas like restrooms and showers typically includes the removal of surface debris, the application of an alkaline cleaner, agitation, vacuuming or drying, and then rinsing. 

Kitchens require an extra step – degreasing – due to the constant presence of oils and fatty foods. The invention of “no-rinse” cleaning products aimed to make work easier by streamlining the process, but often cause damage to both the tile surface and grout lines. According to TILE Magazine, “These no-rinse cleaners create a film on the tile and grout that breaks down fat and proteins into a fatty acid. This acid is known to cause damage to some tile and the grout.”

If “no-rinse” products are used, be sure to rinse away the fatty acids after the appropriate dwell time. The same advice should be followed when using neutral cleaners, though many claim rinsing is unnecessary.

If the surface of the tile becomes stained, a professional tile and grout restoration company is a good option for restoring appearance and sanitation. 

When selecting a tile and grout restoration provider, beware of protective solutions that apply coatings to the tile surface unless they are formulated to provide enhanced slip-resistance and traction. In most cases, an impregnating sealer can be used for porous tile since it fills holes that are subsurface.

Maintaining Grout Lines in Commercial Kitchens

Sealing grout lines is a critical step in maintaining and protecting any tile and grout surface; it certainly holds true for kitchen floors. 

Grout is naturally porous. Without an impregnating sealer, the tiny pores in grout will allow contaminants and liquids to penetrate grout lines, resulting in deep soiling, bacteria and foul odors. If cementitious grout is used, beware of harsh industrial chemicals, pressure washing and no-rinse cleaners. With repeated use, all can cause grout to deteriorate and break down, worsening the cycle of use and abuse. 

Many commercial kitchens are now opting to use industrial-grade epoxy grout with 100% solids. This type of epoxy grout can stand up to no-rinse cleaners, which can make maintenance a bit easier, but it is important to realize not all epoxy grouts are industrial-grade or suitable for commercial kitchens.

When epoxy grouts fail, they often fracture, introducing new opportunities for bacteria to breed and odors to grow. That’s why the application of a protective coating to grout lines is critical, regardless of the grout material. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last indefinitely. 

Continuous use and routine maintenance will eventually wear away the protective coatings and sealer. As with other types of flooring, routine maintenance should be partnered with occasional deep cleaning and the refreshing of sealants and polymer coatings to preserve the value of your commercial kitchen’s tile and grout surfaces and prevent potential repairs.

Look for a company that will base a maintenance plan around each area’s needs and level of foot traffic or abuse. Tile and grout maintenance and restoration should not be a one-size-fits-all solution. In addition, it’s wise to select a company that’s been in business for a long time, has good customer feedback and offers product options that may enhance your facility in the future.