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Why your regular cleaning routine could be destroying common household surfaces such as glass, tiles and grout.
Many people think that glass and tiling is smooth. This is not the case. If you look at a magnified piece of glass or tiling you will see hundreds of tiny pores. These pores capture dirt, grime, minerals and other substances. In the short term these deposits can make the glass look cloudy or dirty. But if left untreated, these deposits will eventually corrode the surface causing etching and staining. Once permanent damage like this occurs no amount of cleaning will ever restore your glass to a brand new appearance.
The bathroom is perhaps one of the best examples of corrosion at work. Minerals in water can get trapped in the pores of glass and tiling - causing corrosion. Grout is also a magnet for bacteria and once you have water penetration, mould can easily follow. What many people don't realise is that common personal hygiene products also cause corrosion (such as soap, shampoo, shaving cream and shower gel). Unfortunately your shower comes under siege from oil and water based contaminants every time you use it.
This is why it can be so difficult to keep your surfaces clean and corrosion free, and there is a good chance your usual cleaning routine could be doing more harm than good!
Just as those pores in the glass and tiling capture corrosive substances like soap, shampoo and dirt they also can collect cleaning chemicals.
The problem is that these cleaning chemicals are designed to cut through and break up dirt. They are designed this way to speed up the cleaning process, but at the same time they can damage your shower. So while normal dirt might take months to corrode a piece of glass and cause etching or staining, a normal household cleaner may do it in half the time, especially if it contains bleach.
Once you start using these harsh cleaning chemicals it starts a destructive cycle which is sometimes referred to as ‘the Vicious Cycle of Cleaning’.
When you use harsh cleaning chemicals they often get trapped in the pores of the glass creating corrosive deposits. These deposits break down the surface around the pores which allows more dirt, grime and other caustic substances to take hold. Once this happens, a common reaction is to start using harsher chemicals which just makes the pores even bigger, trapping more dirt and therefore damaging your shower screen or tiled recess even quicker.
Abrasive cleaners should never be used on glass or tiling. Bleach is also one of the worst things you can use on your tiles and grout. Not many people know that bleach often turns your grout powdery which will increase water penetration thereby making an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
But what should you do to keep your surfaces clean without damaging them?
The best solution is to apply a permanent, protective coating to your glass, tiles and grout so those nasty corrosive agents can’t build up in the pores. Not only will this protect your glass but it will reduce your cleaning time by up to 90%. Once applied, the surface looks and feels exactly the same, and all you need to do to maintain it in a perfectly clean condition is simply wipe the surface with a microfibre cloth. No chemicals necessary!
EnduroShield can be applied using a DIY kit or professionally, and are very affordable (especially when you consider the money saved on cleaning chemicals). Enduroshield offers up to 10 year warranties for extra peace of mind.
For more information on how corrosive substances could be devaluing your building and how we can help, please contact us or FreeCall 1800 015 653
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The Vicious Cycle of Cleaning
