Get matched with top grout and tile cleaning pros in Minto, ND

There are a few ways to remove calcium buildup in your pipes, but the most natural option involves vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water. To use this method, pour 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain you're trying to clear, then follow it up with 1/2 cup of baking soda. Place a rag over the drain to create a light seal and leave it for 30 minutes. Remove the rag, then pour a pot of boiling water into the drain. After the water drains, wipe everything down with a sponge.

Penny tile should be sealed to protect the grout from moisture and keep stains from damaging the look of the tile. If penny tile is in a humid or high-traffic area, like a bathroom, kitchen, or entryway, it needs sealant. Any type of tile and grout is best maintained with a sealant reapplied by a pro every one to two years.

The best cleaner to remove soot depends on the surface material and the type of fire, but consider dish soaps or degreasers, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, and hydrogen. Low-oxygen fires often leave behind greasy soot, which is best removed with dish soaps or degreasers. Baking soda can be useful for absorbing soot deposits from carpets, followed by rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean the set-in stains.

You should not use caulk as a direct substitute for grout, but it can be used as a temporary solution to fix minor cracks. Caulk is more flexible and doesn't dry as hard as grout, making it suitable as a supplement or for small repairs. To do this, first remove the old, cracked grout using a grout or rotary saw. Then, apply a matching caulk to fill the cracks, smooth it out, and let it cure. The curing time will vary, so follow the manufacturer's instructions; a full cure can take up to 48 hours.