Stop grout going black in new bathroom.

[Bathfix Bob]

Just doing a bathroom with white ceramic wall tiles and grey porcelain floor tiles. I've been asked to prevent the grout going black and dirty over time and to ease cleaning. Can I use something like Stain Stop on the grout?

Its Mapei on walls and Bal on floor.

 

[Bathfix Bob]

The biggest cause of mould will be lack of ventilation, as already mentioned.

You need a mixed flow or centrifugal extractor fan. They’re not expensive (about £60 to £100) and will clear the room far better than the in line all in one kits.

We have a centrifugal fan, yes I know ventilation is key.
There has been no problem in the past, its more of keeping everything showroom condition for 10 years.

 

[Waluigi]

The best way I have found to keep a bathroom looking good is a water softener or if that’s not feasible a water conditioner like the Aquabion or Stuart Turner conditioner and everything cleaned with a microfiber or E-Cloth. No chemicals whatsoever other than a drop of Fairy.

Modern grouts and silicones have anti bacterial additives in so last a lot longer than they used to.

My apologies if I’m teaching you how to suck eggs, I’m just speaking from experience with Bathrooms

 

[hmtiling]

The best way I have found to keep a bathroom looking good is a water softener or if that’s not feasible a water conditioner like the Aquabion or Stuart Turner conditioner and everything cleaned with a microfiber or E-Cloth. No chemicals whatsoever other than a drop of Fairy.

Modern grouts and silicones have anti bacterial additives in so last a lot longer than they used to.

My apologies if I’m teaching you how to suck eggs, I’m just speaking from experience with Bathrooms

I was going to get an Aquabion softener fitted but have heard mixed reviews. Do you rate them then? @ShaunCorbs what's your take on them?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

There a great bit of kit fit what they are but cost is an issue around the £300 mark but then it's smaller than a standard softener but then again it only lasts for around 6-7 years depending on use

So if space is an issue it's the one for you

If you have a bit of space get a softener fitted

 

[Waluigi]

They’re not water softeners. They are water conditioners, they change the state of the water so that the calcium carbonate (limescale) doesn’t stick to things. It’s still present but it just washes away.

They IMHO aren’t as good as a traditional water softener by any means as a water softener actually provides soft water.

The conditioners are still good though and effective. The question is though, is it worth spending the extra on an Aquabion over a Stuart Turner (for example) that I don’t know.

I’m friends with the Developer of Aquabion and he’s not given me a clear answer

 

[ShaunCorbs]

They’re not water softeners. They are water conditioners, they change the state of the water so that the calcium carbonate (limescale) doesn’t stick to things. It’s still present but it just washes away.

They IMHO aren’t as good as a traditional water softener by any means as a water softener actually provides soft water.

The conditioners are still good though and effective. The question is though, is it worth spending the extra on an Aquabion over a Stuart Turner (for example) that I don’t know.

I’m friends with the Developer of Aquabion and he’s not given me a clear answer

He won't give a clear answer he's always vague

And that's why I said they only last around 6-7 years

 

[Waluigi]

Yeah, theres definitely smoke and mirrors somewhere.
7 years is the manufacturers spec I believe.
As with all of these things, I’d want one in my house to test myself

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yeah, theres definitely smoke and mirrors somewhere.
7 years is the manufacturers spec I believe.
As with all of these things, I’d want one in my house to test myself

yea you would think he would give a discount to engys but nope have to pay full price

 

[Wayne Brown]

Permanent ventilation, air changes, and warmth are the only way to avoid mould I always fit a in line extract fan or a through the wall unit with a built in humidity stat. Kop

 

[Unused Account 1]

Use grey grout