Yikes! Grout That Screams Yuck! Part 2

Here’s how to restore your grout and keep it looking new

Have observed your tile grout has lost its beauty and if it has gotten to a point that even if you keep cleaning it, it is still dirty, stained, discolored, and looks yucky, then it’s time for you to find a better solution. You need to go a bit deeper into resolving the issue. And, because your tile grout is porous, it has the tendency to catch and store dust, dirt, and water. What’s worse is that grout can crack, which can eventually lead to ugly and unappealing gaps in between your tiles.

Your flooring is one of the most important parts of the house whether it is in your kitchen, bathroom, living room, or patio. Tile flooring is hard-wearing, low maintenance, and practical but over time the grout that holds together the tiles can ultimately get damaged and dirty. Here are 5 steps to take so you can handle replacing your tile grout efficiently and expertly.

1. 1. Removing old grout is time-consuming and requires a lot of energy to accomplish but you have to do it to install new grout. For a solid grip of your new grout, remove the old grout to approximately not less than 3/16 inch just below your tile surface. You can use an oscillating or rotary tool with a special attachment exclusively for cutting grout or use the grout removing blades which fits on a reciprocating saw. However, if you have a lot of old tile grout to remove, and then it’s best to use the rotary or oscillating tool. And of course, there’s the tried and tested method of chipping out grout, using a hammer and flathead screwdriver or cold chisel.

1. 1. In a clean pail or bucket, mix a new batch of grout and follow directions for the product. After mixing the grout, make sure it has a consistency the same as cake icing and mix only what you need to use in around 15 minutes. If not enough, you can mix another batch as grout hardens quickly.

1. 1. With a rubber grout float, rub on the grout and work your way around the grout lines at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. Make sure to flatten the grout well down through the cracks. For those areas which the grout float can’t easily penetrate into, use your hands to force down the grout. Let it set for approximately 15 minutes.

1. 1. Using a clean pail of water and a grout sponge, wipe up the surface. Rinse the sponge continuously to make sure that you are sponging with a clean surface and you are in fact getting rid of the excess grout and not simply smearing it. After the initial rinsing, apply the grout on the cracks and create an attractive finished look by sliding smoothly and gently a toothbrush handle along the lines. Finish it by wiping the surface with a clean, damp sponge.

1. 1. Wait overnight for your new grout to set before giving it a final wipe up, using a clean, dry sponge or cloth to remove any excess grout haze. After 4 to 5 days, protect your new grout by applying a grout sealer.

Keeping your tile grout clean regularly is one testimony that you are a responsible homeowner and that you are conscious and aware that having a healthy and clean house is very important to the wellbeing of your entire family.