Over time, grout on tiles can stain, crack, or become loose. It’s time to replace or repair your tile grout if you notice that it has become stained, cracked, and loose. Grout repair is a simple and affordable way to update the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom tiles. Not only can damaged grout make your tiles look worn and old, but it can also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Grout repair is not only a specialty task that requires tools like a grout saw or a grout flotation but also some common ones such as gloves, towels, and an eye protector.
Before You Begin
The first step in removing cracked or loose grout is to clean the grout. You can then match the grout color to the original grout.
Tip to repair grout
- Consistency is best achieved by purchasing grout that matches your existing grout color.
Safety concerns
- Wear eye protection when repairing grout, as the grout can break into small pieces.
- It is recommended that you wear a dust mask. This will prevent you from inhaling grout dust or even mold.
Other considerations
- When replacing the grout, you’ll have to dampen it. If you are using epoxy grout, the area must be completely dried before applying.
- Use a nonstick rubber-gum float to apply epoxy grout.
Instructions For Grout Repair
STEP 1. Cleanse the grout that has broken with a solution of white vinegar and water.
In a bucket or bowl, mix one part vinegar with one part water. Dip a toothbrush or scrubber in the mixture, and scrub the grout damage until the grime and dirt are removed. Wipe off the excess mixture using a clean cloth.
STEP 1: Remove the old grout and replace it with new grout of the same color.
Sample grout chips are available at most home improvement stores. Add more water to the mix if the original color of the grout is lighter than what you selected from the sample chips. Use less water if the original grout is darker. Grout can be sanded or left unsanded. The type of grout to use (described below) will depend on the size of the tile joints and the type of tiles.
- Measure how much space there is between tiles. Use sanded grout if the space is greater than 1/8-inch. Use unsanded grout if the width of the tile is less than 1/8 inch.
- Never use sanded grout with marble, glass, or metal tiles. The sand can scratch the surface. Use unsanded grout instead.
It is relatively easy to use but requires sealing. Epoxy grout does not require sealing and is resistant to stains. However, it can be more difficult to use. Grout powder can be mixed yourself or pre-mixed.
STEP 3: Remove damaged grout. Remove the top 1/8″ of damaged grout with a grout saw.
A grout saw is a handheld, small blade that fits in between the tiles. You should use a grout blade that fits between the tiles that you are working on. Move the grout saw back and forth over the damaged grout as if you were scrubbing the old grout away (but take care not to chip any tiles). Continue to break up the damaged grout until you have broken the top layer (1/8 inch). You can also use a reciprocating tool with a grout-removing accessory to remove the grout quickly and easily. Wear a dust mask to avoid any discomfort and to protect your eyes from the grout particles.
STEP 4. Vacuum any remaining grout particles.
The hose attachment of your shop vacuum will help you remove all pieces of old grout from the space between the tiles. It’s a good way to gauge how far you have gone in removing the old tile grout.
Step 5: Moisten the tiles.
You need to thoroughly clean your surface before you begin the grout repair and application process. To prepare for new grout, you only need to vacuum the grout lines and wipe down the tiles using a wet sponge. To absorb any water in the joints, use a paper towel. Before applying epoxy grout to the tiles, ensure that they are completely dry.
Step 6: Apply grout. Fill the gaps using the grout float.
You can buy a grout float at any home improvement store. It is a thick pad of rubber with a handle. The padded portion of the grout float can be used to scoop some grout out of the bucket. Press the grout mixture into the gap until it is completely filled. You can clean grout off the tiles later if it gets on them. When using epoxy grout, the best tool to use is a non-stick gum-rubber sponge.
STEP 7. Remove excess grout.
Hold the float at a 45-degree angle to the floor. Drag the edge of your float slowly over the gap that you filled. This will scrape off the excess grout. Make sure that all joints are filled.
STEP 8: Allow the grout to set. Allow it to dry for 30 mins, and then use a wet sponge to remove any residue.
Use a wet grout sponge to remove any excess grout after 15-30 minutes. Before using the sponge, wet it and squeeze all excess water out. You should not use a sponge that is soaked in water, as you may damage the new grout. You can lightly press down on the sponge as you wipe it over the grout. Then, rinse the sponge and moisten it with clean water. Repeat this process until all tiles are cleaned. You may need to use an abrasive pad with epoxy grout. Pour or mist water on the grout joints and gently scrub the tiles. Use a damp, clean sponge to wipe away the haze. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to set the grout and allow it to dry between 24 and 48 hours. Let it dry until the tile appears hazy. Polish the tile using a towel that is dry. Use a haze-removing product to remove any residue.
STEP 9. Apply a sealant.
After the acrylic latex grout has dried completely, seal it with a sealant.
Grout repair can be a cost-effective and efficient way to restore worn and damaged grout. Wear safety glasses and dust masks to avoid getting the grout chips into your eyes or breathing in the grout dust. Use a tile grout cleaning solution to keep your grout looking new. The tile underlayment could be uneven or damp if the grout chips or cracks after repair. If this is the case, it may be worth having a professional inspect and grout repair in auckland any underlayment that needs to be repaired. You may want to hire someone to repair the grout if it seems like a lot of work or time or if your level of expertise is low.