How to Troubleshoot Grout
Tiles are commonly used in showers. Filling the gaps between tiles is grout. The tile is there for decorative purposes, so when the mortar, or grout, between the tiles begins to crumble, you may wish to repair it. Crumbling of mortar is usually due to water getting into cracks. Ugly mold may cause staining of the mortar as well. Before tearing out all the tiles, try reapplying new mortar in between the tiles to freshen their appearance. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Caulk remover
- Razor blade
- Grout cutter
- Diamond blade
- Stiff brush
- Vacuum
- Grout
- Bucket
- Rubber trowel
- Sponge
- Cloth
- Degreaser
- Nylon brush
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Apply caulk remover to the caulk surrounding the tub. Let it sit for the recommended amount of time.
-
2
Scrape the old caulk using a razor blade.
-
-
3
Attach a diamond bit to a grout cutting tool. Put on a dust mask and eye protection.
-
4
Run the blade of the diamond cutter between the tiles to remove the old grout. Hold the tool with both hands and put minimal pressure on the blade as you cut. Cut out grout in hard to reach places with a utility knife.
-
5
Clean between the tile grooves with a stiff brush and a vacuum to remove all the dust.
-
6
Pour 1 qt. of fortified, unsanded tile grout into a bucket. Mix in water slowly while stirring until you get a mayonnaiselike texture.
-
7
Lift some grout up to the wall with a rubber trowel. Smear it onto the tiles diagonally, forcing the grout between the joints. Let the grout dry for 15 to 20 minutes.
-
8
Wipe the tiles with a wet sponge to remove as much grout from the tile face as possible. Buff the tiles the next day with a clean cloth.
Cleaning Old Grout
-
9
Apply a degreaser, available at most home improvement stores, to the grout surface. Let it sit for the recommended period of time.
-
10
Scrub the grout with a stiff nylon brush to remove all grease and dirt from the grout surface.
-
11
Apply water to the grout to remove all the degreaser.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Never use oil-based soap when cleaning tile to prevent waxy buildup.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
