How to Stain Floor Tile Grout

You can change the color of your grout.

If you become tired of dirty looking grout, want a new color or if you just want it to look brand new, you don't have to remove the grout that is there. You can actually stain the grout that is in place and change the color. This isn't a difficult task and virtually anyone with simple do it yourself experience will be able to do this. Follow these simple steps and you can transform your grout.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Stiff bristle brush
• Bucket with water
• Tile grout stain (colorant)
• Bowl
• Scissors
• Old toothbrush
• Rag

Instructions

1. Clean the floor tile. The tile must be free of all dirt, grease or anything else. Use a stiff bristle brush and white vinegar to scrub the floor. Pay special attention to the grout in traffic areas. Then mop the floor with plain water. Let it dry completely.

2. Get the tile grout stain in the color you like. Stains are available at home improvement stores or hardware stores. When picking colors keep in mind that darker colors will hide future dirt and stains. Lighter colors accent the tile's color more.

3. Trim an old toothbrush, with a scissors, to the width of the tile's grout joint. This is the tool you will use to apply the grout colorant. Dampen a rag and you are ready to start.

4. Start in a far corner. You do not want to work yourself into a place you can not get out of. Sit down with your grout stain bottle, toothbrush and rag. Pour the grout colorant into a bowl. Lightly touch the toothbrush bristles into the grout stain. You do not want to much on the brush because it will make a mess.

5. Rub the brush with stain on it along the grout joint. Work the stain into the grout with back and forth motions. Work the entire length of the tile. Thin coats work better and last longer than thick coats that will peal off or bubble. Wipe any grout stain that is on the tile off with the damp rag. You must do this before it dry.

6. Let the grout stain dry for at least an hour before applying a second coat if needed. It must dry 24 hours before washing.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves to keep stain off your fingers.

• wear gloves to keep stain off your fingers