How to Repair Cracked Grout in a Bathtub

Grout is a cement-based product that fills the joints between tiles and around tubs. Over time, the grout around this area will crack and/or fall out. Re-grouting around the tub is an easy project that should take about two hours. The tub will be out of service for at least 24 hours as the grout must dry and cure. Sealing the new grout will add an additional 24 hours to the project.

Things You'll Need

• Drop cloths or cardboard
• Razor knife
• Margin trowel
• Vacuum
• Grout
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Grout float

Instructions

1. Protect the tub by placing drop cloths or some cardboard in the bottom of the tub. Dropped tools will easily chip a tub, causing costly repairs or replacement.

2. Remove the old grout around the tub and/or any tiles. Use a razor knife or margin trowel to scrape and/or chip the grout out of the joints. Be careful not to chip the tub or surrounding tile.

3. Use a vacuum to remove any loose leftover debris. Remove the drops of cardboard, and vacuum the bottom of the tub area. Clean the areas with excessive soap scum, mold or mildew before applying new grout.

4. Take a piece of the old grout, and use it to match the color of the new grout. Depending on the size of the tiles grout joint, the grout is either sanded or non-sanded. If the tiles grout joint is 1/8 inch or less, it should be non-sanded. Larger grout joints require a sanded grout. Sanded grout is gritty; you can even see the sand in the grout.

5. Pour some grout into a bucket. Add some clean water, a little at a time, and mix using a margin trowel until the grout has the consistency of a creamy peanut butter. Allow the grout to rest 5 minutes, and then mix again. Place a sponge into another bucket, and fill halfway with clean water. You are now ready to grout the joints.

6. Use the grout float, and apply the grout to the joints around the tub and/or any tiles. Work the grout into the joint to fill the void between the tile and the tub. Allow the grout to set about 10 minutes.

7. Use the margin trowel, and cut back the grout around the tub joint. You want the joint flush with the tile, not bulging out of the joint. Ring out the excess water in the sponge, and wipe the grout joints until the surface of the joint is smooth and consistently even. Do not allow the sponge to remove too much of the grout. The grout should remain flush with the tiles. Remove any excess grout on the tub or tile surfaces before it dries.

8. Rinse out the water bucket and sponge, and fill the bucket with clean water. By now a haze should have appeared on the tile, If not wait a few more minutes and use the sponge to remove the haze. Use one side of the sponge at a time. Wipe an area of about 12 inches long the width of the sponge. Flip the sponge over and wipe again. Repeat this process for the repaired areas. If the haze reappears, wipe again with clean water.

9. Allow the grout to dry 24 hours before applying a sealer. The project is now complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not allow the grout to dry too long as it will be difficult to remove.

• Make sure to remove the excess water from the sponge before wiping to avoid discoloration.

• Do not rinse the buckets or wash excess grout down the tub's drain to avoid clogging the drain.

• Avoid inhaling grout dust while mixing.

References

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