How to Fix Grout Around Tile

A dirty, dingy, crumbly-looking tiled wall or floor doesn't necessarily mean the tile has to be replaced. Look closely; often, the tile is fine, and it's just the grout between the tiles that has to be replaced. This is good, because grout is a lot easier to extract and replace than the tile. Grout is generally removed using a very simple tool called a grout saw (it looks like a carbide-tipped razor blade on the end of a handle). The re-grouting process is identical to the original grouting process.

Things You'll Need

• Grout saw
• Stiff-bristled paintbrush
• Grout
• Bucket
• 4-inch putty knife
• Grout float (rubber trowel)
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Dig out all the damaged grout with your grout saw, by pressing the edge of the blade against the grout line and scraping it back and forth. Break the surface and gradually work your way into it, taking care not to damage the tile. Do the entire line next to any tile where there is any damaged grout (don't stop at half the line if only half is damaged).

2. Continue until all the grout is out. Use your paintbrush to brush away any remaining dust and debris from the lines, getting them completely clean.

3. Mix your grout in your bucket with water, stirring it in gradually with your 4-inch putty knife until it reaches the consistency of cake frosting. Let it sit in the bucket for 10 minutes. Re-stir it.

4. Scoop up some of the grout with your grout float and wipe it over the surface of the tile, on the lines, pressing it into the spaces. Tilt the float at a 45-degree angle, with the long edge squeezing against the tile face to take up the excess grout.

5. Let the grout sit in the spaces for 10 minutes.

6. Wipe down the area with a damp sponge to take up the last of the grout residue. Let the grout cure for two days before using the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a dust mask when mixing your grout.

References

• Regrouting