How to Repair the Grout on Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile can be a beautiful covering for a floor or wall. But the grout between tiles can get dirty or chipped, making it look dingy and ugly. Repairing ceramic tile grout can make a surface look new without having to pay for an entirely new tile floor.

Things You'll Need

• Grout removal tool
• Rubber float
• Bucket
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Identify areas where grout has chipped and scrape it out with a hand-held grout removal tool. You can find one for less than $5 at home centers. The tool has teeth or a carbide blade you can use to scrape out damaged grout. Make sure all the grout is removed, and the joint is free of dust.

2. Clean the joint with clean water. Moisture can help the new grout stick, but avoid leaving any standing water.

3. Choose a grout color that matches the nearby existing grout. Premixed grout often comes in white and various shades of gray.

4. Scoop grout onto the joint. Use a rubber grout float to drag the grout into the joint. Move the float at a 45-degree angle to the joints to pack it in.

5. Remove the excess grout with a wet sponge once it sets and hardens. Later, after the tile dries, remove a haze that will remain with a dry towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Use knee pads when working on a tile floor. Your knees could hurt after working for a while.

• Read the safety instructions on the grout.

References

• Lowe's
• Ask The Builder