Help Around the House host Henry Harrison shows how to repair a cracked grout line in a bathroom tile floor (
figure A). On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this a one.
Tools:
wet / dry vacuum
bucket and grout sponge
grout saw
rotary tool and grout attachment
rubber grout float
wide putty knife
dust mask
premixed tile grout
Steps:
1. Attach the grout collar to the rotary tool (figure B) and adjust it to give the correct depth of cut. The little nibs on the grout collar will help you carve out a clean, straight line.
2. Fire up the rotary tool and clear grout from damaged seam (figure C). Use as many slow, even passes as necessary. To avoid damaging carpet, use a manual grout saw to clear grout in the last few inches before carpeted areas (figure D).
3. Vacuum the area thoroughly to remove all dust.
4. Use a rubber grout float to push new tile grout into the gap (figure E). Grout along the length of the gap with firm, even pressure.
5. Use a damp grout sponge to clean up the surrounding area, passing over the new grout line at an angle to avoid pulling new grout out of the joint (figure F).
6. After about two weeks, clean surrounding grout with a bleach based tile cleaner to match the colors, then seal with a silicone grout seal.
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