Replacing Moldy Grout

Home-repair expert Kaile Warren shares guidelines for a weekend project of replacing grout without disturbing the tiles in a countertop or bath.

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Before doing any work on tile or grout, always tape the face of the tile to prevent marring.

It is time to replace grout when it becomes discolored, cracked and chipped. Cracked grout will allow water to get behind or underneath the tile, which may cause damage.

Tips:

To replace grout around just one tile, you can scrape it out with the pointed end of a bottle opener, after first taping off the tiles with blue painter’s tape to prevent scratches.

Figure A

For larger job, use a grout saw, which can be purchased for around $7. Simply run the saw up and down the grout line, and it will wear away the grout.

Work in one 2' x 2' area at a time.

Vacuum out flaked residue, or use a soft brush to remove the grout pieces.

To get the right amount of grout, buy 10 to 20 percent more than you think you need. For grout joints smaller than 1/8", use non-sanded grout. Joints bigger than 1/8"need sanded grout.

When mixing grout, be sure you follow the proportions of water to dry ingredients very carefully because grout will not last if it is too wet when mixed.

Once the grout has been removed from the joint, use some abrasive cleaner on a wet rag and rub the joint to remove any residue.

If you are doing a horizontal surface like a countertop, work from the back forward. If doing a diagonal surface, work from the bottom up. If you start at the top, the grout will have a tendency to sag in the channel.

Figure B

Lay the grout into the joint with a float, filling the space generously. If you don’t have a float, make a tool with a piece of cardboard and a putty knife.

After the wet grout has set for about five minutes, clean up the tiles with a wet sponge. With a dry rag, carefully wipe only the tile. The grout will set in about 20 minutes and will cure in 24 hours.

Add a second, "skin coat" after the first application has dried. This will fill in any tiny holes.

Before sealing the dried grout, clean it first. Use a citrus-based cleaner because bleach will discolor the unsealed grout.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply group sealer. If you follow the directions, you should never have discolored grout again.

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- Kaile Warren
  Home-Repair Expert / Author
  375 Forest Ave.
  Portland, ME 04101
  Phone: 207-879-7400
  E-mail: husband@rent-a-husband.com
  Website: www.rentahusband.com