Replacing Old Tile Grout

Measure the space between the tiles.

Replacing old tile grout.

But the more effective way is to use entirely new tinted grout. If the grout between your tiles is damaged it can make your tiles look dull and old. Indeed regrouting tile can restore lost luster and is well worth the time and effort. The old grout might be moldy and beyond cleanable.

Begin by giving the tile a good cleaning with a sponge and soapy citric acid water as adescaling solution and use a toothbrush to deep clean grout to remove deposits and stains that may make removal more challenging. When remodeling a bathroom or kitchen the hardest part can be removing the grout from pre existing tile. For small areas use a grout removal tool with a carbide blade. Grout is made from water cement and sand which hardens over time to form a rock like material.

Use the scraper to clean off large debris and then clean off any soapy residue with a damp cloth. At most tile specialty shops you can get or order sanded caulk most floor grouts are sanded that will closely match your existing grout color. This fix is only practical for interior tile floors and when the gaps between the tiles are 1 4 in. Make sure the bit is the right size for the space between the tiles and adjust the bit to the proper depth.

The existing grout color is no longer pleasing to you and you wish to change it. If the width is 1 8 of an inch or smaller use an unsanded grout. Never use sanded grout with metal glass or marble tiles. If the space is larger than 1 8 of an inch use a sanded grout.

The blade is harder than the grout and will cut it away image 1. One way to change grout color is to colorize existing grout. Check out how easy it is to repair cracked or worn grout in your shower tub or any other tiled area. Fortunately it s well within the range of the average do it yourselfer to remove and replace grout.

Work slowly image 3. For much larger areas use a rotary tool image 2. Choose the correct type of grout based on the width of your tile joints and where the repair is being done. Grout is a cement based paste that s used to fill the gaps between tiles.

In many cases it is faster and easier to remove the grout than to clean it.