How to Fix Cracked or Old Grout

Do you have ugly grout? Maybe your grout has cracked or discolored over time. Then it is time to replace that old grout with new grout. Removing grout can be time consuming and hard work. The time you spend will be time well spent. When you see that new grout can give new life back to a area which looks really ugly now. This is also the time to decide if the color of the grout before was the right match for the ceramic tile or not. Take the time to look at different colors of grout and see which one is the best for you. If you are going to fix-it right then this is where it all starts from.

There are a couple of ways to remove the old grout. Sure if you have some old grout which is cracked and ready to fall out then these areas will be easy to clean up. Most of the time it is only small areas which are cracked and falling out, so you will need to use a couple of tools to help you with the removal of the rest. There are actual grout removal tools they don't look like much and will not last that long, but for the normal home owner they are cheap enough and will get you through your fix-it job. The grout removal hand tool can usually be found in the section where they have ceramic tile tools also. Then there is the old stand by tool which almost everyone has, the putty knife. You will need a good solid putty knife to work away the grout. The putty knife can be used to cut out solid grout also. It will allow you to clean up the edges also. The ideal for grout removal is to use a power tool bit that can be used in a drill or device that is like a drill which has bits designed for grout removal. Careful as some of these tools can damage the edge of your ceramic tile.

Once you have decided on which method or tools to use for your grout removal you might want to also invest in a pair of knee pads. If you are not the typical weekend warrior who does not have alot of tools or does not want to have alot of tools, try taking a towel and using it for a knee pad. If you are doing a floor section of any size you area going to want to have knee pads or a towel. I have worked on all types of projects and flooring projects even the small ones, may seem like you don't need something for your knees, you do and will feel it later if you don't. Now, you need to get all the grout out. When removing the grout and leaving to much behind will show color changes and might not adhere well when you put the new grout back in. Some grout can be really hard to get out. If you have a really tough spot to get out, get out as much as you can, making sure the edges are free of old grout.

Now that you have all of the old grout out, it is time to mix up some of your new grout. You can use a small tray that you can buy when you buy your grout tool, or just use a small or large bucket depending on the size area of grout that you are replacing. Mix the grout into a paste that is not to thin or to thick with lumps of dry grout in it. Once you are sure you have mixed the grout well you can take it and apply it to your area that you are fixing. Many people use their hands when applying grout. You should use gloves as grout can be harmful to you skin. There are also trowels and grout application tools that can be used. Your hands and a sponge will work just fine as long as you are not doing alot ceramic tile and grout jobs.

The grout will need to be even and slightly pushed into the grout line or the openings around your ceramic tile. Make sure as to not leave alot of excess grout on the ceramic tile and in the area. Work in square block areas, area where you can reach it all without have to move all you tools and grout bucket. You will need to have a bucket of clean water and a sponge to clean and level your grout. Make sure to not get to much water on your new grout. You want to sponge away excess grout and smooth your grout line to give a slight indent in your grout line. In most cases just by using the sponge and wiping the area will give a nice finished grout line. There are sponges that are also suggested sponges that are made for doing grout work. You will find that they look alot like the old time sponge people use to use to clean floors. At any rate they are cheap.

When the grout drys for about 24 hours then you can apply the grout sealer. The sealer is really needed so that the grout wears well and helps it to keep its original color. The sealer keeps dirt and water from getting into the grout. The sealer will need to be applied every couple of years, depending on the area and usage. Many people never seal it again, this is when most people just replace the grout and start over with new again. When you don't seal the grout is when it starts to break down over time and discolor. The grout can be sealed with a small brush or they have bottle with a roller on the end of it to roll in the grout line area to apply the sealer.

Now, you have a fresh new looking area again. Don't wash this area for about a month or so to allow the grout time to really dry. You can wipe the area with damp sponge or rag to clean areas that must be cleaned. Clean all tools right away or you will spending alot of time trying to get the grout off of them. Some times you will end up just having to throw the small hand tools away. They also make plastic hand tools for doing grout work, they are cheap and most people throw them away instead of cleaning them. I like to clean all the tools to be used again and help keep our landfills alittle less full.

Well there you have it. The new grout is in and looking good. If you come across a area which has a new crack or you removed to much new grout on installation, just add alittle more grout on the area before you seal it.

Remember, with all home projects safety first.