My kitchen tile floor has moldy looking and discolored grout, and is even chipping up in places. How can I replace the old grout between my tiles with a new different color grout? Is it easy to do or should I call for an estimate from a tile flooring expert?
Here are the tools you will need to remove and replace your old grout:
– Grout saw, either HACKZALL and SAWZALL reciprocating saws or handheld
– Vacuum
– Abrasive cleaner , cleaning rags
– Grout – non-sanded for small grout joints less than 1/8″ and sanded grout for 1/8″ or bigger
– Float
– Citrus-based cleaner
– Grout Sealer
First, using the grout saw, saw out the old grout old. You can use a hand held grout saw with a carbide blade, found at many home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes. Work the blade in one 2-by-2-foot area at a time by running the saw up and down the grout line.
Then vacuum or brush out the loose grout, and clean the grout joints with an abrasive cleaner on a wet rag.
Following the directions for the new grout, carefully mix the grout making sure it’s not too wet when mixed.
Lay the grout in the joint with a float, fill the space generously. If you don’t have a grout you can use a putty knife. If you’re grouting horizontally, like your kitchen countertop, work the new grout from the back forward. If it’s a wall or vertical surface, work from the bottom up, because the grout can sag in the channel if you start from the top.
Let the new grout dry for about five minutes, and clean the excess grout tiles with a wet sponge. Then, with a dry rag, carefully wipe only the tile and not the new grout. The new grout will take 20 minutes to set up, and it will cure in 24 hours.
The next day, after the grout has cured, add a “skim coat”to fill in any spaces.
Clean the new grout (use citrus based cleaner to prevent bleaching) and seal the new grout with a grout sealer, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Depending on how wide the grout lines are and the condition best to chisele them or if they are in decent shape, use grout clean and regrout where needed. Make sure you seal the grout after. Really though all grout gets dirty, stained.
Depending on how wide the grout lines are and the condition best to chisele them or if they are in decent shape, use grout clean and regrout where needed. Make sure you seal the grout after. Really though all grout gets dirty, stained.