The mix of sizes, shapes, and colors of ceramic tile provides an opportunity to easily create designs that express your individual tastes. With thin-set adhesives, special trim pieces, and easy-to-use grouts, you can quickly achieve professional results.

Tile Grout However, the biggest downfall with tile is the grout itself, especially in shower areas. The tile and grout in the photo were installed about 12 years ago.

The grout itself is dirty and discolored—the result of colored shampoos, hard water (calcium and lime deposits), soap build-up, and a crack in the grout that could allow water to reach the wall surface behind the tile. The haze on the tiles is also soap build-up, another area that needs attention.

With a little work, you can clean the tile and grout and then apply a sealer over the grout to protect against discoloration. Depending on the product, sealers provide varying degrees of protection against dirt and stains so be sure to read product labels as you select a sealer and then follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

Before you apply sealer, allow any newly-installed grout to cure. In my own bathroom, I waited 72 hours and then applied two coats of liquid silicone sealer, allowing the sealer to dry for 24 hours between the coats.

The best approach is to apply the sealer only to the grout joints and to buff off any excess from the tiles. If you prefer, you can also apply sealant over the entire surface with a sponge or cloth but you will then need to buff off any excess from the tiles with a terry cloth or cheesecloth rag.

A simple step like wiping down the walls and fixtures after each shower will help the tile and grout retain their original beauty.

I am confident my 4-page article titled Tile Grout Restoration can help you restore your tile grout. This downloadable .pdf article features five full-color hands-on pictures and covers tile and grout repair, restoration, and cleaners. To order your printable copy of Tile Grout Restoration, click here or click the purchase button to the left!

[ Back to Top ]

C.R.S., Inc. · Spokane, Washington · USA