Tell your cracked grout to get out
Whether it’s on a tile floor, in a shower, or along a backsplash, cracked grout just isn’t a good look. Aesthetics aside, damaged grout can loosen tiles, promote mold growth, and cause structural problems with your walls or floors, so it’s important to address it before it’s too late. However, you don’t always have to hire a professional for this job. Instead, you can learn how to fix cracked grout on your own.
First, put on your safety glasses, dust mask, gloves, and hearing protection. If the damaged grout is on the floor, start by sweeping and vacuuming the area. Then, you can clean the grout with warm water and a grout brush.
Alternatively, if your grout is sealed, you can mix warm water and white vinegar in a spray bottle (using a 1-to-1 ratio) and apply it to the grout. After five minutes, scrub it with a grout brush.
To remove damaged grout, start by using your hands to pull out any cracked, chipped, or crumbling grout that’s loose and easy to remove.
Next, use a grout saw to break up the rest of the damaged grout that you couldn't remove by hand. Work slowly and carefully so you don’t chip the tiles. When the grout is loose enough, pull it out with your hands.
If you’re only replacing some of your grout, it’s important to find a grout color that matches the shade of your current grout. Otherwise, the new grout won’t blend in with the old stuff.
To do this, take a piece of your old grout to a home improvement store and ask an employee to help you find a similar shade.
Use a shop vac to get rid of any dust and debris from the places where you removed grout. Wipe the area down with a clean damp cloth and let it dry.
When you’re done, check to see if there’s any remaining damaged grout. If so, remove it using the process outlined in steps one and two.
If you purchased premixed grout, you can skip this step. But if you bought a mixable version, measure out the right amount of water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add it into a bucket, mix in the grout powder, and stir it with a trowel.
Scoop grout onto your rubber grout float. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle and move it over the joints, using sweeping motions to apply the grout evenly. Work in small sections and avoid applying too much grout at once.
Move the float diagonally over the tiles to remove excess grout. This helps create a smooth layer, which is especially important if you’re regrouting floor tile. Otherwise, the uneven grout could create a tripping hazard.
Let the grout sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then wipe the surface of the tiles with a damp grout sponge to remove excess grout. Try not to pull any grout out of the joints, and rinse the sponge often to keep it clean.
Let the grout dry completely. Depending on the type you’re using, it can take between 24 and 72 hours for grout to dry.
When the grout is dry, you might notice a slight haze on the tiles. To remove grout haze, wipe the tiles with a damp cloth and then polish them with a dry cloth.
Sealing grout can help prevent future cracks and protect your grout against water damage, mold, and grime. To seal your grout, start by combining 1/4 cup of vinegar and 8 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Then, apply it to the grout, wipe it down with a cloth, and let it dry completely.
Use a paintbrush or sponge to apply a thin coat of sealer to the new grout. Let it dry for about an hour before applying a second coat.
Repairing cracked grout isn’t necessarily difficult, but it does require a number of tools and supplies that you might not have on hand—like a grout saw, trowel, and grout float. It’s also a messy project that can be quite time-consuming for an inexperienced DIYer.
Coarse scrubbers such as steel wool and rough scouring pads should never be used on grout. They often scrape away a layer of grout in the process. Instead, use a stone-safe sponge or nylon bristle brush to clean your grout effectively and safely.
If you hire a professional for this project, your exact costs will depend on the amount of grout you need fixed and labor prices in your area. On average, though, local grout repair pros charge $250 to $1,000 to regrout 100 square feet of tile.
Needed my house to be cleaned before putting it up for sale. Called and spoke to Javier, which was very helpful and explained really well what they offered. When everything was done. My wife and I were very satisfied with the services we received. I have recommended them to several friends...
Junk RemovalRicardo and his team did a phenomenal job for us on our large project! They did all lathing, stucco, and exterior paint. They used superior products and worked extremely hard for us. The finished product is absolutely stellar. We couldn't be happier! They are priced very fairly, and they...
Reyes StuccoGreat team and had us finished in time. Thank you Carlos and Issac
Lifetime Moving & StorageI had a great experience with Zenkai Restore. They came in quickly to address the water damage in my home, setting up fans and dehumidifiers to dry everything out. They also cut out the damaged drywall and thoroughly sanitized the framing. To top it off, they put up a solid airtight...
I recently hired Handyman Connection of Phoenix to replace my kitchen and bathroom sink faucets and handle some general plumbing improvements. Abel was punctual, professional, and efficient. They explained the process clearly and ensured everything was functioning perfectly. Their workmanship...
Handyman Connection - PhoenixCody is the best! He takes such great care of all of my real estate clients, as well as my family. He also installed a home filtration system for me at my house and we are very happy with it. He was fast, efficient and reasonably priced. He is extremely communicative and responsive, always....
Responses to questions and requests were timely and helpful. Employees were pleasant and had positive attitudes.
Sons Marble & Tile LLCThey went above and beyond! Extremely efficient, and great communication.
KASA ContractorsA few months ago, we moved in in our new house and have been planning a few renovations ever since to make the most out of our living space. We decided to remodel our master bathroom first. We called this company after a long search and thousands of online reviews read. The crew worked hard...
Serden Group, LLCI took several contractors to homes I wanted to purchase and remodel. But the only one that came prepared was Vicente from Lean Developers Corp. I am a very interesting client because of my background in interior design. After we purchased the home his team worked a miracle on my home that...
Lean Developers CorpFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Do you want to add a mudroom to your home but are unsure if it’s within your budget? Use this mudroom addition cost guide to determine your installation price range.
An entryway addition can cost thousands, but it pays off in multiple ways. Let’s look at entryway addition costs and what factors affect your total.
Remodeling your bathroom can add significant value to your home. Your bathroom remodel cost in Phoenix, AZ will depend on size, fixtures, materials, labor, and other factors.
This handy guide will walk you through 17 types of bathroom sinks to help you decide on the best one for your bathroom remodel.
Knowing how to install a shower requires some skill and experience, but a shower enclosure installation is a doable DIY project if you follow some basic steps.
There are bathroom vanities for bathrooms of all sizes, from floating units to custom cabinetry. Find out which bathroom vanities are the best for your home.
