Home Advice: Replacing Grout

June 14, 2002 -- Each week, Good Morning America's home-improvement guru Ron Hazelton answers your questions about maintaining and upgrading your home. Click here to submit your own question.

Q: Dear Ron,I would like to know how to re-grout a tile shower.

— S. ParksCary, N.C.

A:

Re-grouting shower or countertop tile is easier than you may think.

You'll need to start by removing the stained and dirty surface of the old grout. The tool I like best for this job is a grout saw. Actually, it's not really a saw, but more of a blade with an abrasive edge that rakes out the discolored grout. You can pick up one of these inexpensive devices in the tile department of your home improvement center.

Draw the grout saw back and forth over the grout joints, being careful not to slip and scratch the surface of the tile.

Once you're down to a clean, firm base it's time to replace the grout you've removed. While there are pre-mixed grouts available, I prefer the powdered variety that mixes with water. Grout comes in a variety of colors. Pick one that matches the original. It's generally not a good idea to try a color change.

Apply the grout with a tool known as a rubber grout float. Spread the grout over an area about two-feet square and press it firmly into the joints. Then tilt the float up on edge (about 45 degrees) and pass it over the face of the tile moving from corner to corner (this will avoid scooping the new grout out of the joints). This will rake off the excess, leaving the joint full.

Wait a few minutes, then begin wipe off any remaining grout with a damp grout sponge. Any remaining dry haze can be easily polished off with a dry paper towel or cotton cloth.

When your new grout is completely dry — usually a few days — apply a grout sealer.— R.H.