Introduction
Tile and grout play an important role in creating a beautiful and durable flooring surface. However, over time, grout can become discolored, stained, or cracked, detracting from the look of the floor. Refreshing tile edges and floor grout takes a bit of work, but yields impressive results. In this article, I will dive deep into all aspects of floor grout and tile edges so you can keep your floors looking pristine.
Cleaning Floor Grout
Regular cleaning is the first step to maintaining the look of grout. Here are some tips for effective grout cleaning:
Use Gentle Cleaners
Harsh cleaners like bleach can discolor and damage grout. Mild cleaners like warm water, vinegar, or grout cleaner are safer for routine cleaning. Vinegar is acidic so it kills bacteria and cuts through grime.
Scrub with a Stiff Brush
Apply the cleaner and let it sit briefly to penetrate. Use a stiff grout brush to scrub the grout lines to loosen dirt. Scrubbing by hand takes more elbow grease but is most effective.
Vacuum and Wipe Away Dirt
After scrubbing, vacuum up dirt and wipe away any remaining cleaner and grime with a cloth. This prevents dirt from resettling into clean grout.
Clean Grout Regularly
Frequent cleaning keeps grout from becoming heavily stained. Aim to clean grout every 1-2 months. Heavily soiled areas may need cleaning more often.
Re-Sealing Grout
Sealer forms a protective barrier on grout that prevents stains from setting in. Over time, sealer wears away so periodic re-sealing is needed. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Clean Grout Thoroughly
Remove any dirt, grime or old sealer from grout lines before re-sealing.
2. Apply Grout Sealer
Use a sealer applicator bottle or sponge to apply a thin, even coat of sealer to grout lines. Avoid getting sealer on the tile surface.
3. Wipe Away Excess
After 10-15 minutes, wipe away any excess sealer with a cloth before it dries. Removing excess prevents a glossy residue.
4. Allow Sealer to Cure
Leave the floor untouched for at least 2-3 hours for the sealer to fully cure and become effective.
5. Seal Grout Annually
Plan to re-seal grout about once per year to maintain protection. Heavily used floors may need sealing more frequently.
Removing Stains from Grout
For stubborn stains that don’t budge with normal cleaning, specialized removal is required:
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Make a paste with baking soda and vinegar and apply to the stain. Allow to sit for 1-2 hours before scrubbing and rinsing. The reaction between the ingredients helps lift stains.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can bleach and lift stains. Apply it directly or mix with baking soda. Allow it to sit for an hour before scrubbing.
Grout Stain Remover
Specialized grout stain removers available at hardware stores are formulated to break down and dissolve stains. Always check that they are safe for your grout color.
Grout Color Sealant
For tough stains that don’t budge, a grout color sealant can hide and seal over discoloration. Match the color sealant to your grout.
Regrouting Tile Joints
Over time, grout can crack, crumble, or become loose. Replacing it entirely revives the look. Here is an overview of the regrouting process:
1. Remove Old Grout
Use a carbide grout saw or dental pick to scrape out all of the existing grout to a depth of 1/8 inch. Take care not to scratch tile edges.
2. Clean Tile and Joints
Use a grout brush and water to scrub out any remaining debris or old grout from tile edges and empty joints. Vacuum any standing water.
3. Apply New Grout
Holding a grout float at a 45° angle, firmly pack new grout into joints, pressing down to fill completely. Remove excess grout with edge of float.
4. Clean Tile Surface
Once grout has slightly dried, use a damp sponge in a circular motion to clean any grout haze from the tile surface. Rinse sponge frequently.
5. Allow Final Cure
Let grout cure fully for 24-48 hours. Avoid walking on the floor during this time.
Refreshing Tile Edges
The edges of ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tile can also become worn, chipped, or stained over the years. Here are tips for renewing tile edges:
Use Premium Tile Sealer
High-quality tile sealers cement to the porous edges of stone or cement tile to guard against damage or stains. Re-apply annually.
Selectively Regrout
For minor chips or cracks in tile edges, selectively regrout just those affected joints instead of the entire floor.
Edge Grinding and Polishing
Professional tile restoration services are able to precisely grind down and resurface damaged tile edges using specialty machinery to restore a uniform appearance.
Tile Edge Replacement
For severe damage, the only option may be full replacement of broken tiles and edges. This requires cutting out and replacing the damaged tiles.
Maintaining Grout and Tile Long-Term
With proper care and maintenance, beautiful tile and clean grout can last for decades:
- Sweep and mop tile floors 1-2 times per week
- Use tile-safe cleaners – avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners
- Apply tile sealer annually to protect from damage
- Have professionals deep clean and re-seal grout every 2-3 years
- Monitor grout and tile edges for any damage
- Repair cracks, chips, or stains as soon as they occur to prevent bigger issues
Conclusion
Grout and tile edges take a lot of wear and tear and can degrade over time. With this deep dive into all aspects of maintaining and repairing floor grout and tile edges, I hope you feel equipped to keep your tile floors looking like new for years to come. Consistent care pays off in the long run.
