GROUT CLEANING, REPAIR COLORING AND MAINTENANCE

GROUT CLEANING, REPAIR  COLORING AND MAINTENANCE

 By Frederick M. Hueston

 

O, that awful dirty grout. You’ve tried everything and it just refuses to come clean.  Well help is right here. Most grout becomes soiled by grease and water based stains. In order to remove the dirt it needs to be cleaned with two different cleaners. One will remove the grease and oil and the other will remove the water-based soil.

The following is my secret recipe for cleaning grout.

 You will need two chemicals.  Sulfamic acid and a good wax floor stripper. Sulfamic acid can be purchased at most home centers and can also be found at most tile supply companies. The floor wax stripper can be purchased at most janitorial supply houses. Ask for an alkaline-based floor wax stripper.

 

1.  Sweep the floor thoroughly removing any loose dirt, dust etc.  For showers and walls, wipe with a dry rag.

 

2. Mop the floor with warm water and a good floor cleaner. Ammonia will work also.

For showers and walls use a clean rag with the above chemical.

 

3.  Mix a solution of the alkaline stripper in a pail of warm water. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle.

 

4. Apply a small amount of this solution to the grout. Allow it to stand for several minutes and agitate with a scrub brush, toothbrush or similar type brush.

Apply additional solution if it begins to dry.

 

5.  Pick up any excess solution with a mop or a wet vacuum.

 

6. Rinse the grout with plain warm water.

 

7. Mix a solution of sulfamic acid with warm water per directions on the label.

 

8.  Apply the acid solution to the grout and agitate.

 

9. Rinse the grout several times with clean water and allow to dry overnight.

 

10. Once dry, seal the grout with a good penetrating sealer.

 

If the above technique does not work then the grout will have to be removed and replaced or if the grout is sound and not falling apart, it can be re-colored.

Caution: Sulfamic acid will damage marble surfaces.

 

 

 

 

 

GROUT REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT

 

Removing and replacing grout is not that difficult. All it requires is a little patience and the know-how. The following is the know how, you supply the patience and Oh yes, the elbow grease.

 

You will need the following tools:

 

-A hand held gout saw. You can purchase these at most home centers, hardware stores or tile supply houses. They usually run a couple of dollars.

 

 

-A grout float. Also only a few dollars. I prefer the type with the rubber face, but any grout float will work.

 

 

 

 

GROUT REMOVAL PROCEDURE

 

1.  Remove the grout using the grout saw.  Work the saw in a back and forth motion until you have removed more than half the grout.  It is not necessary to remove all the grout.   As long as you remove about 1/4 inch minimum.

 

2.  Once the desired amount of grout is removed. Vacuum all the grout and dust from the floor or wall. 

3.  Check for loose tile and re-set these before regrouting.  You are now ready to re-grout.

 

 

GROUT REPLACEMENT

 

1.  Choose the proper grout. For walls and grout joints 1/8 of an inch or smaller use un-sanded grout.  For floors and grout joints over 1/8 of an inch use a sanded grout.

Caution: If you have marble tile, unsanded grout can scratch.

 

2.  Place the grout in a bucket, add water and mix into a thick, smooth consistency. Do not mix it too soupy. Add more dry grout powder if it gets too soupy.  Some grout needs to sit several minutes before using and then remixed. Check with the grout manufactures directions.

 

3.  Apply the grout with the grout float. Work the grout into the joints making sure they are full. It helps to pack the grout into the joints by pressing hard on the grout float.

 

4.  Once all the grout joints are full, hold the float at a 45-degree angle and move it diagonally across the grout joint to remove excess grout.   It’s best to work in small sections so the grout does not dry too fast.

 

 

5. Once all the tile is grouted, clean the tile with a clean wet sponge.  It will be necessary to rinse several times.  I prefer using two buckets and two sponges.  Change the water often.  

6.  Allow the grout to sit at least 24 hours.  Occasionally a light grout film will be present after the grout dries. To remove this film, simply buff with a clean dry cloth.

 

7. Avoid walking on the floor or using the shower for at least 24 hours.

                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROUT SEALING

 

In order to keep your new grout or newly cleaned grout clean, it should be sealed. There are so many sealers on the market today.  Which ones are best?  Which ones really work?

 

It can be very confusing trying to choose a sealer to protect grout.  In the past several years the janitorial industry have bombarded the market with hundreds of products to seal & protect grout.

Fortunately, all of these products fall into only two major categories:

 

1. Coatings

2. Impregnators or penetrating sealers.

 

Coatings:

Coatings are sealers that place a sacrificial coating on the surface of the grout.  This is a film that lays on top of the grout acting as a barrier to prevent water, oil and dirt from entering the pores.

 

Coatings can be classified into two general types:

 

1. Strippable

2. Permanent. 

 

Strippable coatings:

Strippable coatings are coatings that are designed to be easily stripped or removed from the surface of the grout.  These coatings are made of polymers consisting of acrylics, styrene, polyethylene and others.  They are usually water based.  Many of the janitorial products are water based polymer type coatings.    To identify these coatings look for terms on the label such as  "metal cross link”,” high solids”,” high speed", "acrylic", "thermoplastic", etc.  When in doubt, ask.  There are hundreds of different formulas of strippable coatings.

 

Permanent coatings: 

Permanent coatings are coatings that are very difficult to remove.  They are made of solvent-based polymers such as polyurethane, epoxies, etc.  These are not recommended for grout. 

 

Impregnators or penetrating sealers:

Impregnators are designed to penetrate below the surface of the grout and deposit solid particles in the pores or to coat the individual minerals below the surface.  Water, oil and dirt are restricted from entering. 

Impregnators can be solvent or water based and usually contain silicone, siloxane, silane, methyl silicate or other similar silicon derivatives as well as Fluro alphatic polymers.

 

Impregnators can also be classified into two types:

 

1. hydrophobic- water repelling

2. oilophopic- oil repelling.

 

Hydrophobic impregnators

Hydrophobic impregnators are designed to repel only water and water based chemicals. A hydrophobic impregnator would repel fruit drinks, coffee, tea, soda, etc..

 

Oilophobic impregnators

Oilophobic impregnators are designed to repel water and oil based liquids.  Cooking oil, grease, body oils, etc. would be repelled by a oilophobic impregnator.

 

An oilophobic impregnator will always be hydrophobic, but a hydrophobic impregnator may not be oilophobic.  Be sure to read product labels carefully to determine if they are hydrophobic or oilophobic.  Some products are listed as oil resistant.  Oil resistant and oil repellant are entirely different.  Oil resistant will only slow down the absorption of oil into the grout. Oil repellant will prevent oil from entering the grout.  Again, read product labels carefully. Be sure you are buying the right product for your particular situation.

 

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COATING OR IMPREGNATOR?

How do you make the determination between a coating or an impregnator?  They both have their advantages and their disadvantages.  The following summary should be studied carefully when choosing the proper product:

 

Coating-Advantages;

Coatings are sealers that place a protective, sacrificial layer on the surface of the grout.

 

1.  Coatings are generally economical.  The initial application is relatively low.

2.  Coatings are difficult to apply since you must apply them with a brush or applicator, which can be very tedious.

3.  Coatings generally will provide a sacrificial coating.  This layer will take most of the wear, preventing wear of the grout

 

 

Coatings-Disadvantages

1.  Since most coatings are typically softer than the grout itself, they will usually scratch, mar and scuff very easily, showing traffic patterns soon after application.  This will require  re-application.

2.  Coatings can build up and can cause an unsightly appearance, producing an unnatural look.

3.  Poor quality coatings can turn yellow. This is especially true if the grout is exposed to UV light.

4.  Coatings require frequent stripping and reapplication.  The chemicals and abrasives used in the stripping process may cause damage to the grout. Typically, certain stripping pads and stripping brushes can also cause damage.

5.  Certain coatings may block the breathing capability of the grout.  Moisture can become trapped below the surface and may lead to the grout falling apart

 

Impregnators-Advantages

1.  Most impregnators will not change the appearance of the grout.

2.  Most impregnators do not require frequent applications.  Since the impregnator is below the surface, it will generally last several years before reapplication is necessary.

3.  Most impregnators are not affected by UV light since they are below the surface where UV light cannot penetrate.  For this reason they can be used outdoors.

4. Impregnators are typically hydrophobic, while some are oiliophobic.

 

 

 

 

Impregnators-Disadvantages

1.  Impregnators that are solvent-based produce noxious and flammable vapors during application.

2.  Solvent-based impregnators are harmful to the environment producing high VOC (volatile organic compounds).  For this reason, some are restricted in certain states. Always check the MSDS sheet.

3.  The initial cost of most impregnators is relatively high.

5.  Impregnators in general cannot be used below grade to resist hydrostatic pressure.

 

When choosing the proper product for  protection, the above guidelines should help.  Always talk with the manufacture or distributor, and let them know where you plan to use their product.  They can be very helpful if you tell them all the conditions that apply.

 

 

 

 

 

GROUT SEALING-PENETRATING

 

1. Clean the grout thoroughly with a good grout cleaner or using the cleaning procedure described above.  Allow the grout to dry thoroughly.

 

2.  Pour a small amount of sealer on the floor and spread with a string mop or lambs wool applicator. For showers and walls use a terry cloth rag to apply the sealer.

 

3. Allow the sealer to penetrate into the grout for several minutes. Apply additional sealer if needed.

 

4.  Once all the sealer is applied, buff any remaining sealer from the tile with a dry cloth.   If you are sealing a large area, a floor machine may be used.

 

5.  Try to avoid spilling anything on the grout for several days. Some sealers take this long to cure. However, you can walk on the floor once it is buffed.

 

GROUT SEALING-COATING

1. Clean the grout thoroughly with a good grout cleaner or using the cleaning procedure described above.  Allow the grout to dry thoroughly.

 

2.  Apply the sealer with a small brush or applicator. Some sealers come with a self-dispensing applicator.  Work in small areas and avoid getting any sealer on the tile. It helps to keep a clean rag handy in case you accidentally get some on the tile.

 

 

3. Allow the sealer to dry thoroughly before walking on the floor or using the shower.

 

As you see, this procedure is very time consuming. I prefer the penetrating type for this reason.

 

 

 

GROUT COLORING

 

Yes, it is possible to change the color of your grout without replacing it.  Coloring your grout also will seal it preventing it from getting soiled. 

 

Before you can color your grout you must clean it and perform an adhesion test to make sure the grout coloring will stick and not peel.

 

Grout coloring can be purchased at most home centers and tile supply houses.

 

The following adhesion test must be performed before coloring the grout.

 

Grout Coloring Adhesion Test.

 

1. Clean about one foot of grout using the grout cleaning procedure in this article.

2. Dry the area with a hair dryer or heat gun. Make sure the grout is thoroughly dry.

 

3.  Apply a small amount of grout coloring with a paintbrush to the cleaned area.

 

4. Dry the grout coloring with the hair dryer. It is best to allow it to dry overnight if time permits.

 

5. Once the color is dry, take a piece of masking tape and apply it to the grout color. Rub the tape with your finger to make sure it sticks to the color.

 

6.  Now, quickly remove the tape. If the grout coloring sticks to the tape, then the chances it won’t stick.  In this case you will have to try acid washing the grout and repeating this test. If the coloring remains on the grout, then you can proceed to coloring.

 

GROUT COLORING PROCEDURE

 

1. Make sure you have cleaned the grout and have performed the adhesion test as outlined above.

2.  Apply the grout coloring to the grout with a small paintbrush or applicator.  Do not apply to heavily. It is best to apply two thin coats then one heavy coat. 

If you have an airbrush, grout coloring can also be applied with it.

 

Do not worry about getting the color on the tile. It should clean off easily on ceramic tile. Marble, granite and stone may be a problem. Check to make sure the grout coloring does not absorb into the stone.   If it does it may be necessary to mask the tile.

 

3.  Allow the coloring to dry. See label instructions for dry times.

4. Once dry, remove the excess coloring from the tile surface with a green scrub pad and some warm water and dish detergent.

If any coloring is removed you can touch up later.

 

 

It’s that simple. Just take your time.

 

GROUT MAINTENANCE

 

To keep your grout looking new, it is best to avoid harsh cleaners.  I recommend a neutral cleaner.  A neutral cleaner is not acid or alkaline and has a Ph of 7.  Neutral cleaners can be purchased from most janitorial supply houses. 

 

It is especially important to use mild cleaners with colored grout. The coloring will eventually come off and will require re-application.