Your rooms are top-notch. But you won’t get rave reviews if your guests are greeted by ugly grout in the bathroom.
If you are struggling with dark, moldy, or cracking grout, it’s time for a new system. Safe Step’s GroutSeal offers a hassle-free solution to cracking, staining, and flaking.
GroutSeal makes cleaning bathrooms as easy as a quick wipe. Imagine the time and money you will save with a grout application guaranteed to last five years. Contact Safe Step today for a free quote.
What Is Grout?
Grout is a thick liquid that hardens to a solid. It fills the spaces between tiles, creates a finished look, and protects the tiles’ edges.
When it’s in good shape, grout creates a polished, finished look to tile floors and walls.
When neglected, stains and cracks will follow, making for an unsightly, dirty-looking environment. Ugly grout means an unattractive bathroom.
Grout is generally made from either cement or epoxy.
In previous years, grout was a simple mixture of cement and water. It tended to crack and stain easily.
Grout products available today are more elastic and durable. They can handle wider joints and deliver more consistent color.
Despite advances, grout continues to require maintenance.
To maintain your grout and tile surfaces, wipe down with a mild cleaning product daily. Also, scrub grout thoroughly about once a week.
To deep clean your grout, apply an approved mild cleaner, such as Lysol Basin Tub & Tile Cleaner, and let it soak for 3-5 minutes. Scrub the grout joints with a soft-bristled brush and rinse any remaining residue.
All grout will break down over time. It is critical to keep your grout sealed if you don’t want ugly grout.
What Happens When Grout Isn’t Maintained?
Grout looks great when it’s installed. But repeated exposures to water and humidity can take a toll.
Grout is not waterproof. When the grout is unsealed, it will absorb water and dirt.
As the unsealed grout is repeatedly exposed to the bathroom environment, it soaks in too much water. Over time, the grout can stain, mildew, and even allow water the penetrate the wall, causing structural damage.
How Do You Fix Ugly Grout?
Are you past the maintenance stage?
If you already have ugly grout, it may take some extra work to get your bathroom squared up.
If you have staining, a little extra attention may be enough to clear things up. Here are a few cleaning techniques to try:
- Compose a paste with baking soda and water. The paste should be reasonably thick.
Apply the paste to the grout lines. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
Scour the grout with a toothbrush or scrubbing brush. Rinse well and repeat if you still see staining.
- Some stains respond favorably to bleach. Pour a small amount of bleach into a bowl. Soak paper towel strips in the bleach, and apply in dual thickness to stained grout.
Let the paper towels soak the grout for up to an hour. Then discard the paper towels and thoroughly rinse the grout.
Make sure to wear protective gloves and maximize ventilation when using this method.
If you have stained grout, you may determine that a darker grout color will better suit your guest bathrooms.
While a darker color may help to hide existing stains, this is not a solution. Stains are an indication that your grout is not adequately sealed.
Stains are unsightly and displeasing, but water damage is expensive. If your grout is failing, water may be making its way through the wall. Fixing your grout is a much less costly option than repairing extensive water damage.
Besides, those stains may be your warning that your grout or substructure is molding. Mold creates odor and can be a health hazard.
So, how do you repair that ugly grout?
There are a few things you can do:
- If your grout is stained but not flaking or cracking, clean the stains with one of the methods listed. Once the discoloration has cleared, it is important to seal the grout. Choose an application suited to your high-use environment.
- Grout that is cracked or flaking may be easier to remove than to repair. A grout removal tool can sand grout out from between the tiles.
This method can be dirty and time-consuming but will result in crisp, clean grout.
- You could remove all of the tiles and start from scratch. In some cases, it may be less labor-intensive to remove the tile along with the grout.
This option is more for if you have concerns about water damage behind the tile and grout. Inspect the supporting wall and make any repairs before replacing tiles.
- The gold standard for ugly grout repair: Safe Step’s GroutSeal Grout Cleaning service can address staining, flaking, and cracking. The process will leave your grout looking brand-new. With a 1-year guarantee, you will save time and money with grout that needs nothing more than a quick daily wipe-down.
Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to take action. Stains will only worsen, and if water intrusion is occurring, it can cause a great deal of damage.
How Do You Maintain Grout Once It’s Fixed?
When it’s properly sealed, grout requires very little maintenance.
Walls and floors with grout need to be wiped daily with a bleach-free all-purpose bathroom solution.
If you have repaired or replaced your grout with standard products, you should scrub your grout weekly. You will also need to have the grout resealed annually.
Consider The Advantages Of The GroutSeal System
No one likes an ugly bathroom. Your guests will not overlook the stains and mold.
GroutSeal can help you improve the look and feel of your guest bathrooms. With over 40 colors to choose from, your guest bathrooms will feel like new.
Contact Safe Step today for a free quote.