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Ceramic is one of the most robust materials around, but while your tiles might look as good as the day they were laid, grotty grout could be the unsightly blot that ruins the whole look of your bathroom. Cleaning or redoing your grout is no picnic, but the reward is an as-new space for the bargain price of pocket change and perspiration.
The best tool here is elbow grease, but a useful grout-cleaning kit can help you out. Before you start, remember your safety gear, including safety glasses, gloves and a respirator kit – filthy grout is stubborn and requires some heavy-duty chemicals to shift. Give the tiles a good wipe before spraying on grout cleaner and leaving it to soak in. Use a stiff brush to scrub the grout, concentrating on mouldy areas.
If the grout is still a bit discoloured, you can use a grout pen like White Knight's to refresh the look. Simply draw along the grout lines to give your tired tiles a fresh outline.
If your grout is stained beyond repair, chipped or crumbling, the only option may be to start again. For smaller jobs, try a grout rake for easy removal, or arm yourself with a multi-tool if you're doing the whole room. Re-grouting also gives you the opportunity to explore new colours, which can change the whole look of your bathroom.
Grouting tiles is a fairly straightforward job with a bit of know-how. The top tip from the pros is to swipe diagonally across the tiles to push grout into the gaps. Check out our video on 'how to grout wall tiles', then go forth and grout with confidence.
If your tiles have been laid with epoxy grout, they do not need to be sealed. For other grout, however, sealing is a laborious job worth doing, as it prevents bacteria and mould from growing and will ensure your grout looks good for longer.
If you're applying sealer to existing grout, make sure it's clean and dry. If you've just regrouted the bathroom, leave the grout to cure for at least 72 hours before sealing. Apply sealer according to the manufacturer's directions; some sealants can be used over both tiles and grout, while others can only be used on grout. Set aside time to do this once a year and your grout will keep its good looks for longer.
Head into your local Bunnings to get all the tools and materials you need to grout your next project.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
