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Dirty grout can be cleaned or recolored to revitalize its appearance.
But you may eventually need to take on the more laborious task of removing and replacing the grout.
If a deep cleaning with this paste renews the grout’s original color, you’re good.
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If not, replace the grout.
This porosity makes cleaning grout particularly difficult, says Cole.
Grout must also be in good structural shape for you to continue cleaning it rather than replacing it.
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Grout Is Darkening
Lightly stained tile grout can usually be cleaned.
But experts indicate that certain colors and shades might be beyond cleaning.
When you see that color, the grout is past saving, Cooper says.
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Grout removal is easier with the right tools.
With cracks, your tile grout is past the point where cleaning will help.
The only option is to dig out the old grout and replace it with fresh grout.
Grout Shrinking
Grout shrinkage is another structural problem that indicates when you should replace tile grout.
Grout shrinkage is agrouting mistakethat typically happens soon after installation.
Too much water in the grout mixture causes the grout to shrink as it dries.
The grout will gradually separate from the tile.
“Moisture seeps in, and now youre battling mildew and loose tiles.”
The only fix at this point is to rip out the grout and start fresh.
A proper regrout can be the difference between upkeep and decay, Cooper says.
Grout Affected by Moisture
Well-maintained tile grout should be able to tolerate contact with water.
So, tile experts stress that moisture can make a difference only with tile that’s in poor condition.
Water can enter through poor tile andneeds to be sealedor ideally replaced as soon as possible, agrees Zakheim.
He adds that high-moisture areas like bathrooms are especially susceptible to moisture damage.
