[Woodbob]

Have 12" tiles with "Stained" light grout between the tiles and would like to repair.

The tile is on a cement slam and approx 150 sq feet - most of which the grout is stained.

1. Would bleach clean the grout? - Not my house and don't know the type of stain

2. Could I simply scrape some grout off the top and re-grout or must I remove most of
The grout?

3. Would the stains bleed through? I know it's difficult w/o knowing the stain type.

4. Would a Roto zip or dremel electric type tool work on the grout w/o chipping the tile?

Thank you

[KISS]

Watch the video on this page. C. & E. FEIN GmbH - Der FEIN MULTIMASTER

It's probably the best tool out there for removing grout. It oscillates instead of rotates, so there is less dust. The Dremel is too hard to control even with the grout removal attachment.

[Woodbob]

Thank you for the quick answer (Keep It Simple).

I did see this tool on TV.. One very big drawback - $400.00

Thanks again.

[ballengerb1]

Roto and Dremel both make grout removing bits but you still need to be careful. Most grouts do not get stained but come in a large variety of colors. You need to remove at least half of the old grout, I'd shoot for nearly all and then regrout with an epoxy stainproof grout.

[Woodbob]

Thanks. I'll try one of them.

[amricca]

There also is a grout stain that you can use if you can change the color, this doesn't require removing the old grout.

[ballengerb1]

Amricca tell us more about the grout stain. I have not seen or used one, at least intentionally. Bob

[amricca]

It is a sealant and colorant for grout, many colors and from what I hear it works great. I have not used it myself, but my dad did and said it turned out nice. He actually whitened his grout with it. Just apply, then wipe the excess off the tiles and let it dry.

Grout Colorant - Refresh/Change grout colors and stain proof all in 1 step

Aqua Mix - Home

[Woodbob]

Thanks.. I'll take a look at that process. Does seem like a better way.

I scrubed the grout today and found that it did lighten a lot.

Seems like the tenants simply didn't clean or wash the floor at all.

What a surprise!!

[ballengerb1]

Whichever way you go you should seal the new grout unless it is stainproof.

[Woodbob]

Thanks. That's the correct idea.

[KISS]

For cleaning the grout, you can try a mix of TSP and bleach.

[ballengerb1]

KISS, I always thougthy ou weren't supposed to mix bleach with any other cleaners. Is it safe to mix bleach and not release fumes? Bob

[KISS]

Says it right on the box:... solution of 1 cup of TSP and 3 quarts of warm water and add 1 quart of fresh chlorine bleach."

Works nicely too.

You have been learning a lot lately...

[Woodbob]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I scrubed it with "Simple - Green" and seemed to help

I might also try the TSP/Bleech

[ballengerb1]

Thanks KISS, guess mom scared me with old wives stories for the past 60 years. I'll try TSP and bleach on my old floor. Kind of funny, like the cobblers kid goes barefoot, my tile grout looks like crap and I don't have time to fix it.