Since we’ve gotten to know each over the past few years, I feel comfortable sharing something personal with you guys. I have an addiction. That’s right…my name is Kiki. And I’m addicted to cleaning products and gadgets. I enjoy cleaning; it relaxes me and gives me a sense of accomplishment. Call me a weirdo but there’s just something about the lines in freshly vacuumed carpet or the faint smell of Clorox. So you can imagine my frustration every time I walked into my bathroom and laid eyes on the dingy, gross tile floor grout. I’d tried everything to restore my bathroom tile to its former glory. Oxyclean, Kaboom, baking soda, a pumice stone – you name it. Nothing worked. Take a look for yourself.
Kiki’s Bathroom Tile Grout – Before
Fast forward to a couple of months ago. I was perusing the aisle in Lowe’s one Saturday morning and stumbled upon a product called Grout Refresh.
Grout Refresh – $10.98 available at Lowe’s
According to the label, Grout Refresh promises to make gross, dingy looking grout look brand spanking new. I was a bit skeptical but I thought “What the hay, let’s give it a try.” And I must say, IT WORKS!! This is the perfect weekend warrior project because it will only take a few hours (depending on the size of your bathroom) and a few supplies.
Restore Old Grout: How to Make Dingy Grout Look Brand New
Supplies
- Grout Refresh (Note: one bottle covers up to 300 sq ft)
- An old toothbrush or small paintbrush
- Painter’s Tape (optional)
- Rags (for clean up)
- Paper Towels and Microfiber cloth
- Spray bottle of water
Prep
- Make sure your floor is clean, dry and free of dust, dirt or loose particles – basically, any substance that may prevent adhesion.
- Apply painter’s tape to the edges of each floor tile. (Note: this step is optional. Painter’s tape makes clean up a little easier but I did have to do more touch ups when I used it).
- Shake Product well before using.
The Process
- Apply thin bead of Grout Refresh in the middle of the grout joint avoiding the tile surface as much as possible.
- Use your paintbrush or toothbrush to spread evenly. Periodically, work your brush into grout joint in a back-and-forth motion; this allows the colorant to really penetrate the grout.
The Clean Up
- Allow Grout Refresh to dry for 20-25 minutes.
- Spray a light mist of water on the tile with water and allow to stand for 5 minutes.
- Using a clean, damp rag, gently rub the tile surface to remove the colorant. Make sure you avoid the actual grout joint.
- Buff dry with a clean paper towel or microfiber towel. After 30 minutes, repeat the process if needed.
Restore Old Tile Grout: The Big Reveal
Bathroom Tile Grout – After
Kiki’s Bathroom
[Hey guys: excuse the shadow around the toilet. I’m still working on my photography skills]
