Repairing Grout

What is grout you ask? Grout is the material used to fill in the spaces between tiles. Even professionally applied grout, however, can become stained or cracked, and replacing it is a simple matter, if you follow these steps.

Materials:

* Grout saw

* Grout

* Colorant, if desired

* Grout float, sponge or both

Steps:

1. Use a grout saw to remove stained or damaged grout; then flush the area with water.

2. Mix the grout, if necessary, or use a premixed grout. If necessary, add colorant to make it the correct color for your particular needs.

3. With a grout float -- or, if you're working on a small area, a sponge -- apply the new grout to the tiles. Don't worry if it gets on the tiles themselves -- you'll use the sponge to remove the excess later.

4. Once the grout has been applied and has cured according to label directions, be sure to use a grout sealer.

5. If your grout is merely discolored, you may be able to get away with just using a grout colorant instead of regrouting.