How to Restore Grout: An Update

How to Restore Grout: an easy and inexpensive way to restore light colored grout. Totally DIY, this project can be done quickly and without much mess.

Several years ago, I was at the end of my rope with our kitchen counters. They are ceramic tile installed over old Formica. The grout was so awful and no matter what product I used, it just wouldn’t come clean. On one of my trips to Menard’s, I saw a product called Tile Guard.

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I read the directions and figured even if it didn’t work, I would only be out about $5, so what did I have to lose? When I finally got around to using it, I was amazed at how well it covered. My grout really did look like new. 

So…that was two years ago. The grout looked great for quite a while, but two years is a long time and it really did need a refresher. This time around I purchased a large bottle of Tile Guard and put it on very thick. To see how I applied it, check out my post from two years ago. I used the exact same method this time and was so happy with the results.

How to Restore Grout: A few thoughts and tips

• First, I think Tile Guard only comes in white. So if you have a darker colored grout, I’m afraid this method won’t work for you.
• Second, I’m not sure how it would work on a floor. It would take a long time to apply. However, if you compare the cost of a bottle of Tile Guard and a day out of your life to installing a new floor, I’m sure it would be worth it.
• I, once again, did not seal mine. However, I would highly recommend applying the Homax Sealer…especially if you are restoring a floor or large space. 
• Use rubber gloves. They really save your hands from a big mess.

I am definitely not a grout expert. On my last post, some people judged just a little and said I was covering up the dirt. Honestly, I probably was. I cleaned the grout as best I could before I applied the Tile Guard both times. I have older counters and the bottom line was that I just wanted them to look better…and they really do. 

This is real life DIY. I found a solution that I could DO MYSELF and that wouldn’t break the bank. I’m not saying it will work for everyone in every situation. I am saying it worked for me and I highly recommend it.

I’ve wanted to do this post for a long time, so I’m glad I finally made it happen. Check that one off the list! Thanks for stopping by…see you soon.

Update 9/23/2017: Much to my dismay, I still have these tile countertops. I thought I would be rid of them by now, but that hasn’t happened. Before we hosted our Gender Neutral Baby Shower a few months ago, my dad and I once again restored my grout with Tile Guard. And once again…it worked like a charm.