How to restore grout: an update. A few 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 a long time…much longer than I expected. Before my Gridley & Graves photo shoot, I decided to restore the grout again. This time 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.
A few things.
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 it. 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.
I am so 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 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.
Our bathroom tile is a mess, so I definitely want to look into this!
Hi Ann, You are a woman after my own heart. I have just discovered your blog and pinterest posts and I must say I love your style (I think we may have been cut from the same cloth.):) . I too have cream tile bench tops that covered an old 70’s avocado laminex benchtop. I have trouble with the nasty grout all the time and have not come across a product that cleans it very well. I am from Australia and not sure if this product is available here but I am certainly going to take a look next time I am down town. I will be subscribing to your newsletter and look forward to future posts. Thank you.PS Love your free printables also.
I have an ugly tile backsplash I will definitely have to try this on. I’m about at my wit’s end with it…
BTW, we tried out your salad recipe yesterday and LOVED it! In fact, we liked it so much we had it again for lunch today. :-) Thanks for sharing all your wonderful ideas!
This sounds like a great product….will have to check this out!….
What a great tip! I am going to try it in my shower!
It looks clean, fresh and beautiful. Brings new life to what I am sure is older tile. This kind of project is so gratifying. You must find yourself going into the kitchen just to look at it!
Thank you! What a great tip! And congratulations on having the individuality of having tile countertops and not succumbing to the ubiquitous granite.
Thank you for sharing your “real world” DIY tips. I appreciate all the help I can get and love reading your blog.
Looks great! I’m assuming you could use it on vertical areas as well…tub surround? How wonderful to get the “new”look, without it being new! ;)
Oh sure Donnamae. It would work great on a vertical surface. I’d probably add the sealer step since it will be getting really wet. Good luck!
That looks great! Thanks for the good idea to tuck into the back of my mind as I look at new-old houses. This could make the difference between replacing or renewing old counter top.
Your counters look fabulous Ann! I had the same counter in Florida and sure wish I would have known of this product then!
Looks so pretty and clean, worth the time it took!
that’s product not produce!:(
Ann, I have tried everything on grout over the years, with terrible results. I am anxious to give this produce a try. You have the best posts that people can really use.:)
This is just what I need. Can you buy it at most home improvement stores? We don’t have a Menard’s around here. I don’t understand how anyone can say you are just covering up dirt when you have scrubbed and scrubbed. Grout gets stained and looks bad but that doesn’t mean it is dirty. Thank you so much for sharing.
Yes Patty I have seen it at Lowe’s. It’s in the floor tile area where they sell the supplies like grout, sealer, etc. Also, you can click on any of the links in the post and order it on Amazon. That’s what I did!
Ann, I just had to pop in to tell you that I used this on your recommendation when you first posted it. I did use it on my floor, and it was time consuming, but it worked like a charm.
I used it on the white tile floor in our “powder” room on the main floor of our home. It is the one used during the day by guests. I don’t agree at all that you were “covering up dirt”! I know your counters were not dirty, and I know my floor wasn’t dirty. Anyone who has grout knows that it can stain over time with even minimal use.
It has been quite some time, and my grout still looks great. Thanks for the tip, and I second your recommendation.
Thank you, Ann . . . another great idea that anyone can do! This would be especially nice for those who rent and are restricted in what they can or want to do. So, critics, unless you have a MUCH better idea, silence yourselves. Your blog always contains good ideas, thank you!!!
Looks wonderful. I’m going to try this on my back splash.
I think they look great andd I am most definitely looking fr this product! Thanks for the advice,