The grout of escape routes in tiles over time loses its original color and collects dirt - an aspect that bothers many people. You can remedy the bad appearance of the escape routes by changing the color of the grout. You can decide whether to color the grout or to clean them thoroughly, even if neither system is fast enough.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Method 1: Stucco Painting
Step 1. Choose a stucco paint
Most of the time it is decided to color the grout because it has lost its original luster, becoming dark and dirty. Instead of bringing it back to its original color, you need to look for a color that covers the cracks and signs of aging. Although it might seem strange, the most popular grout colors are those that come closest to the color of the dirt, so you no longer have to worry about the grout will discolour again over time.
- The light-colored stuccos mask and blend in with the tiles, while the dark ones make them stand out and are quite clear.
- If possible, putty paints should be chosen that also have a sealing function, in order to avoid the final sealing step.
Step 2. Clean the tiles and grout from the escape routes
Grab your cleaning tools and arm yourself with some elbow grease, because before you paint the grout you need to clean it thoroughly. To eliminate any mold, bleach diluted in water should be used. Even if it is not very comfortable, you have to use a wet sponge or brush, both for the tiles on the walls and for those on the floor. You can't apply putty paint on a wet surface, so you need to wait at least 30 minutes to get started.
Step 3. Apply putty paint
Some kits come with a small brush applicator, otherwise you have to use a very small hard bristle brush. The brush should be dipped in the paint and then passed carefully only on the escape routes. The paint is permanent, and once dried it cannot be removed from the tiles, so it is necessary to be very careful in spreading it only on the escape routes and immediately clean any smudges on the tiles.
Step 4. Switch multiple coats
Depending on the desired result, it may be necessary to apply more than one coat of paint. In these cases it is necessary to wait at least 24 hours for the first coat to dry and then you can pass the second coat always paying close attention. Also in this case, care must be taken not to accidentally dirty the tiles with paint.
Step 5. Seal the grout
Some grouts are the result of a mixture of grout and sealant, but a special oil-based sealant is usually required to finish the grout. This step is particularly important for environments and areas that often come into contact with water (for example in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink). For the application on the grout of the escape routes, just follow the instructions on the package of the chosen sealant.
Method 2 of 2: Method 2: Cleaning the Grout
Step 1. Choose an abrasive solution
The grout, in particular that of the escape routes, tends to accumulate a lot of dirt over time. It will therefore be necessary to use different types of cleaning solutions depending on the degree of discoloration of the grout. For a slight discoloration a combination of bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide is used to form a paste. For more noticeable discolorations, an oxygen bleach is used.
Step 2. Perform a preliminary cleaning
To avoid additional work while doing the abrasive wash, a more superficial cleaning is done before moving on to deep cleaning. A mixture of water and bleach is used to eliminate mold and any dirt that may accumulate.
Step 3. Apply the cleaner
Working in confined areas (about 1 square meter at a time), the cleaner is applied to the grout. It is left to act for 3-5 minutes, so that drying slightly will facilitate the abrasive phase.
Step 4. Clean the escape routes
To carry out the abrasive cleaning it is recommended to use a new toothbrush (preferably electric), with which to remove the dirt. This phase takes some time, so don't give up if you don't see results right away. Clean water and a rag should be used to remove cleaning residues, then repeated cleaning with the detergent if necessary.
Step 5. Continue cleaning the grout
Following the method just described, you must continue to clean the escape routes towards the outside from where you started. Apply the cleaner to small areas, let it act, and brush it until you see the clean, clear and shiny escape routes.
Step 6. Finish the job
Once the desired result is achieved, with the escape routes freshly cleaned and colored, a final cleaning should be carried out to remove any residual detergent. Once a year it would be advisable to apply a sealer, so if possible use an oil-based sealant to protect the grout.
