From Eveningsnews.com
Renewing Tiled Rooms
By
Sep 8, 2005, 15:14
(NAPSI)-One of the best-and least expensive-ways to renew the look of your bathroom, kitchen or other rooms with indoor tile is to regrout your tile. Cement-based tile grout tends to collect dirt, grime and stains faster than other areas on the floor or walls, making it look dingy and worn-out-not to mention hard to clean.
Fortunately, regrouting can be easier with stainproof grout. Contractors offer these tips.
• Keep grout at room temperature for 24 hours prior to use.
• Clean all tile surfaces with cool water before laying grout or caulk.
• Apply grout on no more than five to 10 square feet at a time to allow for prompt cleaning.
• Immediately remove all excess grout and caulk from tiles once they have been laid. Use a dampened sponge in a circular motion.
It's a good idea to look for stainproof grout that protects against mold and mildew, as well as dirt and grime. Experts at The Home Depot recommend using the new TrafficMaster Stainproof Grout Kit with built-in Scotchgard Protector. The kit comes with the tools needed to repair old grout. The product also eliminates the need for a sealer.
Each kit includes a quart of stainproof grout, a tube of stainproof tile and fixture caulk, a grout-removal saw, a grout applicator and a hydrophilic sponge.
Homeowners can use the kit to match the new grout and caulk to their existing tile. It comes in three neutral colors: bone sanded, delorian gray sanded and bright-white non-sanded. Do-it-yourselfers can also find the stainproof grout and caulk sold separately from the kit in 30 colors ranging from ocean blue to quarry red. The product is premixed and ready to use, and its color is said not to fade.
An added bonus: The stainproof grout sticks to existing cement-based grout, meaning homeowners can use it to fill cracks between tiles. The kit has a 25-year grout limited manufacturer's warranty and is available at The Home Depot.
Stainproof grout can help keep tiled bathrooms looking their best.
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