Help! - How To Removing Grout Whitener?

ncd

Hello,
Last summer my wife decided that the grout on our bathroom tiles needed brightening up a bit. She went out and got one of those tubes of grout whiteners (the ones with the sponge on the end) and got to work on the grout. However, in some parts she got a bit heavy handed and used too much. At first it didn't look too bad, but now it looks terrible. Does anybody know any product that will remove the grout whitener at all, to return the grout to as it was? Any help would be much appreciated.

sjrinteriors

Unfortunately I dont think there are any products. Best advice is to use some elbow grease and get a grout removing rake.. You use this tool to remove the old grout ready for re-grouting.

Grout whitener is not very good and if the excess is not cleaned off fully it will dry and eventually discolour..

Sorry I cant be of more assistance but its time to exercise your right arm!!

ncd

Many thanks sjrinteriors, I thought as much. I don't mind putting a bit of elbow grease into the job, so it looks like i'm going to busy over the next weekend!!

Nobleck

Try buying some new grout and apply it over the old grout.

vans998

I agree totally with sjrinteriors, I have just spent the last few nights with a grout rake ( approx £2.99 for the rake and £2.98 for the replacement blades from Focus ) You would probably be able to get them cheaper though!

Word of warning the blades do blunt REALLY quickly so be prepared with a few extra sets! If you like darker grout ( grey etc ) it may be a more way of stopping the discolouration showing in the future.

Applying new grout over the old may lead to too much 'build up' in the gaps and not solving your problem, be warned your arm will ache! :0)

Hope this helps

Peartree

Have you thought of trying a steam cleaner? If you go over with the 'nozzle' attachment, it might loosen/soften the grout whitener, assuming it is the sort that just 'paints over' the dirty grout. Be careful with grout rakes, it's easy to scratch your tiles if you get over-enthusiastic. I have found that white vinegar is good at softening the top layer of old grout so that you can scrape out enough to avoid 'build up' if you want to apply a new 'cleaner look' layer. Leave it soak in for a few minutes and rinse well so it doesn't etch the finish of the tiles.