Keeping grout clean

Saver-upper

Me again!

I am thinking about tiles and splashbacks.
I have been aiming for a minimalist look in my kitchen,and so thought a glass splashback would be better than tiles.
Today a man came to see me from a glass company.To have a splashback going along the length of the wall that sink and stove are on,was going to cost £840 :eek::eek:.Yes,it was going to be 3.6 m long,and taller at one end,but now I really should consider tiles again.

The one problem i have with tiles ,is keeping the grout clean.Is there a trick?In tile shops I have seen a sealant-does it work,how often does it need re-applying.

Any hints and tips would be muuch appreciated,thank you.For the second time today

jk0

Use epoxy grout. It won't absorb stains, so stays looking nice.

carly

It depends on your worktop choice and d!cor preferences of course, but I have splash backs in the same design as my laminate worktops. Not nearly as expensive as glass. I hate tiles and grout around my hob too.

DRP

jk0 wrote: »

Use epoxy grout. It won't absorb stains, so stays looking nice.

Not heard of this, but will be asking my tiler (we're soon to have splashbacks tiled).

OP - dark coloured grout?

Jamiesmum

White or black tiles with grey grout. Just wash it down once month with the a deep clean.

Makes the tiles stand out more too.

Retired_at_55

The tiles in my bathroom are still quite good although the grout looks bad. Is it possible to have all the grout taken off without disturbing the tiles - the epoxy grout sounds better?

If this is possible would a tiler do this and renew the sealant along the bath and sink?

Thank you

Retired at 55

comeandgo

Hi retired. My husband, who does dabble in Diy but not a lot, did take the old grout out and the sealant and replaced it and it did really make a difference. It took him a couple of weeks, not that it was a big job, just lots of breaks, so that bathroom was out of bounds for a while.

jk0

You might find that British tilers pretend they've never heard of Epoxy grout, or if they have that it's no good. It's a bit more awkward to use, and much more expensive than cement grout. This is the only place I know of in the UK that sell it:

http://lilleytileandstone.co.uk/catalogue/grouts/kerapoxy?gclid=CjwKEAjwlfO3BRDR4Pj_u-iO2U0SJAD88y1SVAesOEDspTwBOjoZhGNU8FS_kAkT5Gs_if-h6jnCVBoCtIzw_wcB

As you can see it's about ten times the price of cement grout. In view of this, I suggest you watch some Youtube videos about applying it and do it yourself. This is the one I learnt from:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQnL7ANRelM&ebc=ANyPxKp0XNtvMol7mQCtMqRxbwmPY8BlNQKDoqtQQjUbf9WbwWDuUv6KzlrQD0nbQiEJ3CxabGea6BFOEhQ9MIw_c93-Hjqm3g

Also I strongly recommend you buy a few Epoxy grout sponges. These have an abrasive side which is needed to remove the residue.

Retired_at_55

comeandgo wrote: »

Hi retired. My husband, who does dabble in Diy but not a lot, did take the old grout out and the sealant and replaced it and it did really make a difference. It took him a couple of weeks, not that it was a big job, just lots of breaks, so that bathroom was out of bounds for a while.

Thanks comeandgo. When I come to have the work done I'll need to find a tradeperson/tiler. It's good to know that (although hard work by the sound of it) it can be done without having to change the tiles.

Retired at 55

Retired_at_55

jk0 wrote: »

You might find that British tilers pretend they've never heard of Epoxy grout, or if they have that it's no good. It's a bit more awkward to use, and much more expensive than cement grout. This is the only place I know of in the UK that sell it:

http://lilleytileandstone.co.uk/catalogue/grouts/kerapoxy?gclid=CjwKEAjwlfO3BRDR4Pj_u-iO2U0SJAD88y1SVAesOEDspTwBOjoZhGNU8FS_kAkT5Gs_if-h6jnCVBoCtIzw_wcB

As you can see it's about ten times the price of cement grout. In view of this, I suggest you watch some Youtube videos about applying it and do it yourself. This is the one I learnt from:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQnL7ANRelM&ebc=ANyPxKp0XNtvMol7mQCtMqRxbwmPY8BlNQKDoqtQQjUbf9WbwWDuUv6KzlrQD0nbQiEJ3CxabGea6BFOEhQ9MIw_c93-Hjqm3g

Also I strongly recommend you buy a few Epoxy grout sponges. These have an abrasive side which is needed to remove the residue.

That's all really helpful, thanks jk0.

Retired at 55