How can I properly repair the grout that has come off my tiles and ensure it is done correctly this time?
Asked by Alberte Hansen 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 9, 2024
What’s the best way to fix this? The old grout just fell off, so I took it out and cleaned up the area. I made sure it was completely dry by running a fan on it for a few days. Then I used caulk, but now I need to redo it. I want to make sure I do it correctly this time, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Make sure to clean the old caulk, dry it with a hairdryer, and choose a suitable silicone caulk in the color you need. Consider Cie Karacaulk, which offers caulk with colored sand similar to your grout for smaller gaps.
Remove the old caulk, clean with alcohol, and re-caulk. Finish by wiping with vinegar water.
Try using silicone caulk to achieve a color match, which can be found in the tile section of large retail stores.
Here’s a weird tip I picked up from a plumber, but it actually makes sense. Fill the tub with water before caulking. The reasoning is that when the tub is full, it can slightly move downwards (depending on the underlay and tub material), potentially causing the caulking to crack. However, if you fill it before caulking, you can ensure it fills the maximum gap size.
Pointed out that even when the tub is returned to the empty position, there’s still a risk of cracking. Any movement can cause the caulk to crack.
In my own experience, , filling the tub is effective and doesn’t lead to cracking when it’s empty.
My tub filled up just fine using silicone, but I noticed it’s more prone to cracking when stretched than when compressed.
I recommend using clear silicone caulk specifically designed for wet areas. I’ve tested different types of white and colored caulk in my shower, and they all ended up cracking. Only the clear caulk has lasted.
Use a razor blade and plastic scraping tool to remove the old caulk, it may take some time but it’s worth it. Afterward, clean the area with an alcohol wipe and apply bathroom-specific siliconized caulk. Make sure to choose a high-quality caulk that can stretch and flex. Before caulking, fill the tub with water or add weight to account for any slight shifting as the caulk dries.
Silicon only