The grout between the tiles in our foyer had become dark, stained, and just plain unpleasant to look at. After trying nearly a dozen cleaners and methods over several months, we were ready to give up — until we discovered a grout-renewing solution that actually worked and restored those grout lines to a clean, bright finish.
With the grout refreshed, the whole entryway reads cleaner and newer. The refreshed grout lines complement the white trim and make the space feel much lighter and more inviting.
If your grout looks discolored despite thorough scrubbing, don’t panic. Deep stains sometimes aren’t removable by cleaning alone. Instead of endless scrubbing, refinishing the grout with a grout paint can be the faster, more reliable fix.
Cleaning Methods That Didn’t Work
For months I tried every common grout-cleaning trick, and while the grout was actually clean of dirt, it remained stained and uneven in color. These are some of the approaches I tried without success:
- baking soda pastes
- white vinegar solutions
- magic erasers
- specialty grout cleaners and floor scrubs
- bleach pens
- oxygen-based cleaners (Oxiclean-style)
- powdered cleansers with a wire brush
- steam mopping
- stiff-bristle scrubbing brushes
- lots of elbow grease and frustration
How We Restored Bright, Clean Grout
After accepting that scrubbing alone wasn’t enough, I considered two options: removing and regrouting (a messy, time-consuming process) or refinishing the grout surface with a grout paint. Several readers recommended a grout-renew product called Polyblend Grout Renew, and I finally decided to try it — and it worked.
The product cost was modest for the results, and my total time investment felt worth it after months of unsuccessful cleaning attempts. If cleaning alone hasn’t helped your discolored grout, grout paint is a practical, cost-effective alternative to full regrouting.
Choosing the Right Grout Paint Color
Grout paint options now include dozens of shades, from bright white to various off-whites and neutrals. While a brilliant white can look very fresh, it may appear too stark against darker tile. Consider your tile color, room lighting, and overall style before choosing.
We tested a few shades and ultimately picked a muted mid-tone called Oyster Gray. It brightened the space without looking unnaturally white, and it blended well with our darker slate tiles.
The product we used was low-odor and low-VOC, which was important to us. We still ventilated the space well and used a respirator as an extra precaution.
Grout Paint Alternatives
If the exact brand isn’t available, there are other grout-renewing and grout-pen products on the market from reputable manufacturers. Look for good reviews and a color selection that fits your tile. Squeeze-bottle options and grout pens can be easier for small areas, while brush-applied grout paints are better for larger surfaces.
How to Apply Grout Paint: Step-by-Step
This approach can be time-intensive, depending on the size of the area. Our foyer took roughly eight hours of painting spread across several days, but it was far less work than full regrouting. Here’s the method we used.
Step 1: Clean the Tile and Grout
You don’t need heavy-duty scrubbing, but remove dust and surface debris first so the grout paint adheres properly. A basic wash and dry are sufficient preparation.
Step 2: Choose an Application Tool
The manufacturer may suggest a toothbrush, but we used a thin craft paintbrush for more control and less mess. The brush fit easily into the bottle for quick reloading.
Step 3: Plan Your Starting Point and Path
If painting a floor, plan an exit route so you don’t trap yourself on a wet surface. We started in a small bathroom and worked outward so each section could dry without blocking traffic through the house.
Step 4: Expect and Fix Small Mistakes
Some paint will inevitably get on tile edges. Work in small stretches and keep a damp cloth or paper towel close by to wipe off any paint before it dries. For tidier edges, wipe both sides of the grout line immediately after applying.
Step 5: Pace Yourself
Break the work into manageable sessions. We completed the job in several phases over three days, allowing time for rest and careful application. The progress was rewarding and helped maintain consistent results throughout the foyer.
Step 6: Allow Proper Drying Time
Follow the manufacturer’s drying recommendations. We allowed each section 24 hours to dry and avoided getting the grout wet for 72 hours after application. Proper curing helps ensure long-lasting results.
We had some product left for future touch-ups, and after months of regular use the grout still looks fresh. The transformation from dark, tired grout to clean, even grout made a dramatic visual difference in our entryway.
Update: After nearly two years of normal foot traffic, cleaning, and occasional muddy shoes, the refinished grout still looks true to the day it was applied. For many homeowners, a grout paint or grout-renew product is a durable and appealing alternative to costly regrouting.
Originally published in 2014.
*This post mentions products we used and found helpful. Consider product reviews, color samples, and manufacturer instructions when choosing a grout-renewing solution for your home.*