Grout and caulk in a bathroom, especially around a tub, are both essential elements and must be maintained for they are barrier that keeps water from seeping into the walls. The smallest gaps allow water to sneak behind the tiles and do real damage to the bathroom wall and floor, and even to the ceiling of the room below.
Maintaining Tiles
If some of your tiles have begun to dislodge from the wall, unfortunately, most of the damage is unseen. The wall behind the tile needs repair. Call a plumber and a professional tiler as soon as possible because waiting will only make the problem worse. If you have a few chipped you can avoid retiling by touching up the spots with paint. This won’t look as good as new tile but it’s an inexpensive repair. Using an artist’s brush, apply a color based primer so the paint will adhere well. Allow the primer to dry then use a matching appliance or automobile touch-up paint or blend paints to get the color you need.
Maintaining Grout
Clean grimy grout with a regular bathroom tile cleaner, full-strength vinegar or a solution of 1/4 cup liquid chlorine bleach per quart of water which requires gloves to protect your hands and a cloth or sponge to prevent spattering clothes or nearby fabrics. Fill small gaps in your grout with new grout. Apply it with your finger and wipe away the excess. If you have a lot of gaps, replace the grout.
