I'm dealing with a problem where the grout in my kitchen backsplash seems to crumble easily when I press on it. It feels chalky and some of it comes off when I wipe it with a cloth. The kitchen is about 3-4 years old, and the previous owner did a DIY tile installation. Is this something that's common, or did they possibly use the wrong materials?
2 Answers
Before you do a full re-grout, try sealing the grout first with a quality grout sealer. Apply it to a small section and see if that helps. Sometimes it can improve the durability of the grout without needing a complete overhaul. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions and give it some time to cure.
It sounds like the previous owner might have used a low-quality all-in-one tile and grout mix. It can break down over time, especially if it wasn't mixed or applied correctly. I'd recommend scraping out the old grout and re-grouting it properly. It might seem like a hassle, but it'll save you more problems down the line!
