Though ceramic tile surfaces are beautiful and durable, their Achilles heel is grout. Unlike ceramic tile, grout can stain and discolor with spills and everyday wear. And because grout is a rigid, cement-like material, it can crack with even slight movement or settling in walls or floors. Most cracks start tiny and grow wider, deeper, and longer over time. Eventually, cracked grout lets water seep through and damage the substrate.

Caulking compound, used to seal tile around sink bowls, bathtubs, and countertops, can be a problem, too. Though new tub-and-tile caulk is flexible, older caulk may become brittle, discolor with stains, or peel away from the surface.

Fortunately, anybody who can spread toothpaste on a toothbrush can caulk. Re-grouting is a bit more challenging but within reach even for beginning do-it-yourselfers. However, if re-grouting looks like a job you would rather leave to a professional,  ask a local tile supplier for recommendations.

Clean your grout as it needs it. There is no way to completely prevent grout stains, but you can minimize visible stains by selecting natural grout colors because they offer better hiding. Applying a grout sealer helps protect grout from staining; grout should be re-sealed after a thorough cleaning every two or three years. Renew caulking annually.

How to Re-caulk

1. Using a utility knife, cut the seal and pull away all the old caulk from the joint around the sink, bathtub, or countertop. Clean out the crevice thoroughly to ensure good adhesion of the new caulking compound.

2. Apply a smooth, even bead of high-quality silicone tub-and-tile caulk to the crevice. Holding the caulking tube at an angle, draw it along the crack, applying a single bead about the size of a pencil (avoid doubling back over the bead). Be sure to completely fill the crack.

3. Smooth out the bead with your finger, and then carefully wipe off the excess with a damp rag. Allow the caulk to dry before getting the area wet.

How to Re-grout

1. Use a grout saw to cut away any cracked or loose grout and to score stable grout between tiles. Clean away dirt and debris with a soft-bristle brush.

2. Wearing latex gloves, mix up the new matching grout according to label directions.

3. Hold the leading edge of a rubber grout float up at a slight angle and apply grout along the tile, working it deep into the crevices. Then use your finger to smooth the grout.

4. Allow the grout to set up slightly. With a damp sponge, wipe off the excess from the surface of the tile. Allow the grout to completely set up for several days and then apply grout sealer with a sponge brush.

How to Clean Grout

1. Buy a pH-neutral tile-cleaning solution from a tile store. Wearing rubber gloves, mix it according to the label’s directions. Pour it onto the tile surface and brush it onto vertical surfaces using a relatively soft-bristle scrub brush. Do not use cleansers that contain bleach because it may lighten the grout’s color (unless your grout is white). For colored grout, test your cleanser first in an inconspicuous place.

2. Using the brush, thoroughly scrub all grout lines and surfaces.

3. Use a sponge to rinse the surface with clear water to remove the solution. Once it becomes wet, grout darkens, hiding stains, so mop or sop up the wetness with a rag and allow the grout to dry. Repeat scrubbing with the cleaning solution if necessary. For really tough stains, consult your local tile dealer for a stronger cleanser.