| Ceramic tile countertops can remain great looking, if | | | | Preferably not one you have used in the past, or plan |
| you know a few simple tricks. When brand new, | | | | on using in the future. While tedious, especially if you |
| ceramic tile has got to be one of the most beautiful | | | | have a lot of grout to clean, this should work well for |
| countertop choices you can make. The vast array of | | | | cleaning most basic stains. If the stains are still there, |
| choices these days in style and patterns, make it | | | | try using hydrogen peroxide instead of the vinegar |
| easy to find an appropriate tile for any taste, in any | | | | and repeat the process. If cleaning dosen't seem to |
| situation. While the tile is great looking, it is also very | | | | work, you can buy grout stain from your local home |
| durable, and almost indestructable. What is not quite | | | | center. |
| so resiliant though, is the grout that fills the gaps | | | | The Last Resort |
| between the tiles. It will, over time absorb moisture, | | | | If nothing above seems to work, you can always |
| and stain. | | | | just replace the existing grout with new stuff. |
| An Ounce of Prevention | | | | Removing the old grout can be accomplished with |
| One of the best ways of keeping the grout looking | | | | either a high tech dremel tool, or a low tech can |
| good and dry is to use a grout sealant. Any reputable | | | | opener. Either way, just be careful not to damage |
| installer, will be sure to apply a sealant to all the grout | | | | the existing tile. Then, replace with new grout, as per |
| they use. If your doing the install job yourself, be | | | | the manufacturers instructions. |
| sure to use a sealant. This can prevent a lot of | | | | Broken But Still Good |
| problems and save time later. Most home centers will | | | | The only other big problem with ceramic tile counter |
| carry several types, but silicon based sealant is the | | | | tops, is if the tiles themselves become cracked or |
| best. If your really the fussy type, apply two coats | | | | broken. Hopefully you or your installer were smart |
| of sealant. Three coats however would probably just | | | | enough to keep a few extra replacement tiles lying |
| be silly. | | | | around. Then it's just a simple case of replacing the |
| Out Damn Stain! | | | | tile. If not, then perhaps the home center still carries |
| Fear not, if you have have grout that is stained, | | | | your specific tile, or maybe they have some with the |
| there are some simple solutions. Make a mixture of | | | | odds and ends of prior jobs. |
| equal parts water and vinegar, and grab a toobrush. | | | | |