Martha Stewart's Tried & True Tool For Applying Grout Is As Cheap As It Gets

Home improvement projects are fun and exciting for many homeowners, especially if they are budget-friendly upgrades that can save them from a full remodel. But let's face it, grouting is not on anyone's mind when it comes to a good time. It's messy, frustrating, and often feels like it requires the precision of a neurosurgeon to get it just right. For Martha Stewart, however, repairing damaged grout only takes a plastic spoon to fill the gaps and prevent the mixture from smearing everywhere it doesn't belong.

In The Martha Blog, Stewart raved about why the plastic spoon is her go-to tool for fixing old grout instead of some pricey or high-end device. For the celebrity, a plastic spoon provides just the right amount of flexibility to smooth the grout mixture into place while being small enough to navigate tricky corners and tight spaces. Plus, it's disposable, so cleanup is a breeze.

Stewart's ingenious trick is proof that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones, even if you're working on rather expensive marble floors. Combining this hack with tips on how to remove and replace tile grout will make your DIY repair process a walk in the park.

Martha Stewart's method in using a plastic spoon as a tool to properly grout your own tile is fairly simple. First, scoop up a bit of grout mixture with the spoon and apply it directly into the gaps between the tiles. You can use the spoon's edge to spread and smooth the filler evenly since the curved shape allows for precision application without making a mess. Stewart also noted that it's important to spread the grout in one direction so you won't overlook any areas that need to be repaired. She also recommended working in small sections and wiping away excess grout quickly with a damp sponge since this ensures a flawless finish and prevents any residue from hardening on the tile surface.

This method is not only easy, but it's also inexpensive since you don't need to buy anything outside of the grout mixture. Pints can go for as low as $8.95, like Red Devil's Pre-Mixed Tile Grout. You probably have a lot of plastic spoons lying around your home from takeout orders. However, if you don't have the disposable utensil handy, you can also use old plastic cards or even popsicle sticks that are rigid and slim enough to help spread grout into tight spaces.

Stewart's plastic spoon move is a refreshing reminder that home improvement doesn't always need expensive tools to get great and easy results. All it sometimes takes is a little creativity and being resourceful to turn a messy task into a manageable one!