Shower tile question... (pic included)?

Question

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=aeobw0&s=3

Near this corner, its black, i dont know why when the other corners are white, but i would like to do 2 things.

#1

I would like make the floor tiles grout or mortar (not sure whats its called) back to its original colour (i think it was white). In some areas, iv been scrubbing so hard to get in cleaned with powerful chemicals that the material came off. Should i just add a thin layer of grout of the older one to skip the cleaning process?

#2

Do you see where the wall meets the floor (pic) how its all black around that white sealing thing? I would like to remove that white sealing, clean the area, then re-apply a new, nice clean looking white sealing again.

Can you tell me what i need to do in order to fulfill these tasks? i have never done somehting like this before, so use easy words and tell me the proper names of the materials, and any other advice u can think of, thanx :)

Answer 1

First, it is important to remove the old mold and other loose grout or caulking.  I'd use a special hooked type scraper you can buy, but anything with a sharp edge will scrape it out.

Another way I do it is using a steam cleaner that directs very hot pressurized steam on the area, and has a brush attached to where the steam comes out.  I doubt you'll have this, but it is excellent, as it also kills the mold.

Next, now that it is physically clean, put a mix of 50% water and 50% chlorine bleach in a spray bottle and rinse off the area.

Wait as long as possible (a day is ideal) and/or use a hair dryer to dry out the area deep into the cracks.  Now you are ready to fix it.

I'd recommend you use caulking instaed of grout, as it will seal better in a thin application, even if there is subtle movement between the walls and pan/tile floor.

Next, you need to buy a small tube or larger caulking cartridge of pure 100% silicone.  Wear disposable gloves.  There is a special technique to applying silicone caulking in the edges, but for the sake of space, read the directions on the tube to best learn how to handle, apply and clean up the area and tools.  

Wait the required time on the cartridge for curing and you're all set!

Answer 2

While the tiles are hard and glossy the grout is very porous the mold that has been allowed to grow has penetrated the grout so that even bleach is unlikely to clean.  I that case you must remove the grout and re-grout the tile.  The biggest problem you face is that it is very difficult to match the color of the old grout with new.  Removing and re-grouting the entire shower is no small job.  So I suggest you find the worst area and just do that.  Then you can evaluate how it looks and how to proceed.

There is a grout removal tool, just ask for it at the hardware store.  Here our big box hardware stores carry instruction booklets on common household tasks.  If you do not have such a thing you should be able to find something on the Internet.  Just look up grouting or tile setting.  To adequately describe it would take 2-3 pages.  The reason you have such a problem is no one seems to know that grout needs to be resealed every few years.  It doesn't look like that has been done in quite awhile.

Answer 3

this is obviously old and I suspect  other water problems

by the way it is done it was built any years ago . If it was me I would redo the whole shower. So that you know it is right

Do it properly .