Hi, reddit. Writing with a grout-related pickle, seeking recommendations on how to manage grout that’s chronically weeping oil.
Here are the details:
- Kitchen tile backsplash installed in early 2023 using porcelain tile and “typical” grout (unsure of the exact material) that wasn’t sealed.
- Appliances are an American Range and Zephyr hood. The hood is about 36” above the stovetop, which is within the suggested height range per the manual. The hood is run on the highest setting every time the stovetop is used. This is a home kitchen being used several times a week.
- The grout started weeping oil in between cooking sessions about six months after install. In the years since, it’s been cleaned about monthly with Dawn soap and a sponge, and more recently “the pink stuff” and a grout brush (which has been most effective, although trialed on a small section so far). Grout starts weeping 4-7 days after cleaning or following a cooking session, whichever happens first.
- The weeping doesn’t extend much beyond the space between the range and the hood.
The contractor that installed the tile and the appliance person that installed the hood both seemed to think the other person’s arena was to blame. The hood has been checked multiple times and deemed in working order. I suspect the hood might be drawing the oil from the range to the wall and then up through the vent, and so oil seeps into the grout on the way up.
I’m planning to apply “the pink stuff” to the entire affected area, potentially several times in quick succession, to see if old oil can be pulled out.
Is there a superior product/method to try?
Is there any hope in resolving this?
Should the grout be sealed?
Is there oil stuck behind the tile to worry about?
Thanks in advance!
