How long can opened grout be kept?

[PoorOwner]

So cleaning out the garage. I have the grout that is 5 to 10 years old. Would it still mix into usable grout? I am thinking of just writing down the brand and color and buy a new one should I need to do a repair.

I have heard thinset is good for less than a year. I have checked and the thinset seemed to have hardened.

 

[duneslider]

It really shouldn't be kept for very long after opening. You will always get better results with a new bag. I would generally keep an open bag for a few months at most.

 

[Cave Creek Ray]

If the bags are sealed, you should be OK. The best way to check it is mix up a small amount on a cement block or out of the way chunk of concrete, let it harden, and then tap it with a hammer to check strength. If you get good bonding after couple of days, you are probably OK.

I have an "emergency bag" of the grout I used in my workshop just in case I need to replace a tile or two. I have used grout over five years old in my house and it seems to be fine. But, its pretty dry out here in AZ most of the year.

Duneslider is the Pro. I am just a schlub who saves stuff in case I can't match it later. So far, so good.

Ray

 

[taumac]

When I finish the job I take bags and wrap them up in a trash bag any seal up up with packing tape. I do the same for thin set. Never had any issues at all.

 

[duneslider]

None of the manufacturers recommend keeping thinset or grout long term, whether it is sealed in a new bag or not. Now days there is so much "magic" stuff in the thinset and grout you don't know how it may or may not perform later. Now, if we are just talking some grout for a small repair or a touch up this isn't a big deal, its just a small repair so who cares if it fails.

I wouldn't save a bag and use it for something important down the road though. I mean come on, a bag of grout is 15-20 bucks.