Tilers Washboy Explained

Washboy? What do I need one of those for?

These are the sentiments being echoed by tilers across the nation. For many years the standard grout cleaning tools have comprised of the basic bucket and sponge combination.

However with the size of jobs ever increasing the modern day professional tiler should not be without the tiler’s best friend – a trusty washboy.

Washboys have revolutionised grouting. Using a washboy allows you to increase your speed when grouting and will allow you to achieve the perfect finish time after time. Not only that, but there will be no need to get your hands wet and dirty!

A basic washboy set will comprise of a plastic tray, two rollers, a separation / decantation grid for waste water, a plastic float with a sponge and a rubber trowel.

Too expensive?

Some may think that the price for a “glorified bucket and sponge” is a bit steep, however when you take into consideration the amount of time that you will save by using a washboy, it wont be long before the washboy has more than paid for itself.

How do I use a washboy?

A washboy is a very effective tool that is very simple to use.

1. Apply the grout as usual.
2. Fill washboy with water to 20-30mm above the separation / decantation grid and dunk the sponge in the water
3. Push the sponge horizontally across the rollers to remove excess water.
4. Even up the grouted joints with the sponge using a circular motion.
5. Rub the sponge along the separation / decantation grid in order to remove excess grout and the grout will fall and settle at the bottom below the separation / decantation grid. This will leave clean water above the grid to clean your sponge in.
6. Clean your sponge and repeat step three.
7. Pull the sponge across the tiles and then clean the sponge and repeat from step three until the surface is clean.

Which one to buy?

There are many washboys on the market; a great place to start is with the Rubi washboy.

The Rubi tilers washboy features a light and highly resistant plastic tray with 2 colander rollers and a separation-decantation system for waste water. It incorporates wheels and a handle for ease of transportation. The kit includes a plastic float with a sponge and a thermoplex rubber trowel. Dimensions: 58 x 27 x 35cm.