How to Regrout Ceramic Tile

Regrouting tiles refreshens without full replacement

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 3 - 4 hrs
  • Yield: 16 square feet
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $15 to $30

When tile looks old and dingy, consider regrouting the tile instead of replacing it. Full tile replacement is messy and difficult. As long as the tile is in good shape, regrouting the tile can work wonders by making the entire installation look brand-new. All you need is a couple of special tools and some time. Plan on spending about two hours to remove the grout on each 16-square-foot (4-by-4-foot section), plus another hour or two to regrout.

Use a grout float to fill grout joints

The Spruce / Ashley Luciano 

Before You Begin

Regrouting is a two-step process by which you first remove the hardened old grout from the seams, or joints, between tiles with an oscillating tool and some manual scraping. Fit the oscillating multitool with a grout removal blade to remove the grout quickly. This type of blade is impregnated with fine diamond chips that make quick work of pulverizing hardened grout. A manual grout removal tool is also helpful because it's designed to fit between tile seams.

Once you've completed the grout removal, you can mix up some new grout, apply it to the tile with a grout float, and clean it up with a sponge. Once the grout is dry, you wipe away its hazy residue from the tiles. 

Safety Considerations

Removing old grout can be a messy, dusty job. If necessary, you can hang plastic sheeting around the work area to confine the dust. Use a shop vacuum to suck away the debris while you work, and be sure to wear a dust mask to protect your lungs.

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Supplies to regrout ceramic tiles
 The Spruce / Ashley Luciano

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Oscillating multitool
  • Grout removal blade
  • Carbide-tipped grout removal tool (manual)
  • Eye protection
  • Dust mask
  • Shop vacuum
  • Utility knife
  • Buckets
  • Margin trowel
  • Grout float
  • Grout sponge
  • Soft cloths

Materials

  • Powdered or premixed grout
  • Grout pigment (if needed)
  • Grout haze remover (optional)
  • Plastic sheeting (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Remove the Grout

    Turn on the tool and move the blade along the grout joints, holding the blade perpendicular to the tile surface. Work patiently, and take care not to allow the blade to nick or chip the ceramic tile. On the first pass, your goal is to simply remove the bulk of the grout—don't worry about removing every bit of grout on the first pass. Pause frequently to remove dust and debris with a shop vacuum.

    Use oscillating tool for grout removal
    The Spruce / Ashley Luciano 
  2. Clean the Grout Lines

    Once you have removed most of the grout, make another pass with the oscillating tool to clean up the grout lines. This time, angle the blade slightly in order to get close to the edges of the tile. Make sure not to linger on the edges of the grout lines, as this can easily damage the tiles.

    The grout should crumble quickly under the action of the blade. Do not force the blade if you find that some areas do not easily grind out—these bits of grout will be removed manually later. Vacuum the grout lines as you go.

    Use carbide tip grout removal tool for remaining grout
    The Spruce / Ashley Luciano 
  3. Remove Remaining Grout Manually

    Where the power tool fails to remove all traces of grout, follow up with a carbide-tipped grout removal tool to carve out any remaining bits of grout. Take care not to scratch the faces of the tiles.

    Use utility knife to remove remaining grout
    The Spruce / Ashley Luciano  
  4. Vacuum Thoroughly

    Once the old grout has been removed from the seams, use a shop vacuum to thoroughly clear out any dust and debris. The grout lines must be completely clean and dry before filling them with fresh grout. 

    Vacuum tile grout for debris
    The Spruce / Ashley Luciano 
  5. Mix the Grout

    Mix powdered grout in a small bucket, using a margin trowel. Begin by adding 1/2 of the recommended amount of water in a plastic bucket, then add 1/2 of the recommended amount of dry grout powder. Mix thoroughly, then add more water and more grout powder gradually until you have a full batch, or enough to cover about 3 to 4 feet square. The proper mixture should have a smooth, paste-like consistency that is just barely pourable. ​

    Mix tile grout in bucket
    The Spruce / Ashley Luciano 
  6. Fill the Grout Joints

    Scoop up a load of grout with a rubber grout float, and smear it onto the tile surface. Spread the grout over the joints, holding the float at an angle of about 60 degrees and pressing the grout fully into the joints. Work in alternating directions to make sure the joints are completely filled. Gather any excess grout and move it to the next area of tile, or reload the float as needed. Repeat the same process until all of the joints are filled.

    Use a grout float to fill grout joints
    The Spruce / Ashley Luciano 
  7. Sponge the Joints and Tiles

    Once all grout lines are filled and tooled, use a moistened sponge to remove excess grout. Make sure the sponge is barely wet—too much water will pull grout out of the seams. Lightly stroke the sponge across the tile surface without pressing too hard. 

    Remove excess grout with sponge
    The Spruce / Ashley Luciano 
  8. Remove the Grout Haze

    Once the grout has dried completely (or as directed), a faint haze will still be present on the surface of the tiles. Use a soft cloth to buff the surfaces of the tile and remove any remaining haze. If you wish, you can use a haze-removing product to polish the tiles. 

    Buff ceramic tile surface to remove grout haze
    The Spruce / Ashley Luciano 

    Tip

    Standard grout that comes in powdered form should be sealed for stain-resistance (after the grout has fully cured). Many types of premixed grout do not need to be sealed.

10 Tips for Regrouting Tile

  • It's fine to use tools other than a manual grout removal tool. A dull screwdriver or a utility knife with a dull blade can be used.
  • Tile grout is available both as a dry powder that must be mixed with water or as a premixed semi-liquid paste in tubs of various sizes. For small applications, it's usually easier to use premixed grout.
  • Unsanded grouts are used for grout joints 1/4-inch wide or less, while sanded grouts work best for grout lines wider than 1/4-inch.
  • Some grouts may need to sit (slake) for a short period before applying.
  • Premixed and powdered grouts are available in a small range of colors, but for more unique colors, you can blend in grout pigment during mixing.
  • The grout float should be moved diagonally across the joint lines to ensure a uniform fill.
  • If tiles have a rounded or beveled edge, the joints may need to be tooled. Tooling is the process of removing the upper layer of grout, leaving a thinner professional-looking joint.
  • Drag the round tip of a pencil eraser along the joint when the grout has slightly dried in order to tool it.
  • Sponging the tile is slow. Be sure to frequently clean out your sponge and wipe it across the tile surface, moving diagonally across the joints, until all excess grout is gone.
  • Don't worry about cleaning the surfaces of the tile completely. You'll have a chance later to clean off the rest of the grout with the haze remover.
FAQ
  • Can you put new grout over old grout?

    It is possible to apply new grout over your existing grout, but you will not be able to skip the grout removal step completely. It is recommended to still remove the top layer of the grout, about 2 millimeters, to create the depth in the seams for the new grout to settle.

  • Is it cheaper to regrout or retile?

    It will generally be cheaper to regrout than to retile both in materials and labor. However, if you have cracked or missing tiles, freshening the grout will not solve the problem, and retiling is the better choice.

  • Are regrouting tools expensive or are they available to rent?

    Regrouting tools are fairly inexpensive, with the oscillating multitool and grout removal blade being the most costly. This can range in cost from $80 to $200 or more, depending on quality. If you do not already have the tools, several companies and big box home improvement stores have rentals.