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How to Regrout Bathroom Tile

Regrouting your bathroom tile is a relatively straightforward and approachable DIY home improvement project that can make a dingy bathroom wall look like new. Whether your grout is cracking and falling out or is simply discolored and in need of a refresh, regrouting can make a world of difference.

Follow our step-by-step guide to regrout your bathroom tile.

Tools You'll Need

Masking tape
Drop cloth or plastic sheeting
Oscillating multitool or manual grout removal tool
Shop vac
Trowel
Bucket
Grout float
Grout sealant
Sponge
Soft, dry cloth

How to Regrout Bathroom Tile in 7 Easy Steps

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Prepare the Work Area

Before you start, cover the tub's drain with masking tape to ensure dust and debris does not get into your plumbing. Next, place a drop cloth or plastic sheeting over fixtures and countertops. If you can remove any fixtures, such as the handles or the faucet, do so. Protecting your tub and fixture helps prevent them from being scratched by the coarse grout remnants.

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Remove the Old Grout

Before the new grout can go in, the old grout must come out.

The easiest way to remove old grout is with an oscillating multitool. However, if you do not have one on hand, it can be more investment than some DIY bathroom remodelers want to make, especially for a one-time use. If you are looking for a more cost effective tool, manual grout removal tools tend to be about 10% the cost but do require significantly more elbow grease.

Use the grout saw or oscillating tool to score along the grout lines to create a shallow groove. This will make it easier to remove the old grout. Once the grout is scored, continue chipping away at it, being careful not to damage the tile. Use the shop vac to vacuum the dust and grout remnants as you go.

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Clean the Tiles

Once the old grout is removed, clean the area thoroughly. Use the shop vac to remove any grout and dust that remains and then wipe the tiles with a damp sponge to remove any remaining debris. A clean work surface is necessary to ensure the new grout sticks.

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Mix the Grout

In a large bucket, combine dry grout mixture and liquid according to the grout manufacturer's instructions. Only mix as much grout as you will be able to use within about 30 minutes to prevent your working grout from drying.

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Apply the New Grout

Once the grout is mixed, it's time to apply it to the joints. Gather a dollop of grout onto your grout float and position the float against the tile at a 45-degree angle. Spread the grout into the joints using firm, diagonal strokes. You will need to go over the entire area multiple times to ensure the grout has fully filled all the joints.

When you are finished, pull the grout float diagonally across the surface to remove as much excess grout as possible. This will make cleaning up much simpler.

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Finishing Touches

After about 15 to 30 minutes, the grout will start to set. At this point you can use a grout shaper to put the finishing touches on the joints. This will give your grout a neat, professional look.

Once the grout is finished, gently wipe the surface with a damp sponge to remove any excess grout. Be sure the sponge is not excessively wet, or it will pull the grout from the joints. Use a light, circular motion to smooth the grout and eliminate any pinholes before wiping the grout clean. Rinse the sponge frequently and change the water as needed. To prevent digging out the grout, make sure you wipe diagonally and only wipe in one direction.

A powdery residue known as grout haze will be left on the tile surface when this process is complete. Simply polish the tile with a soft, dry cloth to remove the grout haze. For more stubborn haze or to make this step go more quickly, you can also use a grout haze remover.

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Cure and Seal the New Grout

Allow the grout to cure for 24 to 72 hours, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. Do not use the bath or shower while the grout is curing, or you could weaken it and may need to start over.

After the grout has fully cured, it's a good idea to apply a grout sealer to help resist future stains and moisture. Follow the grout seal manufacturer's instructions for applying. Be sure to let the grout seal dry fully before using the bath or shower. You will know the sealant has fully dried if water beads on it.

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Top Tips for Regrouting Bathroom Tile

Work in small sections . Don't try to grout the entire bathroom at once. Work in one area at a time to prevent the grout from drying out before you can smooth it. And, because grout dries so quickly, only mix as much as you can work with in 15-20 minutes.
Clean as you go. To keep the process even more efficient, have a couple of buckets of water and sponges ready for cleanup. Use one bucket to rinse the sponge and the other to hold clean water for wiping. Change the water frequently to avoid smearing grout back onto the tiles.
Caulk corners and edges. Instead of grouting the corners and edges where the tile meets another surface (such as where tile meets the tub), use caulk. Caulk is more flexible and can prevent cracks in the grout due to expansion and contraction common in high humidity environments like bathrooms.

How to Regrout Bathroom Tile

Tools You'll Need​

How to Regrout Bathroom Tile in 7 Easy Steps

Prepare the Work Area

Remove the Old Grout

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Clean the Tiles

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Mix the Grout

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Apply the New Grout

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Finishing Touches

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Cure and Seal the New Grout

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Top Tips for Regrouting Bathroom Tile

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Bathroom Regrouting FAQs

Is it hard to regrout bathroom tile?

Can I put new grout over old grout?

Is it better to regrout or retile a shower?

What is the average cost of regrouting a shower?

How long does regrouting shower tile take?

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Remove the Old Grout

Clean the Tiles

Mix the Grout

Apply the New Grout

Finishing Touches

Cure and Seal the New Grout

Top Tips for Regrouting Bathroom Tile

Bathroom Regrouting FAQs

Is it hard to regrout bathroom tile?

Can I put new grout over old grout?

Is it better to regrout or retile a shower?

What is the average cost of regrouting a shower?

How long does regrouting shower tile take?

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Tools You'll Need