WORKING TIME: 3 – 8 hrs

When a ceramic tile job begins to look old and dingy, before you give in and install new tile, you should consider simply removing the grout from the joints and packing them with fresh, new grout. Provided the tiles themselves are in good condition and are still solidly adhered, regrouting the tile will make the entire installation look brand-new. 

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 (ideally) and some manual scraping. Then, you mix up some new grout and 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. 

Tip

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.

Before You Begin

Technically, removing grout could be hard job that requires some skills and correct tools and materials. It can, however, be a messy, time-consuming job. Plan on spending about two hours to remove the grout on each 16-square-foot (4-by-4-foot section), plus another hour to regrout. The ceramic floor of a large room, then, becomes at least a full day’s work, while a backsplash can probably be done in an afternoon. Smaller tiles mean more work since there are many more grout lines to remove and repack. But the techniques are not difficult, and you can save lots of money by doing this work yourself.  

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

• Oscillating tool with grout removal blade
• Eye protection
• Dust mask
• Shop vacuum
• Carbide-tipped grout removal tool
• 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)