How to Regrout a Shower Floor

Regrouting a shower floor can wipe out years of built-up dirt and mold residue. Regrouting can be necessary because the old grout is failing, or simply because you want to change grout color and update a bathroom without installing new tile. While not the cleanest of jobs, just about anyone can regrout a shower floor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grout removal tool
• Grout float
• Grout sponge

1. Remove all the loose grout that you can. In corners, make sure to remove any caulking that may have been applied.

2. Take the grout removal tool and start scraping away at the remaining grout. You don't have to remove it all, but you need to make sure the top half of it is gone.

3. Mix up a batch of new grout in a bucket. Apply a small amount of grout, then spread it with the grout float. Apply firm pressure while holding the float at a 45 degree angle to the tile.

4. Use a grout sponge and wipe the surface of the shower floor repeatedly until all of the grout has been removed. Rinse the sponge in clean water often. Once the shower floor looks clean and you can't see any more grout residue, wipe it clean a few times more, rinsing the sponge in clean water between each wipe. Then buff the tiles with a dry cloth.

5. When the grout cures, usually after 48 hours, apply several coats of grout sealer with a sponge and letting it sit for five minutes. After five minutes, use a clean, white cloth and wipe up any remaining sealer. Repeat this process two more times.