How to Regrout Tiles in the Kitchen

Grout is the gritty substance placed between tiles to fill in the space and help bind them together. Often times, the grout on kitchen tiles can become dirty, discolored or even deteriorated. Typically, grout only lasts a few years before it starts to become worn. This takes away from the overall beauty of the tiles. Luckily, you can fix unattractive grout on your kitchen countertop or floor tiles. Regrouting kitchen tiles can make your tile work look like new again without the added cost of completely re-tiling.

Things You'll Need

• Grout saw
• Vacuum
• Wet cloth
• Latex-modified grout
• Grout float or rubber-faced trowel
• Dry cloth

Instructions

1. Use a grout saw to remove the old grout from the tiles. These saws generally cost less than $10 for both saw and blade and can be purchased at most home improvement stores. The blades are especially designed for grout removal but they only go so far before wearing out.

2. Move the saw back and forth into the grout, maintaining steady pressure while doing so. Continue to do this until two-thirds or more of the existing grout is removed. If removal of the grout becomes especially tough, you may need to replace the saw blade.

3. Vacuum the entire tiled surface with a vacuum hose attachment to clean up any dust or grout chunks in the grout lines or on the tile. Wipe the surface with a wet cloth to ensure all residue is removed. This is very important, as even the tiniest of particles can hinder adhesion of the new grout. Allow the surface to dry completely.

4. Mix a batch of grout according to the packaging instructions. There are various types of grout available for purchase, so buy the type recommended for use with your specific type of tile. Be sure that whichever grout you are using is a latex-modified grout.

5. Spread the grout on the surface using a grout float or a rubber-faced trowel. Work the grout into the joints as you spread the grout across the tile surface. Apply only enough grout for a surface area of about three square feet. Applying too much grout at once can cause the grout to harden before you can apply it properly.

6. Scrape up excess grout from the tiles using the trowel. Go over the tile with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Wipe gently and moderately to avoid removing grout from the joints. Rinse the cloth with cold water often to keep it clean.

7. Allow the grout to dry a little and then use a wet finger to even it out. Be sure that the surface of the grout is just below the tile surface.

8. Allow one section of tile about 20 minutes to dry while you work on another section. Go back to the previous section after about 20 minutes and wipe away any grout residue with a dry cloth.

9. Allow the entire grouted surface to dry overnight before placing anything on the tile.

References

• House Task