How to Remove Grout for Regrouting a Ceramic Wall Tile

If the grout between your ceramic wall tiles has become discolored, cracked and crumbly, it will make the whole wall look bad no matter how good the tiles themselves are still holding up. Worse, a compromised grout line can become a pathway for moisture to work its way under the tiles, which can usher in much bigger problems. You can remove the affected grout lines and re-grout them. The project isn't complicated, but it does require some work to scrape away the old grout, which is essentially cement.

Things You'll Need

• Grout saw (small, square blade on a handle)
• Hammer
• Small, sharp chisel
• Vacuum with hose attachment
• Pre-mixed grout
• Rubber grout trowel
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Scrape your grout saw blade on the part of the grout that's the most damaged and loose. Don't try to take it all out at once, but dig your way down, gradually removing layers of the old grout. Work to both ends of the tile, so you're removing the complete grout line next to the that tile, even if only part of the line is damaged.

2. For any areas of grout that don't come out with the grout saw, use your hammer and chisel to very carefully chip it out, without damaging the surrounding tile.

3. Use your vacuum hose to vacuum all the dust and debris out of the lines between the tiles.

4. Scoop your pre-mixed grout onto your grout trowel and apply it to the dug-out lines, starting at the highest point on the wall. Press the grout into the lines completely while squeezing it off the face of the tiles. Wipe the excess grout off the tiles with a damp sponge.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear eye protection when scraping out the grout.

References

• Removing Grout