How to Regrout Ceramic Tile Bathrooms
Grout is important to ceramic tiled bathrooms, as it not only fills in the gaps between the tiles, but deters moisture from seeping into the tiles. Over time, grout may become cracked, crumbly or stained beyond repair. It is important to regrout damaged joints at the first sign of deterioration to avoid more extensive damage to the tiles. The good news is that you can regrout ceramic tile in your bathroom yourself, without hiring a professional. By using the proper tools and following the right steps, you can regrout the tile and have it looking like new again. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Commercial grout cleaner or hot, soapy water
- Stiff scrub brush
- Grout saw
- Vacuum cleaner
- Rags
- Kitchen spatula
- Bucket
- Grout float
- Squeegee
- Sponge
Instructions
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1
Remove any faucets, shower heads or hardware that may interfere with replacing the grout. Many of these attachments simply twist off or you may need to use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing them.
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2
Clean the existing grout prior to doing any work. A commercial grout cleaner or hot, soapy water will do the trick. Scrub the grout with a stiff brush and cleaning solution to remove any dirt and debris. Allow the grout to dry completely before proceeding.
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3
Remove the grout you will be replacing. Use a grout saw for this task. A grout saw is an inexpensive tool that can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Run the grout saw up and down over the joints to remove the grout. Remove a minimum of 1/16 inch of the grout to ensure that the new grout adheres to the tiles. Be careful not to scratch the ceramic with the grout saw.
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Use a hose attachment on a vacuum cleaner to remove the loose debris from the joints. It is important that no particles are left in the joints or the new grout may not set properly.
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5
Moisten the joints where the new grout will be installed. Use a rag and plain water to dampen the joints, taking care that there are no puddles of water.
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6
Mix a batch of grout according to the instructions on the packaging. Let the grout rest for 10 minutes before applying it to the tiles. A long-handled kitchen spatula and bucket are good to have when mixing grout.
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Scoop out a generous amount of grout onto the surface. Spread out the grout over the joints using a grout float. Hold the float at a slight angle and spread the grout in a diagonal direction. This will ensure that the joints are packed completely.
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Wet your finger with water and smooth out the grout in each joint. Apply more grout with the grout float to any low spots you may notice while smoothing the grout with your finger.
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Run a squeegee over the surface area to remove excess grout from the tiles. Avoid going over one area too many times. This may interfere with the grout setting properly.
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Wipe up any remaining grout from the tiles with a damp sponge. Allow the grout to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once the grout is dry, go over the area again with a clean, dry rag to remove any grout haze left on the tile.
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Tips & Warnings
Take a piece of cracked grout to a home improvement store. They can help you match the grout so that the new grout is the same color as the existing grout.
Apply a grout sealer once the new grout has been installed. This will help to protect the grout from stains and mildew.
Plan on not using your tub or shower for at least three days if you were regrouting this area. It will take two days for the grout to cure and another day for the sealant to dry.
