How to Change Tile Grout

Grout is the cement filler that sits in the spaces between tiles. Grout generally wears out before the tile does, making the whole span look bad. If the grout is cracked or crumbling, it can potentially allow moisture to get under the tiles and cause bigger problems. Extracting and replacing the grout is something you can do yourself in a day or two. For small isolated areas, you can dig out the grout by hand with a straight-edged grout saw. But to regrout a whole floor, use a grout removal bit on a drill.

Things You'll Need

• Household tile cleaner
• Scrub brush
• Power drill
• Grout removal bit for the drill
• Vacuum with hose
• Grout
• Grout float
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Get the tile as clean as you can with household cleaner and a scrub brush. Rinse well. Let it dry.

2. Load a drill with a grout-removal bit. Use it to dig out the existing grout. Hold the drill sideways over each grout line, get the bit going to full speed, lower it into the grout and push it slowly forward. Go from one end of the line to the other.

3. Run a vacuum hose along the line to pull out all the pulverized grout and leave the line open and empty.

4. Repeat for each grout line in each direction. Get out as much of the grout as you can without damaging the adjacent tiles. Vacuum all of it.

5. Use a grout float to spread grout over the surface, scraping the long edge of the float across the surface of the tile and pressing it into the lines.

6. Let the grout sit in the lines for about 10 minutes. Use a dampened sponge to wipe up the excess grout, taking it off the tile face and smoothing it out in the lines. Let it set for 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear eye protection when extracting grout.

References

• House Task: How to Regrout
• Dura Grit (video): Removing Grout