Old, dirty grout can make your bathroom or kitchen tiles look dingy and dated. With time and use, grout can become discolored, crack, or allow water to seep through, leading to potential water damage and mold growth. Replacing old grout is an easy DIY project that can give your tiles and floors a fresh, clean look. Here’s how to remove old grout and regrout floors or walls.

Assess the Grout

Before beginning any grout removal, inspect the grout lines and joints to determine if a simple cleaning is enough or if full regrouting is required.

Check for cracks, missing pieces, powdery sections, and stains.
Use a grout saw, old toothbrush, or screwdriver to scrape out any loose, crumbling grout.
Try cleaning a small section with a grout brush and grout cleaner. If the grout doesn’t come completely clean, regrouting is likely needed.

If the grout is in generally good condition but just dirty, a deep clean may suffice. However, if you see cracks, flaking, or missing grout, you’ll get better results replacing it completely.

Gather Materials

Replacing old grout requires just a few simple tools and materials:

Grout saw or carbide grout removal tool
Hammer and cold chisel
Putty knife or grout float
Grout cleaning brush
Shop vacuum
Safety gear: glasses, mask, knee pads
New grout (either sanded or unsanded)
Grout sealer
Grout sponge
Grout finishing sponge
Clean water and buckets
Rags

Make sure to choose the right type of grout for your application. Sanded grout works well for floors and wider joints while unsanded grout is ideal for walls and tight joints. Match the color as closely as you can to the existing grout.

Prep the Area

Preparing the workspace properly makes removing and replacing grout much easier:

Clear the area of items and furniture to allow full access.
Remove baseboards or trim if needed.
Vacuum and sweep floors to remove dirt and debris.
Cover or mask off nearby surfaces not being regrouted.
Have a wet/dry shop vacuum ready to contain dust.
Ensure proper ventilation and airflow.

Proper prep prevents grout dust and debris from spreading through the rest of the home. Cover air vents, doorways, and HVAC systems as well.

Remove the Old Grout

With your prep work complete, it’s time to start removing the old, damaged grout:

Grout Saw

A grout saw, also called a grout removal tool, makes quick work of taking out old grout.

Hold the saw at a 45° angle and run the carbide tip along the grout line to scrape out the old material. Apply firm but controlled pressure.
Make several passes until you’ve removed grout to a depth of at least 3/8″.
Vacuum debris as you work and use a grout brush to dislodge any remaining grout fragments.

Hammer and Chisel

For particularly stubborn grout, use a hammer and cold chisel.

Position the chisel at a 45° angle along the grout line.
Firmly strike the chisel with the hammer to chip away the old grout.
Take care not to damage the surrounding tiles.
Vacuum up debris and brush out any remaining grout particles.

Remove all old, loose grout until you expose a solid, clean foundation for the new application. Don’t leave any weak material behind.

Apply New Grout

Once all traces of the old grout are gone, you’re ready to grout the joints with fresh, new material:

Lightly dampen the open grout lines with water first.
Follow the packaging directions to mix the grout, letting it slake for the recommended time.
Use a grout float or rubber grout float to force grout deeply into the seams, holding the float at a 45° angle.
Remove any excess grout with the edge of the float.
Allow the grout to firm up slightly, then smooth and shape with a grout sponge.
Drag the sponge diagonally across the grout lines to prevent dragging grout out of the joints.
Rinse the sponge and change water frequently.
Let the grout dry completely.
Polish and buff with a soft, dry grout finishing sponge.

Take care not to leave low spots or unfilled voids. Pack the grout tightly into the joints. Proper grouting technique prevents cracks and adhesion issues.

Cure and Seal the Grout

Freshly grouted tile needs proper curing and sealing for best durability:

Allow the new grout to cure fully for at least 72 hours. Avoid getting the grout wet during this time.
Once cured, apply a penetrating grout sealer following the product instructions. This provides protection against moisture and stains.
Avoid regular cleaners, excessive water, etc for 7-10 days while grout fully cures.
Apply a second coat of grout sealer if needed after two weeks for maximum sealing.

Sealing grout prevents absorption of dirt, grease, and grime. Well-sealed grout stays cleaner longer and resists staining.

Grout Maintenance Tips

With your grout refreshed and looking new, keep it that way with proper ongoing care:

Sweep or vacuum tile floors regularly to prevent built-up dirt in the grout lines.
Mix mild soap and warm water for routine grout cleaning. Avoid harsh cleaners.
Re-seal grout every 1-2 years to maintain protection.
Address new cracks or damage right away to prevent more extensive repairs.
Consider grout color sealing for bright white grout lines.

Proper maintenance keeps freshly regrouted floors and walls looking their best for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing and Replacing Grout

Replacing old, damaged grout with new grout can refresh the look of tile floors and walls. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about grout removal and replacement:

How do I know if I need new grout?

Signs you need new grout include cracking, missing sections, powdery or crumbling areas, stains, or gaps that allow water seepage. Trying to clean a small area can help determine if regrouting is needed.

What’s the best way to remove old grout?

A carbide-tipped grout saw is the easiest and most effective tool for removing old grout. Angle the saw along the grout line and apply steady pressure to scrape out the grout. Hammer and chisel plus hand tools like a grout knife can also work.

What type of new grout should I use?

For narrow wall joints, use unsanded grout. Sanded grout is better for wider floor joints. Match new grout color as closely as possible to the old grout.

How do I apply new grout?

Pack grout deeply into joints, holding the grout float at an angle. Remove excess grout with the edge. Let cure slightly, then smooth with a damp sponge. Avoid dragging grout out of joints. Let dry completely before polishing with a soft cloth.

How long does new grout need to cure?

Allow fresh grout to cure for 72 hours before getting it wet. Avoid regular cleaners for 7-10 days. Apply a penetrating grout sealer once fully cured.

How can I keep my new grout looking fresh?

Regularly sweep and vacuum tile to prevent dirt buildup. Use only mild cleaners on grout. Reapply grout sealer every 1-2 years for protection. Address any new cracks or damage promptly.

Conclusion

Removing old, failing grout and replacing it with fresh new grout can make tile floors, walls, and other surfaces look brand new again. With the right tools and materials and proper technique, this is an easy DIY project. Always allow fresh grout ample time to cure and start maintaining it right away to keep the pristine look. Replaced grout not only improves aesthetics but also prevents potential water damage and other problems. With a bit of periodic effort, your newly grouted tiles will stay looking crisp and clean for years to come.

How to Remove Old Grout