This article looks at why you’d need to regrout tiles, how to regrout kitchen or bathroom tiles, what tools and materials you’ll need, plus simple step-by-step instructions.

It can be tempting to rip out and replace tiles if they look tired and grubby. But often, it’s usually just the grout that’s the problem. Dirt, mould and mildew can all build up on tile grout. If it needs more than a good clean, then replacing the grout may be the only answer. This is simpler, quicker and significantly cheaper than replacing all the tiles.

Regrouting tiles is a routine maintenance task at home that you can either call in a professional tiler or handyman to do or, with a bit of know-how and the right tools, it can be a simple DIY job.

The benefit of being able to tackle everyday DIY tasks yourself is that you’ll save money on repairs and potentially save time—good tradespeople get booked up well in advance so it might be difficult to get someone out to do a small job like regrouting a few areas of tiling.

Regrouting tiles can be done in a few simple steps without the expense of replacing the tiles. Once your new grout is in place, another clean-up and polish of the tiles and the whole area will look like new.  

How to regrout tiles in kitchen or bathroom

What tools and materials do I need to regrout tiles?

  • Grout removal tool (grout rake)
  • New grout
  • Float
  • Sponge and bucket

Ensure you have the correct grout. This will depend on where you’re using it and the type of tiles you have.

Step-by-step guide to regrouting tiles

  1. Prepare the area by covering surrounding surfaces with dust sheets or polythene sheets secured with masking tape.
  2. Clean the tiles, this is to remove any dirt or grease from the surface of the tiles.
  3. Remove the old grout, carefully scraping it out using a grout removal tool.
  4. Clean the area again, use a vacuum and brush to remove the dust and broken grout pieces.
  5. Mix up the new grout – refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for how to do this.
  6. Apply the new grout using the float, working section by section making sure the grout is firmly and evenly applied.
  7. Scrape off any excess grout by using the float at an angle and moving it across the tile.
  8. Clean the tiles with a damp sponge – check the grout manufacturer’s instructions for how long to wait before cleaning and any specific instructions on how to do that.
  9. Leave to dry. This is typically takes 1-2 days for the grout to cure, so it needs to remain dry (free from any contact with water) during this time.
  10. Give your tiles a final clean to remove any grout haze.

You may also want to use a grout sealant. This will protect the grout against staining and help prevent any moisture and mould. If you do use a finish with a sealant, do that once the tiles are completely cured.

As with all materials, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.

Learn more on a tiling course at Able Skills

The Able Skills Introduction to Tiling course is a City & Guilds assured DIY tiling course.  Over five day (or two weekends) you’ll learn the basics of wall and floor tiling, including how to grout and finish kitchen tiles, bathroom tiles and floor tiles.