How to re-grout your bathroom tiles

08/05/2024

Are your bathroom tiles looking a little worse for wear? Grotty grout is a common bathroom eyesore, but don’t feel like you need to call in the demolition team just yet. Whether your grout is stained with mildew or it’s old and falling out, a simple re-grout is guaranteed to elevate the entire look of your bathroom while also preventing water damage to your tiles. What’s more is that it’s totally DIY-able, meaning more money in your pockets.

That being said, you will pay in elbow grease. Depending on the size of your bathroom as well as the type of grout you’re freshening up, a re-grout can be achieved in as little as a weekend. Sealing in all your hard work will then take another few days to set in (more on that in the how-to).

Here’s everything you need to know about re-grouting your tiles for a complete bathroom refresh.

Types of grout

There are two main types of grout: sanded and unsanded. Sanded grout is best for joints larger than 0.3cm, whereas unsanded grout is superfine and will suit small gaps and marble tiles. And then there’s a third non-cementitious type of grout called epoxy grout which is much less porous than sanded and unsanded grout, making it ideal for kitchens. However, epoxy is a little trickier to install and is better left to the professionals.

Can I put new grout over old grout?

The short answer to this is no, as much time as it would save, it’s best not to slap on some new grout over your old grout. Whether your old grout is crumbling away or riddled with mould or both, removing it and starting afresh will ensure your new grout is clean and can properly adhere and set, increasing its longevity.

What you’ll need

how to, how to re-grout your bathroom tiles

OXO Good Grips Deep Clean brush set

$17.95

DTA 750ml grout cleaner

$19.54

DTA 9″ grout float

$24.58

How to re-grout your bathroom tiles

1. Firstly, you’ll need to clean your tiles and grout, especially if you’re dealing with mildew. While you may choose to remove the old grout, you don’t want to risk cross-contamination, so a thorough cleaning is essential. More often than not, natural cleaning agents like vinegar should get the job done, but you can also use more heavy-duty grout cleaning sprays and bleach (provided you wear the appropriate safety gear!).

2. Remove the old grout by chiselling away using a light tapping motion with a small chisel (or an old screwdriver) to chip away enough grout to expose the sides of the tiles. Keep in mind that you don’t want to go too deep otherwise you may damage the tiles and disturb the adhesive that’s holding them in place. After removing the old grout, clean all dirt and dust from the joints then vacuum.

3. Mix the grout according to the package instructions. It should have a similar consistency to pancake mixture.

4. Using a rubber grout float, apply a generous amount of grout between the tiles ensuring the gaps are completely filled. Don’t worry if you get some on the tiles – you can wipe it away later. Just be sure not to grout the expansion joints, which are the areas between the tile and other surfaces like the bath, walls, door and cabinets.

Start from the highest point and work your way down if you’re re-grouting a wall. Grout becomes thickened and unusable after 30 minutes so only make enough to cover your bathroom floor and work quickly.

Quick tip

5. Remove the excess grout by using the sharp edge of your rubber grout float then scrape away the grout from over the top of the tiles. Scrape in a diagonal direction to avoid dislodging the tiles. After tidying up the excess grout, wait 10 minutes while the grout starts to harden. Dip a sponge into a bucket of water and wring out any excess water. Clean the tiles with a sponge or a microfibre cloth until all of the grout residue is gone.

6. Stay out of your bathroom for 24 to 48 hours while the grout cures.

7. Finish the expansion joints by filling them with caulk in a colour that matches your grout. Smooth the caulk over the joints with a wet finger.

8. Finally, seal in all your hard work. If you’ve re-grouted with sanded or unsanded grout (epoxy doesn’t require sealing), a sealant will increase the longevity of your grout by protecting it from water damage, and in turn, bacteria growth. Once you’ve chosen the appropriate sealant, use a small paintbrush to apply it over your completely cured grout joints and then wipe away any sealer from the tiles to avoid staining.

9. Allow your sealant to set. For floor tiles, it’s recommended to wait a couple of days before walking on them, while shower tiles may require up to three days to fully cure.

10. Admire your brand new-looking tiles.

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Types of grout

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What you’ll need

OXO Good Grips Deep Clean brush set

DTA 750ml grout cleaner

DTA 9″ grout float

How to re-grout your bathroom tiles

See more on freshening up your bathroom

4 budget bathroom renovation ideas that will cost you less than $1000

How tile paint can give you the bathroom or kitchen of your dreams

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