How to Regrout Tile: Refresh a Shower or Floor in a Weekend

Difficulty

Beginner–Intermediate

Time

1 day + curing

Cost

Low

Dirty, cracked or moldy grout makes even good tile look old. Regrouting costs very little and can transform a shower. If tiles are loose or sound hollow when tapped, fix those first — or water may already be behind them.

Tools and materials

• Grout saw or oscillating multi-tool with a grout-removal blade
• Grout (sanded for joints over 1/8 in / 3 mm, unsanded for narrower joints, or epoxy)
• Rubber grout float, buckets, sponges, microfiber cloths
• Grout sealer (for cement grout), silicone for corners
• Safety glasses, dust mask, gloves

Step 1: Remove the old grout

1. Remove silicone from corners and edges with a scraper.
2. Rake out old grout to at least two-thirds of its depth, keeping the blade centered in the joint to avoid chipping tiles.
3. Vacuum the joints and wipe down. Let a shower dry completely, ideally 24–48 hours.

Step 2: Mix and apply

1. Mix a small batch following the bag — consistency like peanut butter. Let it slake (rest) as instructed, then remix.
2. Scoop grout onto the tile and press it diagonally across the joints with the float held at 45°.
3. Pack joints fully, then scrape off excess with the float edge held almost perpendicular.
4. Work in areas of a few square feet at a time.

Step 3: Clean

After 15–30 minutes (when grout is firm), wipe diagonally with a damp — not wet — sponge, rinsing often. Shape joints evenly. After a few hours, buff off the haze with a dry microfiber cloth.

Step 4: Seal and caulk

• Leave the corners and tile-to-tub joints empty of grout — they move, so fill them with sanitary silicone.
• Seal cement grout after the cure time on the bag (often 48–72 hours).
• Epoxy grout doesn't need sealing and resists stains, but is harder to work — follow instructions carefully and work fast.