How to Replace Grout
Stained grout can really ruin the look of your tile, but in just a few easy steps, you can replace the old grout and give your space a whole new look. Learn how to replace grout in this DIY Network video:
For this DIY project, you will need cold water, bleach, pre-mixed grout, sealant and rags. For tools, you’ll need a bucket, a rotary tool with diamond blades, a large grout sponge, a scrub brush, a rubber float, a dust mask, a vacuum or shop vac, safety glasses, ear protection, a carbide hand tool and blades, and gloves.
Use a rotary tool with a diamond blade to remove the grout as it’s faster than using a carbide hand tool. Keep the rotary tool on a low setting so that the blade doesn’t jump around and damage the tile. You can increase the speed later if you need to. Also, don’t bear down on the rotary tool; let it do most of the work for you.
Work horizontally first, and then work vertically. This is a good way to ensure you don’t miss any lines if you’re working in a large area, or dig into the tiles themselves with the blade. Then thoroughly vacuum up the dusty old grout so you can see what you’re working with. You want to remove the old grout until you can see the original thinset below.
Once the old grout is gone, it’s a good time to really clean the tile. Give them a good scrub with bleach if necessary. Once the area is clean and dry, you’re ready to re-grout.
Push the grout into the lines using a rubber float, and really get it down in there. Be sure to work in small sections, because you want to install the new grout and wipe away any excess before it has time to set up or dry. To clean the grout off the tile, dip a grout sponge into a bucket of cold water, then wring it out. Wipe diagonally across the tiles, making sure not to dig into the grout lines. Repeat this process until your project is complete. Be sure to read the instructions on your particular grout, because it normally takes a day or two to dry.
Once everything’s fully dry, use a soft clean cloth to remove any haze left over on the tile. Then (an important step) seal the new grout to prevent future stains.
