Pro Tiler Tools

How To Regrout Tiles

11/11/2025

Tile grout is essential for every tiler; it holds tiles in place, provides a clean aesthetic, and keeps moisture out of the substrate. But over time, grout can crack, discolour, or degrade, especially in high-moisture areas such as bathrooms. In this post, we’ll guide you through how to regrout tiles (or a section of tiling) safely, effectively, and with professional results.

Why Regrout?

Before diving into the how, let’s quickly cover why regrouting is worthwhile:

  • Cracked, missing, or loose grout weakens your tile installation and allows moisture to penetrate behind tiles

  • Discoloured or stained grout makes even pristine tiles look tired

  • Regrouting is far simpler and less expensive than re-tiling

  • In wet zones, renewing grout improves waterproofing and hygiene

If your grout is intact and just dirty, a deep clean with a tile and grout cleaner may suffice. But where there’s damage, a full regrout can give your tiling new life.


Tools & Materials You’ll Need To Regrout Tiles

Purpose

Tools & Materials

Remove old grout

Electric grout removal tool or grout rake

Clean lines

Vacuum, brush, damp sponge

Apply new grout

Grout float or grout squeegee

Finish joints

Grout finishing tool, round pencil, or edge tool

Mixing

Mixing bucket, paddle mixers, or whisk

Protection (PPE)

Gloves, eye protection, dust mask, masking tape, dust sheets

Grout & sealers

Appropriate tile grout and tile sealer

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

  1. Clear and protect the surroundings
    Remove fixtures, mask off edges, and lay dust sheets to protect surfaces from debris.

  2. Clean existing grout/tiles
    Use a tile and grout cleaner to clean surfaces and grout lines. This helps you see where repair is needed.

  3. Decide on your approach
    The conventional method is full removal of old grout followed by a new application. However, in minor repairs, you may explore how to regrout tile without removing old grout. We cover when and how to do that below.

Step 2: Remove the Old Grout

This is arguably the most critical stage. A well-prepared joint ensures the new grout bonds properly.

  • Manual removal (grout rake/saw): Position the rake in the joint and move it up and down firmly to loosen old grout. Work slowly and replace blades as they dull.

  • Mechanical removal (oscillating multi-tool): Use a grout removal/de-grouting blade. Keep the tool straight and let it do the work (don’t force it). Be especially careful near tile edges to avoid damage. 

  • Follow up manually: After the bulk is out, use hand tools (grout saw, carbide tip) to clean corners and residual bits.

  • Clean out debris: Vacuum and brush the joints. Wipe lightly with a damp sponge, then let joints dry but not bone dry before regrouting.

Genesis Grout Rake 925G

Genesis Grout Rake 925G

£6.13 INC VAT

£5.11 EX VAT
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Kubala Grout Removing Tool

Kubala Grout Removing Tool

£4.31 INC VAT

£3.59 EX VAT
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Step 3: When (and How) to Regrout Tile Without Removing Old Grout

In small repair zones, you may skip full removal and overlay fresh grout. But this method is only advisable in limited circumstances:

When to consider it:

  • The existing tile grout is firmly adhered (not crumbling or loose)

  • Only small cracks or blemishes exist

  • You’re using a regrout repair product designed to bond with existing grout

  • The durability of the below method is less than full removal and regrouting, especially in wet zones. So, use only for small patches where full regrouting is impractical. Find out more: Our Guide To Dealing With Mouldy Grout.

How to proceed:

  1. Remove only the loose or damaged parts of the old tile grout, leaving the structurally solid base

  2. Lightly roughen the remaining surface to help with bonding

  3. Use a specialty repair grout or bonding additive designed for regrouting over existing grout. Good examples include: Kerakoll Fugabella color, Ultra Tile ProGrout, Mapei Kerapoxy Easy Design, and BAL Micromax 3 Eco.

  4. Apply and finish carefully, knowing the repair area is more vulnerable than a full replacement

Step 4: Mix & Apply the New Grout

  1. Mixing your grout

    • Add grout powder into water (not the other way around) to avoid lumps.

    • Follow the manufacturer’s ratio exactly

    • Let the mix rest (slake) if instructed, then remix before use

    • When selecting your grout, consider joint width and exposure to moisture. For narrow joints (e.g., ≤ 3 mm), an unsanded or fine grout may be best; for wider joints, sanded or modified grouts offer more durability.

  2. Application

    • Using a grout float held at a 45°angle, press grout into the joints diagonally

    • Work in manageable sections, so you can clean up before it dries

Find out more: How To Use A Grout Float

  1. Initial cleanup

    • After a few minutes, when the grout is “finger-print dry”, use a damp grout sponge to clean excess off tile surfaces, moving diagonally across joints

    • Rinse and wring the sponge frequently

    • Avoid washing too vigorously or early, which could weaken or wash out the new grout pigment

Read more: How Long Does Grout Take to Dry?

  1. Finishing the joints

    • Once the grout has started to set a little more, shape joints with a grout finisher or round tool for a clean profile

    • This step helps improve appearance and reduce water ingress

  2. Final haze removal & buffing

Later, once the grout has cured, wipe away any remaining grout haze with a dry cloth.


Step 5: Special Considerations for Regrouting Bathroom Tiles

Bathrooms bring additional challenges (moisture, frequent water exposure), so these tips are key when regrouting bathroom tiles:

  • Use a moisture-resistant or waterproof-rated grout (e.g., CG2 W or epoxy grout)

Read more: Which Tile Adhesive Is Best? A Guide To Classification Of Adhesives And Grouts

  • Ensure good ventilation during drying

  • Allow full cure time before reintroducing water

  • Seal the grout if specified by the manufacturer - shop our tile sealers. 

  • Replace silicone sealant at edges (corners, where tiles meet bath/shower trays) after the tile grout is cured (grout is rigid, silicone remains flexible and accommodates movement)

  • Clean regularly and avoid harsh cleaners that can degrade grout.

Read more: 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Regrouting

  • Applying new tile grout directly over loose or crumbling old grout

  • Over-mixing or under-mixing (causing weak or crumbly grout)

  • Rushing cleaning; letting grout film harden makes removal harder

  • Disturbing grout joints before full cure

  • Skipping sealing when required

  • Using too much water while cleaning can weaken freshly laid grout

Whether you’re freshening kitchen walls or restoring your bathroom tiles, knowing how to regrout tiles properly helps you get a clean, lasting finish. If you’re performing a partial repair, the option to regrout tile without removing old grout can save time. 

If you’re looking for quality tiling tools and materials, be sure to explore the full tiling range at Pro Tiler Tools, and contact us if you need any assistance or guidance.