How to Remove Grout
24/11/2025Removing old, damaged, or mouldy grout is an easy way to revamp and strengthen your tiles. But how do you remove grout without damaging your tiles? The answer? With the right tools for taking out grout, and knowing the proper steps. This guide walks you through the process of efficiently removing tile grout, both with and without power tools.
Why Do I Need To Remove Grout?
Removing old or damaged tile grout can seem like a daunting project, but with the right grout removal tools, it can be an easy and cost-effective task. Some of the common reasons to remove grout from your tiles include:
Mould or mildew: In areas of high moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens, if there is even the smallest gap in your grouting, water can be absorbed. This can result in mould spores, which need to be removed. Removing the old grout, cleaning the area, and applying fresh tile grout can remove this problem.
Cracks or deterioration: Over time, grout will begin to wear or crumble. This can lead to damp and mould issues, as well as put your tiles at risk of breaking. It also creates an unprofessional look to your tiles.
Tile refresh: A quick and cost-effective way to revamp your tiled wall is to remove and replace old grout. Replace with the same colour, or use our guide to choosing the right grout colour to match your new décor.
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The Best Grout Removal Tools
Before you start, you need to make sure you have the correct safety gear, such as dust masks, gloves, and goggles, as well as the right grout removal tools for a fast and efficient job:
Tool | Product | Image | Tool’s Purpose |
 | Removes grout, mortar, or sealant by hand. | ||
 | Effectively removes grout from large-tiled areas. | ||
Grout Scraper |  | Uses interchangeable blades to remove cement-based grout. | |
Grout Rake |  | Removes old and discoloured grout by hand. | |
Grout Finisher |  | Removes excess grout for neat edges. | |
 | Removes dust or debris from tiles. |
What’s the Best Way to Remove Tile Grout?
There are two sure-fire ways to remove grout from tiles: by hand or with power tools.
Removing Tile Grout with Power Tools
There are three options for removing grout with power tools: An electric grout remover, an oscillating multi-tool or an angle grinder.
An electric grout remover – Handheld electric grout removers like the Vitrex Grout Out make removing grout a simple task. With adjustable depth control, it offers precision for small to medium-sized tiled areas.
An oscillating multi-tool – These are the most efficient tools to use. They require minimal pressure, cause little damage to tiles and work well on corners and tight edges. It’s important to use the right blade. A diamond-tipped grout removal blade is more durable and works faster, which is ideal for larger spaces.
An angle grinder – These also work well for larger areas, but they can cause a lot of dust. This can cause delays in the process and require a more extensive cleanup.
How To Remove Grout With A Power Tool
Step 1: Prepare the area where you will remove the grout. Lay down a dust sheet to protect surfaces, appliances, or furniture nearby, and open a window for ventilation. Make sure you’re wearing your safety gear before you carry on.
Step 2: Using a grout rake, like the Vitrex Professional Grout Rake, score along the edges of the grout line. This will help loosen the grout and guide your multi-tool or angle grinder when removing the grout.
Step 3: Hold your chosen power tool up to the centre of the grout line. Gently apply pressure, moving it up and down or side to side, following the line of grout to cut it out. Repeat this process around the sides of the tile. If there’s grout residue left, this can be removed by hand with a grout scraper.
Step 4: Using a grout scraper, like the Joint-It Epoxy Grout Scaper, carefully cut through the remaining bits of grout. Then use the Vitrex Grout Finisher tool to smooth the edges. Finally, use a grout sponge to wipe away any remaining stains, and vacuum to remove dust and debris.
Step 5: You can also use the Vacuum Cleaner to clear away any loose bits of grout between the tiles. Afterwards, wipe down with a Genesis BASIC Hydro Sponge and leave to fully dry before regrouting your tiles. Our guide on How to Grout Tiles can help you here.
Removing Tile Grout By Hand
This is a similar process but involves more time and manual labour. Removing grout without power tools is better suited for minor grout repairs or small tiled areas.
How To Remove Grout By Hand
Step 1: Prepare the area where you will remove the grout. Lay down a dust sheet to protect surfaces, appliances, or furniture nearby, and open a window for ventilation. Make sure you’re wearing your safety gear before you carry on.
Step 2: Using a grout rake, like the Genesis Grout Rake, score along the edges of the grout line. This will help loosen the grout and guide your grout scraper during removal.
Step 3: Using a grout scraper, carefully move the tool up and down or side to side along the grout line until the grout loosens and can be removed. Use a grout sponge to wipe away any stains, and a vacuum to clear up dust and debris.
Step 4: You can also use the vacuum cleaner to remove loose bits of grout between the tiles. Afterwards, wipe down the area with a sponge and leave it to fully dry before regrouting your tiles. Our guide on How to Grout Tiles can help you here.
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Can You Grout Over Grout?
Technically, yes, you can grout over existing grout. This should only be considered if the existing grout is in good condition. However, you should still remove the top layer, about 2.5mm, with a grout scraper before applying fresh grout.
However, the benefits of completely removing and applying new grout are that you can ensure that tile grout has been applied correctly with a grout float. This will ensure a neater line, stronger joint, and better protection for your tiles, helping to extend their appearance and lifespan.
If you have any further questions regarding grout removal or completing your next tile project, our expert team are here to help. Contact us at 01604 859800 today.