How to Remove Old Grout? A Step-by-Step Guide

Has your bathroom lost its charm because the grout has gone grey? Has it started to crumble and no longer looks neat? Over time, the grout between tiles can suffer damage and discolouration, diminishing the look of the whole room. Is that what’s happening in your bathing area? Time to change it! Removing grout is quite simple and you can do it without a professional. Check our step-by-step guide and do it yourself!

1. Removing grout – is it necessary? Assessing the condition of the grout

Does it seem like the colour of your grout has changed a bit? It used to be white and now it’s slightly grey? Or has the grey turned almost black? Before you start wondering how to remove old grout from tiles, check whether it’s really necessary.

It may simply be dirty, and a thorough clean with cleaning agents and a brush will be sufficient. However, if you can see cracks or it has started to crumble, or worse still – mould or mildew has appeared – replacement will be necessary. Before you begin, take a small screwdriver and gently tap the grout – this will let you check its hardness and be sure about your decision.

2. Prepare tools and materials and look after your safety

How do you quickly remove old grout? First, gather the right tools so the job goes smoothly, and look after your safety. You’ll need a grout scraper and a builder’s/shop vacuum, as well as gloves, safety glasses and a protective mask. For the new application you’ll need a bucket or other container, a rubber grout float and a cloth. And of course, your chosen new grout! Which grout should you choose? There are several options: cement-based, epoxy, silicone, acrylic or polyurethane.

Protect your hands from accidental cuts by putting on gloves. A protective mask will limit inhalation of dust, and glasses will ensure no chips get into your eyes. You’ll do the scraping with the scraper, and use the vacuum and cloth to clear away the debris.

3. How to remove old grout from tiles?

Replacing grout in the bathroom requires precision and patience. Remember, it sits between the tiles, and one wrong move can lead to scratches. How do you remove old grout between tiles to avoid that? Start by gently scraping with a scraper, making steady strokes along the grout line. Focus on small sections to make the work more efficient.

Try to vacuum up the loosened grout regularly. This gives you a chance to make sure you’ve done it thoroughly and nothing is left behind, and it also reduces how much dust spreads around the room. After vacuuming, wipe the gap between tiles with a damp cloth – don’t skip this step if you want to make spreading the new grout easier and ensure greater durability. Repeat the whole process until you’ve removed the grout from every wall in the bathroom.

4. Applying new grout

Getting the bathroom cleaned up is half the battle; now it’s time for the new application. Focus on this task, because its final outcome will determine both the look and the durability of the grout between the tiles.

Start by preparing the product in a bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging. Using a rubber float, apply the prepared product into the gaps between the tiles and spread it thoroughly. Make precise movements at different angles to completely fill the joints. Wait a moment, then wipe any excess product off the tiles with a cloth.

5. Grout replacement: bathroom ready, time to clean up

Depending on the product, grout needs around 24-48 hours to dry completely. After that time it reaches its full properties, including the right hardness, so you can move on to the final stage – cleaning. If there’s any residue left on the tiles, remove it gently, e.g. with a small brush. Then wipe the tiles with a suitable cleaning solution.

And you’re done! It’s not complicated, is it? Follow the steps and remember you can’t use the area after regrouting until it has dried, and everything will turn out perfectly. Best of luck!