How to remove old grout? A step-by-step guide

Is your bathroom losing its charm because the grout has gone grey? Has it started to crumble and no longer looks presentable? Over time, the grout between tiles can become damaged and discoloured, undermining the aesthetics of the entire room. Is that what’s happening in your bathing area? Time to change it! Removing grout is fairly simple and you can do it without a professional. Check out our step-by-step guide and do it yourself!

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

Does it seem that the colour of your grout has changed a bit? Was it white and has now gone slightly grey? Or perhaps the grey has turned almost black? Before you start thinking about how to remove old grout from the tiles, check whether it’s actually necessary.

It may simply be dirty, and a thorough clean with cleaning agents and a small brush may be enough. If, however, 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 confirm your decision.

2. Prepare tools and materials, and make sure you stay safe

How can you quickly remove old grout? First and foremost, prepare the right tools so the job goes smoothly, and make sure you stay safe. You’ll need a grout scraper and a wet-and-dry (builders’) vacuum, as well as gloves, safety goggles and a protective mask. For the new application you’ll need a bucket or other container, a rubber float and a cloth. And, of course, your chosen new grout! Which grout should you go for? You can choose between several options: cement-based, epoxy, silicone, acrylic or polyurethane.

Protect your hands from accidental cuts by wearing gloves. A protective mask will limit the inhalation of airborne dust, and the goggles will make sure no splinters get into your eyes. You’ll work with the scraper, and use the vacuum and cloth to clean up the debris.

3. How to remove old grout from tiles?

Replacing grout in the bathroom requires precision and patience. Remember that it sits between the tiles, and a single wrong move can scratch them. 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 so the work is more efficient.

Try to vacuum up the scraped-out grout regularly. This will let you check you’ve been thorough and nothing remains, and it will also reduce the dust spreading around the room. After vacuuming, wipe the joints between the tiles with a damp cloth – don’t skip this step if you want to make spreading the new grout easier and ensure it lasts longer. Repeat the entire process until you’ve removed the grout from every bathroom wall.

4. Applying the new grout

Cleaning up the bathroom is half the battle, now it’s time for the new application. Focus on this task, as the end result will determine both the final appearance and the durability of the grout between the tiles.

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

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

Depending on the product, grout needs around 24-48 hours to dry completely. After that time it achieves all its properties, including the right hardness, so you can move on to the final stage – cleaning. If any grout residue remains on the tiles, remove it gently, for example with a small brush. Then wipe the tiles with a suitable cleaning solution.

And that’s it! Not so 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. Good luck!