Regrouting Bathroom Tiles Guide: Steps, Costs and Maintenance Tips

If your bathroom has become old looking, dirty or simply does not have that original sparkle then it's likely due to the grout. Grout lines will naturally darken over time, will develop cracks and collect dirt. A lot of cleaning may help remove some of the dirt, but it will never completely solve the issue. Fortunately, you do not need to renovate your bathroom to make it look new again. Regrouting your bathroom tile is an easy way to give your bathroom a makeover at a fraction of the price of a full renovation and can dramatically improve the appearance of your bathroom. I've seen bathrooms go from dull and dirty to bright and shiny by addressing the grout. It is a minor upgrade with a large visual impact.

Date: June 9, 2024 Title: How to Tile and Grout a Bathroom Floor - Complete Beginners Guide Description: A step-by-step DIY tutorial showing how to tile and grout a bathroom floor, covering preparation, tile placement, and finishing techniques for beginners. Video Credit: The DIY Guy

Why Regrouting Bathroom Tiles Is Important

Grout is not only holding the tile together; it also protects the surface underneath from the effects of water. Once the grout begins to degrade, water can begin to leak through behind the tiles. This could lead to the growth of mold and mildew and can eventually cause structural problems.
Therefore, regrouting your bathroom tile is not only for aesthetic purposes. It also serves to maintain your tile and prevent future issues.
Here are a few indicators it is time to regrout:

Grout lines appear permanently discoloured or stained
Visible cracks or gaps in the grout line
You can feel that certain areas of the tiles feel loose
Regardless of how much you clean, the mold continues to grow

Scrub brush cleaning bathroom tile grout lines with foam in corner joint detail

The Transformation: Before and After

There's something very rewarding about re-grouting that makes the space feel brand new. When the grout is clean and bright, the individual tiles will seem newer, sharper, and more refined.
Regardless if you have a wall, floor, or the grout surrounding your bathtub that needs cleaning, a fresh coat of grout serves as a clean border around the entire surface. It is much like creating a border on a drawing, everything simply becomes more defined.
Even though there may be other options when it comes to choosing a beautiful freestanding bathtub, a clean coat of grout surrounding it can help to create a complete visual experience. It helps bring the focus to the design itself rather than to the grout.

Tools Needed to Begin the Re-Grouting Project

While re-grouting isn't necessarily a difficult process, it requires patience and the proper tools. Typically, you will need to begin with a grout removal tool or an oscillating multi-tool, a new grout (it is essential to choose the correct type of grout for the tiles you have), a grout float, a sponge and clean water, gloves (protective), and sealant (optional but highly recommended).
It is also necessary to choose the correct colour of grout. Lighter colours such as white or light gray will provide a fresh and modern appearance to your bathroom, while darker colours will be able to hide stains in the future.

Gloved hand scrubbing mold from bathroom tile grout with brush and cleaning solution

Step By Step: The Process of Re-Grouting

1.Remove Old Grout
This will take the most amount of time. Use the grout removal tool carefully to remove the old grout from between the tiles. Be cautious to avoid causing damage to the tiles.
2. Clean The Area
Once you have completed removing the old grout, use a damp sponge and clean water to wash away any remaining debris. Debris can interfere with the adhesive properties of the new grout.
3. Install New Grout
Using a grout float, apply the new grout to the joints at an angle. Ensure that each joint is completely filled with new grout.
4. Remove Excess Grout
After waiting for a few minutes, use a damp sponge to remove the excess grout from the tile surfaces. Avoid pulling grout from the joints.
5.Let It Cure
Let the grout cure as indicated by the manufacturer's instructions, usually 24 to 48 hours.
6.Seal The Grout (Optional but Recommended)
If desired, seal the grout to help protect it against moisture and stains, especially in wet areas such as shower and bathtub surrounds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In the past, I have made several errors that negatively impacted my final product:

Not allowing enough time for removal of the old grout, so that there was still some present to interfere with bonding to new grout;
Too much water while cleaning; water weakens grout and makes it difficult to bond correctly to surrounding tile;
Failure to apply a sealer to grout, especially in areas that are exposed to heavy use of water and other potential sources of stains;
Choosing an incorrect type of grout for job. Sanded grouts should be used with wide spaced tile, while non-sanded grouts should be used where space between tiles is very close.

Following these tips will provide a quality surface that will last for many years.

Applying sealant to bathroom tile grout lines with caulking gun for protection and waterproofing

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Bathroom tile reglazing can be a good DIY project, especially for a relatively small area. With some patience and the right tools, it can be a cost-effective option. However, there may be times when it would be better to hire a professional, including if you are dealing with a large area or one that is particularly complicated, if you see evidence of water damage or mold, if the tiles are loose or uneven or if you desire a high-quality finish that will last longer than a DIY job.

Maintenance Tips After Regrouting

After you've restored your bathroom to its original beauty, there are steps you can take to help maintain this "new" look. These simple tips will help you enjoy your newly re-grouted bathroom for years to come:

Regularly clean your grout using mild cleaners (avoid bleach or other strong chemicals as they may damage the grout).
Prevent water and/or soap residue from building up by wiping down all surfaces of your bathroom where water tends to collect. This includes your sink, shower, bathtub and/or floor.
Apply a new layer of sealer to your grout at least once each year, and ideally once every six months. You should also reapply a new layer when your old sealer wears off or begins to peel away from your grout lines.

By consistently cleaning your grout, preventing excessive amounts of water from accumulating in your bathroom, and re-sealing your grout as necessary, you'll be able to protect the new look of your bathroom for years to come.

Steam cleaner nozzle scrubbing bathroom tile grout lines in corner with gloved hand

FAQs

How much does it cost to regrout a bathroom?

Re-gluing your own bathroom typically costs little more than the price of the grout and sealant products. Depending on the size of the bathroom, hiring someone else to do it can vary in price, but is always going to be significantly less expensive than an entire bathroom remodel.

Can mold come back after regrouting?

Yes, you will still develop mold and mildew on your bathroom walls unless you are very careful about how much moisture you allow to accumulate. To avoid developing mold and mildew after re-gluing your bathroom walls, use mold-resistant grout, seal the grout, make sure that your bathroom has adequate ventilation and keep the area as dry as possible.

Is regrouting better than replacing tiles?

In most cases, yes. Regrouting has numerous advantages over tile replacement. For example, if the tile itself is still in excellent shape, regrouting will be much more cost effective, as well as less invasive of the overall bathroom.