How to Regrout Bathroom Tile
How to Regrout Bathroom Tile. Old or damaged grout makes the most beautiful tile look unappealing. Tile grout mildews, begins to look aged and presents a health hazard. Rerouting bathroom tile is a simple, inexpensive way to make old tile look fresh and new. Read on to learn how to regrout bathroom tile.
Preparing the Tile
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Choose a grout color. If you are regrouting an entire bathroom, choose a color that matches the tile. For small jobs, match the grout color with the existing grout.
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Scrub the tiles and grout with a household cleaning solution.
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Saw along the grout lines with a grout saw or small knife that cuts into narrow spaces.
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Remove the remaining grout with a chisel or utility knife.
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Vacuum out the leftover chunks or debris from the spaces around the tile. If any of the tiles need to be replaced, replace them now.
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Clean the tile. Remove soap scum and dirt. Any household cleaner designed to remove soap scum is perfect for the job.
Apply the Grout
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Mix the grout. Grout is sold pre-mixed or dry. If you need to mix the grout, read the directions on the package and follow the instructions. Latex-modified grout is more water resistant and does not crack over time.
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Spread the grout over the tile and smooth it out with a grout float. Angle the top of the float to 30 degrees.
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Use the float to press the grout into the empty spaces between the tiles. When the grout becomes hard to push down, the spaces are full.
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Run the float across the top of the tiles to remove excess grout.
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Wait five to ten minutes. Wet a sponge with water and wipe over the top of the tiles to clean any leftover grout.
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Cure the grout for at least three days.
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Seal the grout with a grout sealer. This keeps water and mildew out of the grout. If using ceramic tiles, use a silicone or water-based grout sealer. Brush it along the joints between the tiles. Wipe excess sealant off the surface of the tiles. If you have porous tiles, use an acrylic top-coat and seal the entire surface of the tile.
Things You Will Need
- Mildew Remover
- Grout Saw
- Chisel or Utility Knife
- Vacuum
- Grout
- Grout Float
- Grout Sealer
- Tile Sponge