Over time, the grout between your tiles can become an eye sore, whether it’s from dirt and grime or even chipping and cracking. When your grout has got to the point where it simply cannot be restored by cleaning, it’s time to remove the old grout and replace with some fresh grout. Here’s some tips on accomplishing this yourself.
Remove Old Grout
Grout can be tricky to remove. We recommend starting by grinding down the existing grout with an oscillating tool to speed up the process. Removing grout by hand can take a lot of time and effort that can be sped up by an oscillating tool. Simply follow the grout lines and grind the grout down to at least half the thickness of the tile.
Chip Away Any Remnants
If any of the grout remains attached to the tile along the edges and/or corners, you might need to chip away at it with a hammer and chisel. Be very careful to not chip the tile itself during this procedure.
Mix Your Grout
Depending on the grout you purchase at the store, a certain amount of water will be required to mix to create the right consistency. You want to make sure your grout isn’t crumbling, but also not too runny. You can also purchase pre-made grout that is already mixed and ready to go.
Spread The Grout
You want to ensure the grout is filing in completely in the grooves that you ground out. In order to do this, a grout float is required. This handy tool allows you to force the grout into the grooves, ensuring they are completely filled. Remove any access grout with the float.
Allow to Dry Then Wipe Clean
Allow the grout to dry for approximately 15 minutes. The final touch is to dampen a sponge in a bucket of water and wipe any access grout from the tile. Be sure to rinse the sponge often and remove all grout from the tile. Simply let the grout dry for 24 hours and you can walk on the tile.