How to Regrout Tile
Short answer: Scrape out the damaged grout with a grout saw or oscillating tool to about 1/8 inch deep, vacuum and dampen the joints, press new grout in diagonally with a rubber float, wipe the haze with a damp sponge, and let it cure before caulking corners or sealing.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Time
- 3 to 6 hours for a tub surround, plus cure time
- Updated
- November 9, 2026
What is causing it?
Grout cracks from movement and wears or stains over time. Cracked grout lets water behind the tile. If tiles are loose or the wall behind them is soft, regrouting will not fix the underlying water damage.
Tools and materials
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this works.
Tools
- Grout saw or oscillating tool with grout bladeCheck price on Amazon
- Rubber grout floatCheck price on Amazon
- Grout sponge and bucketCheck price on Amazon
- Shop vacuumCheck price on Amazon
- Safety glasses and dust maskCheck price on Amazon
Materials
- Sanded or unsanded grout (match joint width)Unsanded for joints 1/8 inch and smaller is the common ruleCheck price on Amazon
- Grout sealer, for cement groutCheck price on Amazon
- Kitchen and bath caulk for corners and the tub jointCheck price on Amazon
How do you regrout tile? Step by step
Remove old grout
Cut out the damaged grout. This Old House advises going slightly beyond the damaged area into healthy grout; Family Handyman suggests removing about 1/8 inch of depth. Work carefully to avoid chipping tile edges.
Clean the joints
Vacuum the dust and wipe the joints with a damp sponge. Leave them slightly damp, not wet.
Mix and apply grout
Mix powdered grout to the consistency on the bag, or use premixed. Hold the float at a 45 degree angle and press grout firmly into the joints with diagonal strokes.
Wipe the haze
After the time on the package, wipe diagonally with a barely damp sponge, rinsing often. Buff off any remaining haze with a dry cloth later.
Caulk the changes of plane
Let the grout dry overnight, then caulk the tub-to-tile joint and inside corners instead of grouting them, since those joints move.
Seal
Seal cement-based grout after it cures, following the sealer's timing.
Planning materials? Try the Tile and Flooring Calculator.
Safety notes
- Grout dust contains silica; wear a mask and eye protection and vacuum rather than sweep.
- Wear gloves; wet cement grout can irritate skin.
When should you call a pro?
- Tiles are loose, hollow-sounding, or the wall flexes.
- The backer board behind the tile is wet or crumbling.
- There is a leak into the room below.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grout over old grout?
Not well. New grout needs depth to bond. Remove at least the top 1/8 inch.
Sanded or unsanded grout?
Follow the grout maker's joint-width chart. Unsanded is usually for narrow joints around 1/8 inch or less; sanded for wider joints.
Why should corners be caulked instead of grouted?
Walls and tubs move slightly. Grout is rigid and cracks; flexible caulk handles the movement.
Sources
Steps are based on these manufacturer and safety references. Your product's own manual comes first.