How to Regrout Tiles and Showers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cracked, crumbling or stained grout doesn't mean you have to regrout the whole floor or wall. In most cases you can rake out just the damaged joints and refill them in an afternoon. This guide shows you how to regrout tiles step by step, on floors, walls and in showers, and how to stop the new grout cracking again.
What you need
- A grout rake, or an oscillating multi-tool with a grout-removal blade
- A vacuum or stiff brush to clear the dust
- A damp sponge and a dry cloth
- Replacement grout, such as Twist & Grout (each tube comes with a spatula)
- Gloves and eye protection
How to regrout tiles in 6 steps
- Check the tiles aren't loose. Press on the tiles either side of the cracked grout and tap them with the handle of a screwdriver. If a tile moves or sounds hollow, that is why the grout cracked. New grout will crack again within weeks unless you fix the tile first. You can usually re-bond a loose tile without lifting it by injecting adhesive through the grout line with Injectafix. See our guide on how to fix loose floor tiles without removing them.
- Rake out the old grout. Remove the damaged grout along the full length of the joint, going at least 2–3mm deep. Keep the blade in the centre of the joint and work slowly so you don't chip the tile edges. Don't put new grout over old grout: it won't bond and will flake away.
- Clean the joint. Vacuum or brush out all the dust, then wipe the joint with a barely damp sponge. Let it dry before you fill it.
- Fill the joint. Twist the grout into the joint, then press it in firmly and smooth it with the spatula so the joint is completely full. Twist & Grout fills joints up to 10mm wide. Wider joints take longer to dry.
- Wipe off the excess. Clean any grout off the tile face with a damp sponge before it dries, then buff with a dry cloth.
- Let it cure. Twist & Grout is touch dry in about 6–8 hours and fully cured in 24 hours. Keep foot traffic and water off it until then.
How to regrout a shower
The steps are the same, with three extra points:
- Start with a dry shower. Don't use the shower for several hours beforehand so the joints are dry when you fill them.
- Don't grout the movement joints. The joints where the wall meets the shower tray or bath, and the internal corners, should be sealed with silicone, not grout. Grout in those joints cracks because they move.
- Wait 24 hours before showering. Twist & Grout is suitable for wet areas, including showers, once it has fully cured.
How to remove grout without damaging tiles
A hand grout rake is slow but gives you the most control, so it's the best choice for a few short joints. For a whole floor or shower wall, an oscillating multi-tool with a grout blade is much faster. Either way:
- Score down the middle of the joint first, then widen it towards the tile edges.
- Let the tool do the work. Forcing it is how tile edges get chipped.
- Stop when you reach solid, clean grout or the adhesive bed behind it.
Why does grout keep cracking?
Grout is rigid, so it cracks when something underneath moves. The most common cause is a loose or hollow tile, but a springy floor or a joint that should have been silicone will do the same. If the same line keeps cracking, find and fix the movement before you regrout. Read more about cracked grout and loose tiles.
Frequently asked questions
Can you regrout over old grout?
No. New grout needs a clean joint to bond to. Rake out the old grout at least 2–3mm deep first.
Do I have to regrout the whole floor?
No. You only need to rake out and refill the damaged joints. Choose a colour that matches your existing grout. Twist & Grout comes in White, Light Grey, Grey, Dark Grey, Anthracite, Cream and Beige.
How long does new grout take to dry?
Twist & Grout is touch dry in about 6–8 hours and fully cured in 24 hours. Wider joints take longer.
How long does it take to regrout a shower?
Raking out and refilling a typical shower takes an afternoon. Allow 24 hours of curing time before you use the shower.
Can I regrout tiles myself?
Yes. Regrouting is one of the easiest tiling repairs to do yourself. The only skill involved is removing the old grout carefully so you don't chip the tiles.