How to Clean and Re-grout Bathroom Tiles

I only had a small area of tiles in my bathroom shower stall that needed to be cleaned. My task was to clean the mildew and stains from these offending tiles. After removing the mildew and stains, I then needed to re-grout. This is the method I used.

Step 1- Purchase the proper tools: You can purchase a 2 piece hand grout saw set which is good for most small jobs. (see picture 1) If you have a large job, such as removing all the grout from either your shower tiles or floor tiles, there is an electric grout remover available. You can see it on this web site: http://www.tilegroutremoval.com/?gclid=CIih0_2V954CFQghnAod_A2jJQ.

Step 2- With the grout saw use a back and forth motion with light pressure to remove the layer of stained grout between the tiles. It helps to have a vacuum cleaner handy to vacuum up the grout dust as you work.

Step 3- Mix up a diluted solution of bleach and water and clean the areas that you cleaned. Let dry. If necessary repeat steps two and three.

Step 4- Now you are ready to re-grout. Mix up an appropriate amount of non-sanded grout and water. To do this add water to the grout a little at a time and mix until the grout mixture is smooth and paste-like. Using a rubber grout float or a homemade applicator like the one my husband made for me, (see pictures 2&3), spread grout into the tile joints using a back and forth and diagonal motion.

Step 5- It is important to clean up the excess grout but don't do what I did and do it too soon. I wiped up much of the grout that I had just applied by not waiting until the grout dried enough that it can be indented with your fingernail. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Use a damp sponge, rinsing often in clean water, to clean the excess grout. Do not allow the excess grout to dry on the tiles as it will be almost impossible to remove it.

Step 6- A haze will form on the tiles. After at least two hours wipe the tiles with a clean, dry cloth to remove this haze.

Step 7- The grout should cure for three days during which time it is a good idea to mist the grout with cold water. After three days you can seal the grout with a one step spray grout sealer. This should keep mildew from forming on your tiles in the future.

As with any do-it-yourself project use protective covering for your hands and eyes.