Regrouting Kitchen Tile Made Simple

Tired of staring at dirty, stained, or cracked grout lines in your kitchen? Regrouting tile is an easy and affordable way to refresh the look of your kitchen without the hassle and expense of replacing the tile. With some basic tools, new grout, and a little elbow grease, you can transform those unsightly grout lines and have your kitchen looking brand new again.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about DIY regrouting of kitchen tile, from start to finish. We'll cover when you should regrout, what supplies you need, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips for getting it done right.

When is it Time to Regrout Kitchen Tile?

If you notice any of the following, it may be time to regrout:

• Cracked, crumbling, or missing grout
• Discolored or stained grout
• Mold or mildew growing in grout lines
• Hollow or indented grout joints
• Kitchen tile that moves or seems loose

Grout begins to break down after 5-10 years as sealers wear off and exposure to water causes cracking. Discoloration also occurs over time due to grease, food stains, and mold buildup. Hollow grout could mean moisture is seeping under the tile and should be addressed quickly.

Should I Regrout or Just Clean the Grout?

If the grout lines just need a good cleaning, using a grout brush, steam cleaner, or grout pen can get them looking new again. However, if you notice cracks, missing grout, or loose tile, it's best to completely regrout.

Prep Work: Remove Items and Protect Surfaces

Clear everything out of your kitchen cabinets and drawers within the tiling area. Cover countertops with rosin paper or plastic drop cloths to protect them from staining. You may want to remove the kitchen faucet if it's in the backsplash area.

Use painter's tape around the edges of the countertops to prevent water seepage and damage. It's also a good idea to take down any wall hangings or decor close to the backsplash so they don't get ruined by grout or debris.

Gather Supplies for Regrouting Tile

Regrouting your kitchen tile will require some specialized tools and materials. Here's what you'll need:

• Grout saw or oscillating tool - for removing old grout
• Grout float - for applying new grout
• Grout sponges - smooth and abrasive styles
• Buckets - for cleaning water and grout mixture
• Grout sealer - to protect new grout
• Grout - match color to existing grout
• Old rags, paper towels
• Drop cloths
• Painter's tape
• Utility knife

Choosing the Right Grout

It's important to closely match the color and style of the existing grout when regrouting. Bring a sample of the old grout to the hardware store for comparison. Standard unsanded grout is suitable for most kitchen backsplash tile.

If you have wide grout lines (over 1/8 inch), use sanded grout which will resist cracking better. For a waterproof option, look for epoxy grout instead of traditional cement-based grout.

How to Regrout Kitchen Tile

Now comes the fun part! Regrouting tile is an easy weekend project if you follow these steps:

1. Remove Old Grout

Use a manual grout saw, oscillating multi-tool, or carbide grout blade to cut out and scrape away all of the old grout. Hold the blade at a 45deg angle to the grout line and slice towards the center of the joint to undercut and loosen the grout.

Make sure to wear goggles and a dust mask for this part, as it creates a lot of debris. Go slowly to avoid damaging the tile edges. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove all remaining dust and crumbs from the grout lines.

2. Clean and Prepare Tiles

Use a mixture of water and grout haze cleaner applied with a soft brush or sponge. Scrub to remove residue, grease, and soap scum buildup. Rinse thoroughly and make sure tile and grout joints are completely dry before moving to the next step. This allows for maximum adhesion.

3. Apply New Grout

Prepare the grout according to package directions, mixing powdered grout with water to a thick, toothpaste-like consistency. Hold the grout float at a 45deg angle and firmly pack the grout into the clean joints. Push it deep into the crevices, overfilling slightly.

Work in small sections so the grout doesn't dry too quickly. The key is keeping a consistent angle as you smooth the grout over the tile to avoid pulling material back out of the joints.

4. Wipe Excess Grout from Tile

Let the grout sit for about 15 minutes before wiping away the excess. Use a two-bucket cleaning method: Wet one sponge in the rinse water bucket and wring it tightly, then wipe the tiles diagonally to the joints to smooth grout and reveal the tile edges.

Rinse the sponge frequently as you work to keep grout residue from smearing. Avoid wiping in a circular motion over the joints. Allow grout to dry partially, then buff with a dry cloth for a smooth finish.

5. Seal the New Grout

Once grout has dried completely, seal it with a penetrating grout sealer by following product directions. This is an important final step to prevent staining and create an impermeable barrier against moisture. Re-seal grout once a year to maintain protection.

6. Clean Up

Remove all painter's tape and drop cloths, reinstall removed items like the faucet, and replace cabinet contents. Use a grout haze remover to tackle any remaining residue or film on tile. Mix it with water and scrub with a sponge.

A final steam mopping of the floor will help pick up any last traces of dust or debris and leave the kitchen sparkling clean!

Follow these pro tips and tricks for the best results on your kitchen tile regrouting project:

• Work in small sections so grout won't dry too fast before you can wipe it off tile.
• Apply grout at a consistent angle and use even pressure for smooth, consistent joints.
• Only mix up as much grout as you can use in 30 minutes to prevent wasting leftover amounts.
• Allow 24-48 hours for grout to fully cure before rinsing or heavy use of kitchen.
• Avoid excess water when sponging; too much can weaken grout and cause cracking.
• To prevent staining or water damage, seal grout 7 days after installation.
• Use caulk, not grout, where tile meets the countertop, tub, or sink.

regrouting tile floors, walls, or countertops doesn't need to be difficult or time consuming. In a few hours, you can refresh the look of your kitchen and have it looking fresh and clean for years to come.