You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout. To do this, all you need is a grout removal tool. Use the tool to strike out the old grout, making sure the depth is at least 2mm, which is about the thickness of two dimes stacked one on top of the other.
When you re-grout, you don't want to create a second layer of grout. Rather, you want the two layers to mingle. This will ensure that the bond is tight, and it will reduce the risk of water, dirt and grime getting in. Therefore, you will want to wipe or chip away any grout that is dirty or crumbling.
You would also notice that adding new grout will not be aesthetically pleasing, as the new layer would be thin. This means that your old grout will be seen beneath, and if you were to only treat one area, you would see the difference in the “repaired” area versus the area that you did not add grout to.
Do I have to remove all old grout before regrouting? Yes and No. If the old grout is mouldy, cracked and discoloured you can invest in the best grout cleaner to see what the grout looks like after cleaning. If a clean makes little difference it makes sense to remove as much grout as possible.
Clean grout with a commercial grout and tile cleaner. Apply it to the dirty areas of the grout following the manufacturer's instructions. If you prefer cleaning grout with a DIY mixture, make a paste of 3/4-cup baking soda, 1/4-cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap.
The grout should be dug out a minimum of 3mm deep (preferably deeper) so that new grout can have a firm base and a larger surface area of the sides of the tiles to adhere to. Do not attempt to apply new grout over the damaged existing grout.
Regrouting a shower is more cost-friendly than replacing shower tiles entirely. It's worth regrouting a shower that needs a little TLC because grout helps protect your bathroom from mold and mildew.
Cleaning Solutions for Old Grout
If you notice that the condition and color of your grout isn't too bad, it may respond well to a mild cleaning solution, such as concentrated dish soap mixed with warm water, applied with a stiff nylon bristle brush.
Yes, you can seal over grout that's already been sealed.
Regrouting is the best option when tiles and grout begin to show signs of discoloration or the stains are so deep that they cannot be removed. As grout ages, it naturally deviates from its original color. If the white grout turns yellow or is covered with stains, you must regrout very soon.
Simply pour vinegar from the bottle into the cap and pour it over the dirty grout lines. Allow the lemon juice or vinegar to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, scrub with a small brush or old toothbrush. Rinse the treated area and wipe dry with a towel or rag.
Shower regrouting done by a professional company will typically take a day to each shower and the cost can range from $900 to $1800 depending on the skills of the contractor, the materials used and the size of the shower.
When Should You Regrout Your Tile? Grout doesn't last forever. You can expect a lifespan between eight and sixteen years. Its lifespan will vary depending on how you treat your shower.
There are a few signs that your grout and tile need to be looked at or potentially replaced. Discoloration from mold, persistent mold issues, loose tiles, crumbling or cracked grout, and obvious signs of damage are all reasons to call in a professional tile restoration service to get your grout and tile replaced.
Vinegar is often recommended to be a grout cleaning home remedy, but The Grout Medic never recommends using anything acidic or alkaline to clean your precious grout and tile. You should also forego the traditional scrubbing and scouring, which also promote grout deterioration over time.
Cleaning Grout with Vinegar
Pour or spray undiluted vinegar onto your grout and let it sit for 10 minutes before using a toothbrush, scrubbing in a circular motion. Next, rinse away the dirt and mildew. You can also use white vinegar to clean soap residue, mildew, and grime on non-porous tile surfaces.
Grout that hasn't been sealed, needs to be resealed, or is in poor shape should not be cleaned with vinegar. The vinegar penetrates into the pores of the grout, further weakening the material. Over time, vinegar will deteriorate the condition of the grout by etching or wearing it away.
Understanding Grout
Furthermore, liquid substances can penetrate deep within the grout causing it to look discolored. This is evident with tile flooring. One of the most common causes for discolored grout is dirty mop water. Rather than cleaning the tile, mop water spreads the dirt from the tile into the grout.