How to Regrout Kitchen Tiles – DIY Guide
To regrout kitchen tiles, rake out the old grout with a grout rake, clean the joints, then press new grout in with a float, wipe back with a damp sponge, and seal once dry. The job takes 2–3 hours and costs under £30.
- Grout rake or oscillating multi-tool with grout blade
- Rubber grout float
- Large sponge
- Bucket
- Soft cloth or microfibre cloth
- Old toothbrush or stiff-bristle brush
- Safety glasses
- Pre-mixed or powder wall tile grout
- Grout sealer
- Grout cleaner or white vinegar
- Masking tape
- Clean water
- Dry lint-free cloths
Step-by-Step Guide
Rake Out the Old Grout
Fit a grout rake or grout blade into an oscillating multi-tool and work along every joint to a depth of at least 2mm — this gives the new grout enough depth to bond and prevents it lifting off within months. Wear safety glasses throughout; old grout fragments fly. Vacuum or brush out all loose debris when done. If you are working near a kitchen splashback area, take care around any silicone edge joints — these should be replaced with fresh silicone rather than grouted.
Clean the Tile Surface and Joints
Mix a solution of warm water and tile cleaner, then scrub the joints thoroughly with an old toothbrush to remove grease, soap residue and any mould. Rinse the surface with clean water and allow it to dry fully — damp joints will prevent adhesion. A kitchen environment means grease builds up in grout lines faster than in other rooms, so do not skip this step. Check our guide to grouting tiles for advice on choosing the correct grout type for your tiles.
Mix or Prepare the Grout
If using powder grout, add the powder to clean water in a clean bucket — never the other way around — and mix to a smooth, lump-free consistency similar to thick peanut butter. Pre-mixed grout can be used straight from the tub. For kitchen walls, use a water-resistant or anti-mould grout, especially behind the hob and sink. Match the colour to your existing grout as closely as possible using a dry sample before you commit to a full application.
Apply the Grout with a Float
Scoop grout onto the rubber float and work it diagonally across the tile surface, pressing firmly into the joints. Work in sections of around one square metre at a time so the grout does not start to skin before you can clean it back. Make sure every joint is fully packed with no voids or hollows — gaps trap moisture and bacteria. If you are also planning to tile kitchen walls in a different area of the room, complete any new tiling before regrouting adjacent sections.
Clean Back the Tile Faces
Wait 10–15 minutes until the grout has started to firm up but is not yet hard, then wring out a large damp sponge and wipe diagonally across the tiles in a smooth, circular motion to remove surface grout. Rinse the sponge frequently and change the water often — dirty water smears grout back onto the surface. Once the initial haze has gone, buff the tile faces with a dry lint-free cloth. For stubborn haze, a dedicated grout haze remover applied with a soft cloth works the same way for wall tiles in bathrooms or utility areas.
Seal the Grout Once Fully Cured
Allow the grout to cure for a minimum of 24–48 hours before applying a grout sealer — check the manufacturer’s instructions, as curing times vary by product. Apply the sealer with a small brush or applicator pen directly into the joints, wipe off any excess from tile faces immediately, and allow to dry. Sealing is especially important in kitchen environments where grease and steam will stain unprotected grout quickly. Re-seal annually to maintain protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my kitchen grout needs replacing rather than just cleaning?
If the grout is cracked, crumbling, missing in sections, or has turned black with mould that does not shift with cleaning, it needs raking out and replacing. Discolouration alone can often be treated with a grout reviver or deep clean before you resort to full regrouting.
Can I apply new grout directly on top of old grout?
No. Applying new grout over old grout without raking it out first will result in a thin layer with no proper bond — it will crack and fall away quickly. Always remove the old grout to a minimum depth of 2mm before applying new material.
What type of grout should I use for kitchen tiles?
Use a water-resistant, anti-mould wall tile grout for kitchen walls. For floor tiles, use a floor-grade grout that handles foot traffic. In areas directly behind the hob or sink, an epoxy grout offers the highest resistance to grease, heat and moisture, though it is harder to work with.
How long does regrouted kitchen tile grout take to dry before I can use the kitchen?
Most cement-based grouts are touch-dry within 2–3 hours but need at least 24 hours before the area gets wet or steamy. Wait the full 48-hour cure time recommended on the packaging before applying a sealer or returning the area to heavy use.
Do I need to seal grout in a kitchen?
When matching grout colour, always test a small patch on a hidden section and let it dry completely before committing — grout dries 2–3 shades lighter than it looks when wet, and a mismatched colour across a full splashback is very noticeable. Professional tilers keep a card of dried grout samples for exactly this reason.
Sources
- HSE — Tiling: Health and Safety Guidance — hse.gov.uk
- Which? — How to regrout tiles — which.co.uk
- NHS — Mould and damp in the home — nhs.uk
This guide is for general information only. Always work safely and follow manufacturer instructions. DIYnut accepts no liability for injury or damage arising from DIY work.
