How to Regrout a Shower Like a Pro: The Complete Guide

The dark, crumbling lines in your shower are more than simply dirt; they are a sign your bathroom is asking for a refresh. We at Tile & Grout Solutions Australia know how important a clean shower is. It not only improves the appearance of your bathroom but also guards against water damage, which can eventually require expensive repairs. As you read on, we will take you through each step of how to regrout a shower like a seasoned professional.

How Can You Tell if Your Shower Needs Regrouting?

You need to understand why regrouting shower is necessary and why taking steps to re grouting a shower can save you time, money, and stress. The common signs are:

Cracked Grout: Water can enter through cracks beneath tiles, damaging the walls and causing mould growth.
Mould and Mildew: Grout that is porous or cracked can store mould and mildew that quickly reappear after cleaning.
Stained and Discoloured Grout: Mineral deposits, soap scum, and hard water can cause grout to become permanently stained and discoloured.
Shifting or Loose Tiles: Damaged grout can no longer hold tiles firmly in place. Treat the grout if you see loose or weak tiles.
Water Leaks: Wet patches on walls next to your bathroom or even in rooms downstairs could be signs that water has seeped through the old grout.

Tools and Materials for Shower Regrouting

If you want to proceed with “how to regrout and seal a shower,” you will need the right tools and materials.

Tools

Grout removal tool (utility knife, electric grout removal tool, or a manual grout saw).
Rubber grout float.
Grout sponge and microfiber cloths
Mixing bucket (if you are using powdered grout) and stirring tool
Measuring cup
Safety Gear (rubber gloves, safety glasses, dust mask)

Materials

New grout (sanded cementitious grout for broader joints, usually 3 mm or more; unsanded cementitious grout for narrow grout lines, less than 3 mm; and epoxy grout for showers, resistant to mould, mildew, and stains.)
Grout sealer
Painter’s tape
Plastic sheet
Clean water

Step-by-Step Guide: How Do You Regrout a Shower Like a Pro?

This section will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to regrout a shower to get professional results.

Step 1: Preparation

Clear the Area: If you can, take out all shower accessories, bottles, doors, and curtains.
Cover your fixtures: Use tape or plastic to cover showerheads, faucets, and drains to avoid damage.
Cover surfaces: If the shower floor is made of porcelain or another easily scratched material, use plastic sheets or drop cloths to protect it.
Provide ventilation: Use fans or open windows to keep the airflow constant during the procedure.
Clean the tiles: Clean the tiles thoroughly using a non-abrasive cleaner.
Drying time: Let the tiles thoroughly dry. Moisture on the surface may affect good adhesion of the fresh grout.
Masking off: Use painter’s tape to mask off the tile edges if you wish to shield the surrounding areas from grout spills.

Step 2: Remove the Old Grout

Remove grout: Carefully follow the grout lines with your electric tool or grout saw. The previous grout can be fully removed by working along the horizontal and vertical grout lines.
Clean as you go: As you work, use a tiny brush or a vacuum with a hose attachment to get rid of grout particles.
Address difficult areas: If you come across a tough or stubborn grout, you might want to use a grout cleaning solution made especially to soften old grout.
Look for damage: Look for any loose or cracked tiles while you remove the old grout. Now is the time to fix them using an appropriate tile adhesive before regrouting for a durable repair.

Step 3: Thoroughly Clean the Tiles

Vacuum again: Vacuum the entire shower area to remove any remaining grout dust and debris.
Wash the tiles: Wash the tiles with warm water and a mild detergent. Use an old toothbrush or a stiff brush to scrub the grout lines. Clean the grout lines carefully to remove any mould, soap scum, or residue.
Rinse well: Use clean water to completely rinse the tiles and remove any soap residue.
Remove mould (if needed): Treat the affected areas with a specialised mould remover if there is a lot of mould growth.
Allow to dry: The tiles and grout lines must be totally dry before applying new grout. It could take many hours or perhaps overnight, depending on the humidity level.

Step 4: Mix the New Grout (If Needed)

Use the right ratio: Measure the powder and water (or latex additive, if suggested) carefully, following the directions on the container.
Mix well: Mix the grout with a margin trowel or a mixing stick until it forms a uniform, smooth paste that resembles peanut butter.
Only mix the required amount of grout: Grout dries quickly, so it is better to mix only enough to use.

Step 5: Apply the New Grout

Fill the grout float: Fill your grout float with a generous amount of mixed grout. Try a small area first if you are not sure about the final grout colour.
Apply at an angle: Spread the grout diagonally across the tile joints while holding the grout float at a 45-degree angle to the tiles.
Work in sections: Apply grout in small sections to keep the grout from drying out before you can remove the excess.
Go for complete coverage: Confirm that fresh grout has been applied to every grout line. Go over each section several times from multiple angles to get rid of any air pockets.

Step 6: Clean Excess Grout

Let it cure: Give the grout 15 to 30 minutes to cure, or when it is soft enough to remove with ease but solid enough to wipe without crumbling. Temperature and grout type affect setting time.
Wipe diagonally: Use a moist sponge diagonally across the grout lines and remove any extra grout from the tiles.
Rinse the sponge frequently: Rinse the sponge in a second bucket of clean water on a regular basis to keep grout residue from spreading back onto the tiles.
Be aware of corners and edges: Use a fresh, damp cloth or a tiny piece of sponge to gently remove grout from corners and edges.

Step 7: Final Cleaning and Polishing

Wait longer: Give the grout a few hours to dry. Take care of any defects while the grout is still soft. A slight haze of grout will likely appear on the tile surface once it is dry.
Use a clean, dry cloth: Gently buff the tiles and get rid of any last bits of grout haze with a clean, dry rag or microfiber cloth.

Step 8: Seal the New Grout

Grout sealer application: Follow the directions on a high-quality penetrating grout sealer. Apply the sealant (but not too much) straight onto the grout lines using a tiny brush or applicator.
Allow to penetrate: Wait for the sealer to penetrate the grout.
Remove extra sealer: Use a fresh, dry cloth to remove any extra sealer from the tile surface.

Step 9: The Curing and Drying Period

Avoid using your shower for at least 24-72 hours after regrouting and sealing to allow the grout to dry and cure completely. See the box for your grout and sealant for precise instructions.

Common Regrouting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Follow some extra tips to get professional-looking shower regrouting results:

When too little old grout is removed, the new grout does not bond with it properly. Try to remove at least two to three millimetres of depth.
If you add water to hardening grout, it weakens the finished product.
Cleaning too soon or aggressively can remove grout from joints before it sets.
When you ignore the sealing step, unsealed grout absorbs water and holds mould quickly.
If you use standard grout in the shower area, it won’t work. You have to use water-resistant formulations.
Don’t work in a dimly lit area. Make sure your shower area has enough light so you can see the grout lines and any flaws clearly.

When to Call a Professional

Homeowners usually believe that regrouting the shower is a manageable DIY task, but in some cases, it is advisable to hire the professionals:

Cracked or missing grout or many loose tiles may indicate severe water damage that has to be fixed by an expert.
Hire a professional to safely remove the tiles, treat the mould, and waterproof the area if you suspect that there may be mould growing under the tiles.
If you are worried about damaging your tiles or are nervous about any part of the process, leave the work to skilled professionals.
Regrouting shower tiles can take a long time. If you have a busy schedule, hire an expert.

In Summary

Stop allowing crumbling grout to cause expensive water damage. If you follow this detailed guide on “how to re grout a shower” and pay attention to details, shower regrouting will get you a new, clean shower for many years to come. Please get in touch with Tile & Grout Solutions Australia for a free quote if you would rather leave the shower regrouting to the professionals.