Stains on shower tile grout can reach a point where cleaning no longer produces a bright and fresh appearance. You have an alternative to tearing out all of the tile. You can learn how to replace grout in a shower. Between removing old grout and letting new grout dry, the project takes two or three days to finish. New grout will result in a much more attractive shower, and the project is relatively affordable.

Before you get started learning how to replace grout in a shower, you need to choose a replacement grout. Grout comes in sanded and unsanded varieties. Gaps between tiles less than 1/8 inch require unsanded grout. Gaps greater than 1/8 inch need to be filled with sanded grout. You also have the option of using acrylic latex grout or epoxy grout. The acrylic product is the easiest to apply but needs a sealing product applied at the end. Epoxy grout is great for resisting future stains but more challenging to apply. However, you won’t have to add a sealant. If you live in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania or New Jersey and would like to skip this project, reach out to the experts at PJ Fitzpatrick today for help.

Directions for How to Replace Grout In a Shower

1. Mix a solution of white vinegar and water in a one-to-one ratio for cleaning the old grout.
2. Scrub the old grout with the cleaning solution with a brush or toothbrush.
3. Continue until all dirt is removed.
4. Rinse the grout with water and wipe dry.
5. Select a new grout product that matches the color of your existing grout.
6. Purchase a grout saw or fit a reciprocating saw with a grout remover attachment.
7. Put on your dust mask and safety glasses.
8. Carefully work the grout saw back and forth in the grout groove.
9. Move slowly so that you can avoid chipping your tile.
10. Use the grout saw to remove an 1/8-inch layer of old grout.
11. After grinding off the top layer of old grout, bring in a shop vacuum.
12. Vacuum the tiles and grout lines to remove all chunks and dust.
13. Wet a grout sponge and wipe down the tile walls of the shower.
14. Let it dry and vacuum everything again.
15. Once the shower is completely dry, you can begin to apply the new grout.
16. Scoop a generous amount of grout onto the grout float.
17. Spread the grout into the grout lines.
18. Work slowly and fill all grout lines flush with the tile.
19. Now drag an unfilled grout float at a 45-degree angle across the tile surface to scrape off excess grout.
20. Give the grout 30 minutes to start drying.
21. Wet a sponge and wring it out until it is only damp.
22. Lightly wipe grout off the tiles.
23. Rinse your sponge as necessary and keep working until the tiles are clean.
24. If you used epoxy grout, you may need to use a scrubber sponge on the tiles to get the hazy residue off.
25. Let the grout continue to dry according to manufacturer’s directions.
26. Wipe the tile with a dry cloth to remove lingering residue.
27. If you used an acrylic latex grout, you now must apply a sealant.