How often should you replace bathroom grout?

Author: Makenzie O'Reilly  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

Regrouting should be done every 3-5 years, depending on factors such as wear, moisture exposure, and the condition of the grout; however, if you notice cracking, discoloration, or mold growth, it's best to regrout sooner to maintain both the aesthetics and functionality of your shower.

How do I know when my grout needs replacing?

Cracks, staining, and black mold are some of the signs that your old grout may need to be replaced, but with skilled professionals it can often be renewed.

How long should bathroom grout last?

A question we're often asked is, “how long should grout last in my bathroom last?” Grout doesn't last forever and has a lifespan of between eight and sixteen years, depending on your upkeep and treatment in your shower area specifically.

How often should you redo bathroom grout?

The rule of thumb is to seal the grout every year. To prevent mold and mildew from growing, it is important for you to seal your grout at least once a year. However, in high traffic areas, you have to sell grout every six months.

What is the lifespan of bathroom grout?

The typical lifespan of grout in a shower ranges between eight to sixteen years, with various factors influencing its durability. Let's look into these factors and understand how proper up keep can extend the life of your shower grout.

Refresh Your Tile Grout

How to tell if grout is bad?

Check the color and condition in some of the higher-traffic areas of the room. If you notice any chipping or cracking in the grout, it won't respond well to cleaning and will most likely just break apart if you try to clean it with any kind of physical force.

Is replacing grout worth it?

Damaged or discolored grout can leave your bathroom looking dirty. Bad grout can be very aesthetically displeasing, and for many of us, that alone is reason enough to get on replacing or repairing it. If that's not bad enough, untreated damaged grout can cause other issues with your house, including structural damage.

Is it better to regrout or retile?

If the tiles themselves are damaged, retiling is the better option. You might also spring for new tiles as part of a full bathroom remodel. If the tiles are still in good condition, but the grout is chipping or discolored, regrouting is a cost-effective alternative.

How do professionals clean grout?

Steam cleaning is one of the most powerful ways to clean grout without the use of harsh chemicals. Professionals often use steam to loosen the dirt and other particles trapped in the grout without needing to scrub manually.

Is it really necessary to seal grout in a shower?

Porous grouts attract water, dirt, oils, etc. While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. Penetrating sealers are the most commonly used and offer high water, chemical and stain resistance.

Can you put new grout over old grout in the bathroom?

epoxy grout is a great choice when you are ready to re-grout a tile project. Because epoxy grout is so much stronger than other types of grout (particularly cement grout), you won't even need to remove all of your old grout. You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout.

How long can grout sit before wiping?

As mentioned earlier, the specific recommended waiting time for grout to set and dry will vary based on the product and brand you are using. However, a common guideline is to wait approximately 15 to 30 minutes after applying the grout before wiping off the excess.

How do I know when to regrout?

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.

Is it expensive to replace grout?

On average, the cost to regrout a shower is between $600 and $2,500 (or $10 to $25 per square foot). Prices hinge on the size of the shower, the type of grout, and how much old grout needs to be removed.

Do you have to dig out old grout before regrouting?

Before you decide to regrout, evaluate the state of the existing grout. If it's severely damaged, crumbling, or has mold, it may be necessary to remove it entirely.

What does grout failure look like?

First, one of the telltale signs of grout failure is when your grout has holes, or is cracked and breaking down. When the grout is deteriorating, this can cause your tiles to become loose or come off entirely. Another indication of grout failure is any sign of mold or mildew.

Does hydrogen peroxide really clean grout?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is a natural neutral cleaner that is safe to use on grout. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda produce oxygenated bleach, which is highly effective for cleaning grout.

How often should grout be professionally cleaned?

While it's possible to do a fairly thorough cleaning by hand, professionals have the tools to clean tile and grout more thoroughly than tools at home allow, and it's recommended that you schedule a professional cleaning about once every 9-12 months or so.

Is the pink stuff good for grout?

How it works: Touted as a miracle cleaning paste, The Pink Stuff is easy to apply to grout using a soft cloth or sponge. Simply rub and scrub, and then rinse with hot water. As a mildly abrasive cleaner, the paste has a little grit to it, which helps scrub away dirt and debris from grout and surfaces.

What is the best grout to regrout a shower?

Acrylic Grout: Acrylic grout is a great option for wet areas like decks and showers. It's intended to be mildew-resistant and retains its color well. Epoxy Grout: Epoxy grout is less do-it-yourself-friendly than other types.

How often should tile grout be replaced?

Tiling is a great way to improve your home, but you may have to replace grout every 8-10 years. However, this is something that you can do on your own! If you are regrouting tile, it is vital that you use professional tools and materials.

Is it OK to grout tile the same day?

The shortest time after laying tile that you can grout is 24 hours. However, it is much better to wait at least 48 hours before grouting. This is to give the mortar ample time to set and dry before pressure is applied. Choose a nice and dry day to lay your tile.

How to tell if grout needs replacing?

How Do I Know if I Need Grout Repair?
  1. The Grout is Cracked or Chipped. If there is a chip or a crack in the grout, even just a small amount of damage, it is crucial that a repair is made as soon as possible. ...
  2. The Grout Lines Appear Thin or are Deteriorating. ...
  3. The Grout was Previously Installed Incorrectly.

Why is regrouting so expensive?

The average cost to regrout a shower ranges between $900 and $2,500. Key factors that affect the cost include the shower's dimensions, the type of grout used—such as high-quality epoxy grout known for its mould and stain resistance—and the labor involved in removing the old grout.

Do grout rakes work?

A dedicated grout rake or a Stanley blade is best for removing existing grout. Grout rakes can be both mechanical and electric. Any electric grout rake is usually 240V and has variable speeds. The Rubi Grout Remover helps to remove grout surrounding ceramic and porcelain tiles.

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