How to Stain Grout to Change Its Color

By
Tonya Lee
Tonya Lee
Tonya Lee is a 20-year home decor expert whose specialty is writing about decorating on a budget. Her home decor expertise began when she staged window displays for a home decor boutique while completing her dual bachelor's degrees in Ceramics and Visual Communications. Over the years, she and her architect husband have remodeled each of the homes they have owned.
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Updated on 11/08/22
Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier
Reviewed by Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.
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In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 1 - 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 1 day
  • Skill Level: Beginner

With a few hours and a few tools, you can make the old grout on your floors, walls, or kitchen backsplashes look brand new again. Whether the grout was originally white and needs a pick-me-up, or you are staining the grout a new color, these step-by-step instructions cover all aspects of the job.

Tile and grout to the spatula
bodu9 / Getty Images

The tools required to make old grout look new again are affordable, and this is one job that is an easy DIY project. Tile contractors charge hundreds of dollars to clean or stain grout, yet you probably have most of the necessary supplies at home already.

Although you can buy stain and sealer separately, use the combined grout stain and sealer that is available in a single bottle for this project. Don't let the small bottle fool you. It covers a large area. The bottle is usually marked as to how many square feet the product covers, so you don't have to guess or over-buy.

If you are re-staining white grout, choosing color is not an issue, but if you are trying to match existing colored grout or staining the grout a new color, order a sample from one of the grout suppliers online. Many of them offer a small sample bottle in the colors they stock. Some of them also offer a custom color-matching service, but that is a more involved process.

Considerations When Choosing Grout Color

 If you are choosing a color other than white for the grout, there are three schools of thought:

  • Match the grout to the tile. Select a color grout that's only a shade lighter or darker than the existing tile to give the uninterrupted appearance of a match. 
  • Contrast with the tile. Select a color grout that contrasts with the tile color to make each tile stand out.
  • Go neutral. A neutral color is the safest choice. Choose from shades of tan, beige or gray. Neutral grout is the most common selection.

Other Grout Considerations

Dark-colored grout fades quicker than light-colored grout. A light-colored grout shows stains and dirt. Keep the traffic in the area in mind when making your choice. A high traffic area, such as a kitchen, might not be a good place for very light colored grout, whereas a seldom-used bath is fine for it.

Don't use abrasive scrubbing powders or steel wool on tiles—they can be scratched. Use only soft cleaning cloths and soft-bristle brushes.

Grout being applied to tiles using a grout spreader
Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Nylon bristle brush
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Rubber gloves and safety goggles

Materials

  • Spray-on bleach-based cleaner
  • Bottle of grout stain and sealer in white or your preferred color choice
  • Bucket of water
  • Magic sponge eraser
  • Cleaning cloths

Instructions

Instructions

  1. Begin With a Good Cleaning

    Cleaning the existing grout is important. You can't stain it when it is covered in dust, soap scum, or cooking grease. The procedure is repetitive, and you'll be on your knees for most of the process, but this project is worth every penny you save by doing it yourself.

    First, open a window or turn on the bathroom fan to provide good ventilation. After putting on your rubber gloves and safety goggles, spray the bleach-based cleaner over a section of grout and tile. Scrub with the bristle brush, being sure to get into the corners, and use the magic sponge eraser to clean stubborn areas and remove soap scum or sticky residue.

    After scrubbing, wipe down the area with the rag and let it dry completely.

    Repeat until all areas of tile and grout have been cleaned.

    Tip

    To make quick work of the grout-cleaning phase of this project, you could consider renting or purchasing a steamer designed for the task. These mini marvels blast your grout with water heated to more than 200 degrees F and have built-in brushes to scrub away the grime the water releases.

  2. Apply the Stain

    When the grout is clean and dry, you can stain it.

    First put on your gloves and safety goggles. Next, dip the toothbrush into the bottle of grout stain and sealer to gather a small amount of product. Apply the grout stain to a small area of tile—a 1 square-foot area is a good size—and use the toothbrush to work the stain into the grout.

    Be prepared to remove the excess stain quickly before it dries, as detailed in the next step.

    Yellow Grout Paint Bathroom Floor
    Our Fifth House

  3. Remove the Excess Stain

    As you complete each square foot of grout stain and sealer application, remove the excess stain promptly by using a damp rag to wipe lightly over the tile until you remove all the extra stain and sealer that didn't stay in the grout lines.

    It's important to keep your rag clean. You may need to wash out the rag in the water repeatedly. Replace the dirty water with clean water when necessary.

    Repeat the application of stain and sealer and the removal of excess stain in square foot sections until you have completely stained and sealed all the grout.

    It usually takes about 24 hours for the stain to dry completely, but you'll be able to see the amazing improvement in the grout the minute you wipe the excess stain away.

    Cleaning off excess tile grout.
    abbesses/Getty Images

About Grout Pens

Many companies sell grout stain pens. Unless you only need to do a small touch-up, these pens are not the best solution for staining grout, and they don't include a sealer in most cases. Go with the bottled stain and sealer for a long-lasting job.

Subway tile blue sparkle grout
Hometalk
FAQ
  • Is staining grout a good idea?

    Grout stain can give discolored grout that’s otherwise in good condition a new life. Plus, it can change up the look of your tile. For instance, you can pick a dark grout color to contrast with light tile.

  • Can white grout be stained darker?

    Yes, white grout can be stained with a darker tinted grout stain. It’s best to order a sample of the stain to see precisely how it will look with your other interior colors.

  • How long does grout stain last?

    Grout stain will fade over time, especially if the tile is in a high-traffic area. But with a good application of a quality product, it should last for up to 15 years.