How to Know When It’s Time to Regrout Your Bathroom or Kitchen Tiles
Is your grout trying to tell you something? Here’s what to look for—and when to call in the pros.
Whether you’re renovating or just sprucing up your home, your bathroom and kitchen grout is doing more work than you think. It’s not just about looks—grout seals out water, protects your tiles, and keeps mould at bay. But over time, grout can wear down, crack, or discolour—leading to bigger issues if ignored.
If you live in Melbourne’s South Eastern Suburbs—from Bentleigh to Berwick, Malvern to Mount Eliza—this guide will help you spot the signs that it’s time to regrout your space.
🚩 5 Warning Signs You Need to Regrout
1. Cracked or Crumbling Grout
Grout should be solid and intact. If it’s flaking off, cracking, or falling out between tiles, that’s a clear sign the bond has failed. This can let water seep underneath your tiles—leading to mould, rot, or lifting tiles.
🛠️ Pro tip: Small cracks can sometimes be patched, but if the issue is widespread, full regrouting is the better option.
2. Mould or Mildew That Keeps Coming Back
No matter how much bleach you use, mould in grout lines that returns fast—especially in showers—is a red flag. Once grout becomes porous, mould takes hold beneath the surface, and cleaning only treats the top layer.
If the grout feels soft or darkens even when dry, it’s time to replace it.
3. Discoloured or Stained Grout
Grout is naturally porous and can absorb moisture, oils, and dirt. Over time, it becomes stained—especially in high-use areas like showers and kitchen splashbacks. If scrubbing no longer brings it back to life, regrouting is your fresh start.
4. Loose or Hollow-Sounding Tiles
Loose tiles aren’t just a tiling issue—they often point to water damage caused by compromised grout. If you tap a tile and it sounds hollow or moves slightly, there may be water under the surface.
Regrouting can prevent needing a full retiling job down the line.
5. Your Grout Is Over 10 Years Old
Even with good care, grout doesn’t last forever. If it’s been over a decade since it was installed (or you’re unsure), it’s smart to have a local pro inspect it.
🏠 Why This Matters in Melbourne’s South East
Our homes—whether in coastal suburbs like Frankston or leafy pockets like Glen Iris—often face high humidity, especially in older bathrooms. Poor ventilation, frequent use, and age can wear out grout faster than you think.
We work with a lot of homeowners in the area who’ve just bought or are prepping to sell. Fresh grout makes your home feel clean and updated—without the cost of full tiling.
🧼 Regrouting vs. Retiling: What’s the Difference?
Regrouting means removing the old grout and replacing it with new material. It’s faster, more affordable, and less disruptive than full retiling. It’s perfect for:
Shower walls and floors
Kitchen splashbacks
Laundry areas
Bathroom floors
Retiling is only necessary if tiles are damaged, broken, or badly installed.
✅ Need an Expert to Check Your Grout?
We offer obligation-free inspections across Melbourne’s South Eastern Suburbs. Whether you’re in Caulfield, Cranbourne, or anywhere in between—we’ll assess your grout, show you the options, and help you get your tiles looking like new again.