If grout lines themselves are stained and appear to have mold growth, they may need to be removed and replaced. Grout removal is a little more delicate than caulk removal, but it is manageable with the right tools and a gentle hand.

Steps for safe grout removal:

1. Use a manual grout removal tool (such as a grout saw or carbide scraper) to carefully scrape along the grout lines.
2. Work at a shallow angle, applying firm but controlled pressure to avoid slipping and scratching the tile.
3. Focus only on visibly discolored areas if the surrounding grout is intact and clean.
4. Vacuum or wipe away debris as you go to keep the work area tidy.

You do not need to remove all grout down to the substrate — just enough to clear the visibly discolored or compromised material. The goal is to provide a clean, healthy surface for fresh grout to bond to later.

Tip: If the discoloration is very shallow and doesn’t extend into the grout, a deep scrub (covered in the next lesson) might be enough without full removal.