How to remove grout from tile joints





No matter how carefully you try to make the repair, most likely the question: how to remove grout from the seams of the tile and from the tile itself, will still arise. Small drops or strips of material for decorating the seams invariably fall on the unnecessary area. That is why it is better to prevent such a problem in advance, or at least know how and how to wash the grout from the tile, and pre-prepare suitable means for this.

to contents ↑

How to wash grout from a tile?

Depending on which way will be more convenient and accessible for you, such tools and tools may be useful to you:

1. Specialty chemical solvents such as:
   • Sopro ZEA 703 and ZSE 718;
   • Atlas Szop;
   • Clean by Kiilto;
   • Litoclean from Litokol;
   • Keranet from Mapei;
   • Atlas Szop 2000.
2. Folk remedies:
   • lemon acid;
   • vinegar;
   • limescale cleaners;
   • kerosene;
   • White Spirit;
   • glycerol;
   • washing household chemicals with acid in the composition.
3. Mechanical:
   • drill;
   • Dremel - a jigsaw type tool with a special nozzle.

You will also need additional inventory:

• brushes;
• rags;
• sponges;
• small containers for mortar;
• non-sharp knife;
• plastic spatula or narrow spatula.

to contents ↑

How to clean the tile from grout if it does not freeze?

If you decide not to wait long, but to immediately clarify how to wash the tiles after repair, before the material has hardened - this is the right decision. In this case, the time and effort spent much less. Use one of the following methods.

Option 1

1. Moisten the sponge with warm water.
2. Wipe the surface of the tile until all traces are removed.

Option 2

If the grout only extends slightly over the edges and you need to adjust the line, proceed as follows:

1. Arm yourself with a sharp thin knife.
2. Gently run along the seams, removing excess grout.

to contents ↑

How to remove grout from tile joints with professional chemistry?

Specially designed tools can significantly simplify the task, but the main condition for this is the acquisition of a high-quality solvent. Otherwise, the effect will be subtle. Therefore, before you clean the grout between the tiles, pay attention to what you are going to do. Perhaps it is better to go buy a new tool than to try to tear the material from the walls with an ineffective substance.

Important! What means should be preferred - see in this article above.

The technology for applying special chemistry for washing off the grout looks like this:

1. Read the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Apply dissolve with a hard plastic brush on the tile.
3. If you notice foaming right away - don’t worry, this is a dissolving chemical reaction with cement.
4. Brush the desired places, but do not use a metal tool for this purpose.
5. Rinse the surface with clean water.
6. Make sure that there are no more traces of grout left on the tile.
7. Wipe dry.

Important! Most often, such products are made on the basis of acids, and accordingly have a very pungent odor. Wear a respirator and gloves and keep solvent away from eyes and skin.

to contents ↑

How to remove old grout between tiles?

If you do not welcome the chemical compounds, but do not mind working hard, take a drill with a special nozzle into service, and use it. Within an hour or two, the question of how to clean the grout between the tiles will no longer bother you. This option is perfect in the case when you would like to restore the attractiveness of a tiled surface from tiles with small losses.

In this case, proceed as follows:

1. Mix water and vinegar in a 2: 1 ratio.
2. Apply it with a rag or brush at all seams.
3. Take a break from work for 20-30 minutes.
4. Choose the drill diameter for the drill that is suitable for the seams. It must exactly match or be slightly smaller - otherwise you will touch the tile and it will crumble.
5. Turn on the drill to the lowest RPM mode.
6. Hold the tool in your hands well so that it does not slip out and ruin the tile during grout removal.
7. Use a wide brush at all seams to remove grout and dust.
8. Wipe the seams with a damp cloth.
9. Wait until the surface dries.
10. Apply a new grout.

Important! When working, it is advisable to wear safety glasses and a respirator in order to protect yourself from dust and splinters.

to contents ↑

How to remove grout from tiles with folk remedies?

If you are a supporter of exclusively improvised means, and do not want to work long and hard, spend a lot of money on professional construction solvents, use the simple methods listed below.

Method 1

1. Prepare a concentrated citric acid solution.
2. Let it brew for 20-30 minutes.
3. Dampen a sponge or rag in the liquid.
4. Apply the solution at all seams.
5. Leave on for 1 day.
6. Remove softened material with a narrow spatula and a rag.

Important! You can replace citric acid:

• vinegar
• dishwashing detergent containing acid;
• means for removing lime from plumbing;
• hydrochloric acid.

Method 2

1. Mix glycerin with water in a ratio of 1: 3.
2. Apply this mortar to the seams and stains of cement on the tile.
3. Leave at the seams for a while.
4. Remove grout with a plastic spatula.
5. Wipe the surface of the tile itself with a rag to remove grout.

Method 3

1. Dial a container of water.
2. Add 1 tbsp. kerosene or white spirit.
3. Stir.
4. Wet the rag and wipe the traces of grout on the tiles after repair.

to contents ↑

Useful Tips

• To prevent the problem of the grout getting on the tile and to ease its self-rubbing in the future, before processing the seams, rub the surface with soap or stick a mounting tape.
• Please note that you can not use acids and special solvents containing them in the composition for washing off grouting marble and porcelain tiles.
• Be careful and accurate in work and use special means of protection against highly aggressive solvents - gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and a respirator.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

Now you know all the ways to remove grout from the seams of the tile and from the tile itself. Choose the appropriate one and act preferably immediately after identifying the problem. We hope that our helpful tips will help you deal with it as quickly and easily as possible.