How To Get Old Grout Off Ceramic Tile

Apply clean water while you scrub to prevent scratching the tile surface.

How to get old grout off ceramic tile.

Masonry chisel and a 2 lb. You may need a scouring pad to scrub away any remaining grout from the edges of the tile. Strike the face of stubborn tiles to break them up for easier removal. Remove grout haze with water and cheesecloth.

The basic method for hardened grout removal use warm water and wipe it over the surface of the tiles with a sponge. Once you remove the large chunks of grout wet the remaining grout again and trade out the piece of wood for a wet nylon scouring pad. Work the chisel between the tiles and the concrete hammering them up with a 2 lb. Once the tile is clean and has no more hardened grout wipe over with a damp cloth and leave to dry.

Work the chisel under the tiles forcing them loose. If there is still a film of grout on the surface of the tile apply more water and continue scrubbing with the nylon pad until you are satisfied with the result. Peel off the painter s tape from the edge of the tile then wash out the grout lines with soap and water. Scrub the tile with the nylon scouring pad.

In some cases the only way to tear out the ceramic tile is with heavy equipment such as a jackhammer or air chisel. Gently scrub the edges of the tile until the grout has been completely removed. Keep the tile wet with the sugar water for at least two hours. Wring thoroughly as too much water can damage.

If the rough areas are in the grout lines between the tiles use sandpaper to round the corner of the wood and scrub back and forth within the groove to remove any raised bits and create a smooth finish. Lift it a little bit at a time until you remove the main clumps of grout from the surface of the tile. Keep the grout wet with the sugar and water solution as you work. Always wear safety glasses when removing ceramic tile.

Rinse the tile with clean water to remove the sugar. Take this sweet solution and pour it onto excess grout on a floor. If you have wall tile with too much grout then soak paper towels in the solution and place them on the tile. Cleaning grout off tile with vinegar is safe and efficient for ceramic and porcelain tile installations and grout but acid cleaners should never be used on porous or stone tiles which includes vinegar and rubbing alcohol.

Chip the grout along the grout lines use a ball peen or masonry hammer and cold chisel to tap the pieces free. Protect your hands with rubber gloves and dip your cheesecloth or terry cloth in water. Take one gallon of warm water and dissolve a cup of sugar into it. Remove tape and clean grout lines.

Start at a broken tile or between tiles where the grout has loosened. Use a 3 4 or 1 in.