How To Get Old Grout Off Ceramic Tile

Always wear safety glasses when removing ceramic tile.

How to get old grout off ceramic 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. 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. Strike the face of stubborn tiles to break them up for easier removal. Scrub the tile with the nylon scouring pad.

Gently scrub the edges of the tile until the grout has been completely removed. Then using some fine wire wool rub gently over the grout which will begin to dissolve and rub off at the same time. Apply sugar water to the remaining grout and scrub with a nylon scrubber. Rinse the tile with clean water and dry the surface with a towel.

Once the tile is clean and has no more hardened grout wipe over with a damp cloth and leave to dry. Chip the grout along the grout lines use a ball peen or masonry hammer and cold chisel to tap the pieces free. Rinse the tile with clean water to remove the sugar. Remove tape and clean grout lines.

Peel off the painter s tape from the edge of the tile then wash out the grout lines with soap and water. Start at a broken tile or between tiles where the grout has loosened. The basic method for hardened grout removal use warm water and wipe it over the surface of the tiles with a sponge. Wring thoroughly as too much water can damage.

You may need a scouring pad to scrub away any remaining grout from the edges of the tile. 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. Take one gallon of warm water and dissolve a cup of sugar into it. Masonry chisel and a 2 lb.

If you have wall tile with too much grout then soak paper towels in the solution and place them on the tile. 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. Keep the grout wet with the sugar and water solution as you work. Take this sweet solution and pour it onto excess grout on a floor.

Remove grout haze with water and cheesecloth. Work the chisel between the tiles and the concrete hammering them up with a 2 lb. Keep the tile wet with the sugar water for at least two hours. Lift it a little bit at a time until you remove the main clumps of grout from the surface of the tile.

Use a 3 4 or 1 in. In some cases the only way to tear out the ceramic tile is with heavy equipment such as a jackhammer or air chisel.