Removing Old Grout From Wall Tiles

Using a wooden paint stick gently scrape at the grout removing the larger chunks from the surface of the tile.

Removing old grout from wall tiles.

The basic method for hardened grout removal use warm water and wipe it over the surface of the tiles with a sponge. Apply firm pressure and drag the scraper along the grout line about the length of one tile but be very careful to avoid scraping the tile. Take the water and sugar mixture and pour it over the grout that needs removed. Insert the triangular tip of the grout scraper into the incision you made with the grout saw.

Taping will help to stop you from sawing into the tile as you cut up the grout. If you have wall tile with too much grout then soak paper towels in the solution and place them on the tile. Fit the oscillating tool with a blade specially intended for removing tile grout. Remove a piece of tile from the solution.

Use the scraper to clean off large debris and then clean off any soapy residue with a damp cloth. Remove the grout from between the pieces of tile with a grout scraper using the incision as a starting point. To do this use the grout float again this time holding the tool at an 80 degree angle to skim the excess grout from the face of the tiles. Make sure to apply enough water that it can soak into the grout for an hour or two before you try to work any of the grout off.

Scrub the mortar with a scrub brush to remove the residue the acid has loosened. In concert with the grout float a large damp sponge. Tape the tiles so that the grout joints are all that is visible. Keep the tile wet with the sugar water for at least two hours.

Then using some fine wire wool rub gently over the grout which will begin to dissolve and rub off at the same time. Once the tile is clean and has no more hardened grout wipe over with a damp cloth and leave to dry. Take one gallon of warm water and dissolve a cup of sugar into it. Rinse the piece of tile with clean water and allow the piece to dry for at.