Remover for grout removal from tile joints

Grouting is the final step during cladding. Finishing material for filling the slots in the seams of ceramic, mosaic tiles can be of different colors. Grout performs protective, supporting functions and frames the edges of the tile. But often after a time, the seams between the tiles start to turn yellow, crack, and sometimes even blacken. To correct the situation, you need to remove the old grout and fill the seams with a new one. Today, we will tell you which remedy to remove the grout from the seams of the tiles to choose, and also introduce you to the ways of renewing the darkened seams.

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Grout - where to apply?

Finishing material filling the cracks in the seams of newly laid tiles and is called trowelling. This material is of an auxiliary nature. Most often the grout is selected according to the color of the tile so that it does not attract attention to itself. This finishing material is applied with the help of a strong indentation in the seam.

Important! Thanks to this technique, the amount of moisture in the seam is reduced. But unfortunately, until the grouting has been developed, which would be completely impermeable and could effectively protect the base from the water accumulating in the seam.

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What is the grouting?

Trowels come in several types of species:

• Based on cement.
• Based on water.
• Based on epoxy resins.

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Why does the grout deteriorate?

Over time, the seams between the tiles begin to spoil the entire appearance of the lining, acquiring a yellow or grayish hue, and sometimes - even begin to crumble. In addition, the integrity of the grout is impaired, and this contributes to the penetration of dampness and the appearance of fungus and mold, which is completely unacceptable. In this case, it is necessary to choose a means for removing the grout and to carry out a number of works on the renovation of the joints.

Important! If the grout over time has lost its original appearance, it means - the work during the cladding was performed poorly.

Possible causes of grouting failure:

• The joints were not completely filled.
• The technology of facing works is broken.
• Not the type of trowel was used or the mixture was not used according to the instructions.
• Improper maintenance of tiles. The use of aggressive cleaning agents destroys the trowelling compound.
• Non-operating or poorly functioning ventilation can be a favorable factor for the appearance of the fungus.

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Need for removal of grout

The need for replacing grout joints of tiles can arise for several reasons:

• Poor repair. If a poor-quality mastic was used or the technology of its application was broken, then soon, the grout would begin to crumble, fall through at the joints and look untidy.
• Cosmetic repairs. If the appearance of the liner has lost its appearance, it is best to remove the old mastic and apply a new layer of grout.
• Change of the design of the room. To make a new, fresh note in the interior, you can change the shade of filling the seams.
• Partial or complete replacement of tiles. If the interior lining changes, then the grout also changes.
• Fungus. Most often, the seams between the tiles are hotbeds of microorganisms. If the mold and fungus appeared on the tile and seams, then it is necessary to quickly get rid of the affected materials and change them to new ones, since the formed fungus spores are dangerous for human health.

So, in the need to remove the old grout you are convinced, now we will put everything in order. And for starters, remove all the excess from the room, and what can not be removed - cover with a plastic wrap.

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How to remove the grout from the tile joints?

It is necessary to remove the trowelling compound very carefully so as not to spoil the tile itself. Therefore, if you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to invite a specialist who will qualitatively remove the old staff and perform a new grout.

Two main methods are used to remove the grout:

• Mechanical. Tools and physical strength are used.
• Chemical. Chemical reagents are used, softening the composition and facilitating the operation to remove the grout. Let's consider each of the methods in more detail. to the contents ↑

  Methods of mechanical removal of grout

  Various tools can be used for work. Any of the list below is sure to be found in everyone's house:

  1. Application of a painting knife with a sharp blade. This is the easiest way. The blade is directed inward from the edge of the tile to the middle of the seam, first on one side, and then on the other. From the resulting cavity, pull out the old grout centimeter by centimeter, with a little effort.
  2. Suture spreader is a good tool for removing trowel from tile joints. Progressive movements up and down remove the grout. Then, clean the dust with a brush and wash the seams.
  3. Drill. With a thin drill or nozzle "brush" slowly, at low speed, treat all the seams. Dust remove with a brush.
  4. Application of a special jig saw( dremel).This tool has a special nozzle.
  5. Bulgarian. You can use the disc for metal or stone, but to work with a Bulgarian, you need a solid hand and protection. In order not to spoil the tile, attach a limiter in the form of an even bar to the tile.

  Important! Use a drill or a bulgarian only if the tile is firmly attached to the wall.

  

  Tips:

  1. For mechanical removal of the old composition, you can apply any sharp tools: a knife, an awl, a screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the tile. First, put the tool to the seam, and then tap it with a hammer. Such work will take a lot of time, so be patient.
  2. If you completely replace the tiles, use any removal method, as the grout is removed only after the tile is hollowed out.
  3. Before applying the drill, moisten the surface of the tile and seams with a solution of vinegar( 1 part vinegar in 2 parts water).A freshly prepared mortar should be applied to the tile, and the seams should be applied with this trowelling remover using a special soft cloth. Leave the surface for 20 minutes, and prepare a drill, commensurate with the diameter of the seam.
  4. For the application of a new grout a solid foundation is needed. Therefore, inspect the seams for weakly retained remnants of the old grout. If it is cement-based, then walk through the seams with an acid reagent. Apply the grout remover for 5 minutes. The bubbles will dissolve the remnants of the mixture. Clean the furrows with a brush and rinse. Allow the joints to dry thoroughly. Now they are ready to apply a new trowel.

  Important! Removal of epoxy grout and preparation of the surface for application of a new trowelling is best entrusted to professionals, since the mixtures containing resinous substances, when dried, harden to the state of the stone.

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  Chemical methods for removal of grout

  A specially developed grouting remover makes it possible to greatly simplify the task.

  Important! There are chemical reagents for softening different types of grouts. You only need to choose a quality solvent for a specific brand of trowelling mixture.

  Here are just a few brands of chemical solvents:

  • Valo Clean. This special means for removing grout from the joints of the tile has a softening effect for compounds with a cement base affected by fungus and mold.
  • Keranet. The acid preparation is designed to remove trowel from ceramic tiles. Available in the form of a concentrated powder or 15% aqueous solution. Organic acid, which is the main component of the drug, is not inferior to such potent drugs as hydrochloric and sulfuric acid in terms of the effect of pollution.

  Important! Benefits of organic acid - does not emit toxic fumes. Disadvantage - the drug is not suitable for cleaning products made of marble, limestone and ceramic tiles with glaze.

  • Litostrip. This product is designed to remove epoxy grout. It is applied to the seams and is kept for a certain time, according to the instructions. After that, the grout is removed with a spatula, and the remainder of the preparation is removed from the cotton cloth. The surface must be rinsed with water.

  Important! All chemicals are aggressive, so wear protective equipment before use: a respirator and rubber gloves.

  Technology of application of the substance for removing the grout:

  1. Read the instructions from the manufacturer carefully.
  2. Wear protective equipment.
  3. With a rigid plastic brush, apply the solution to the seams.
  4. Rub brushes between the tiles. Do not use metal tools for this purpose.
  5. Leave the agent to work with the formulation for a while( indicated in the instructions).
  6. Remove the grout with a spatula.
  7. If the entire thickness of the layer has softened, then repeat the process until completely removed.
  8. Cotton cloth remove the remnants of the product.
  9. Wash surface with water.
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  Folk remedies for grouting

  If you are an adherent of only folk remedies, then use the following methods for removing the trowelling mixture:

  1. Prepare a saturated solution of citric acid. Apply the mortar to the seams using a sponge or a rag. Leave the remedy for a day. Soften the material with a spatula, a sharp knife or a chisel. Rinse the surface with water.
  2. Dilute vinegar with water in a 1: 2 ratio. Walk through the grout on the grout. Leave on for 30 minutes. Clean the grout mechanically.
  3. Mix glycerin with water in a 1: 3 ratio. Apply the solution to the furrows. Leave the remedy for a while. Remove the grout with a plastic spatula. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth.

  Tips:

  • Instead of citric acid and vinegar, use any dishwashing detergent containing acid, a lime remover with plumbing or hydrochloric acid.
  • If after repair on the tile there are traces of the grout, then remove them with kerosene or white spirit. Type in water and add 1 tbsp.a spoonful of funds to choose from. Stir thoroughly. Dampen the cloth in the solution and wipe off the grout marks on the tile.
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  Re-rubbing the interlace spacing

  After removing the old trowel, clean the grooves with a new grout. Correctly selected fugue will avoid incidents with repeated work. In addition, a high-quality trowelling mix will allow you to enjoy the original appearance of the lining for many years.

  Choosing a construction mix

  The main criterion for the selection of grout - the purpose of the room:

  • If the room with high humidity, then need a mastic, which has a high degree of protection from moisture.
  • If seams are to be protected from dirt, mildew, fill the seams with water-repellent special compounds, such as Atlas Dolphin, Ceresit CT 10 Super, Kiilto Seal and others. This is especially true for light grouting in the kitchen, where food is prepared and something is constantly poured and spread.

  Mashing the seams

  The most convenient way to rub the interlace indents is to use a rubber spatula as follows:

  1. Dial with a spatula mortar.
  2. Fill the joint with a suture first by lateral movement, and then - by longitudinal.

  Important! In order not to create voids, the solution is pressed into the seam, pressing the spatula against the lining with effort. Simultaneously with the application of the grout on the grooves, remove the excess solution.

  In addition to the basic recommendations for the application of grouting, there are some secrets:

  • Instead of a rubber spatula for grinding joints, you can use a grater. The solution is applied to the lining and wipe it, conducting a grater diagonally. The grater must walk through the joints and press the solution into them. To collect excess material, run the grater along the docking areas of the tiles.
  • Fugues based on polymers are inserted inside the joints with a special syringe.
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  How to update the darkened seams?

  If you do not want to drastically remove the grout, try to clean the seams with a detergent. Of course, you will not achieve the ideal effect, but you can remove 90% of the contamination.

  To update the joints, you can use both folk remedies and special chemical preparations. The most famous tools that give almost the same effect:

  • Santri.
  • Domestos.
  • Amway Home LOC.

  The most affordable and cheap analog consists of improvised folk remedies:

  • ½ cup of baking soda.
  • ¼ cup acetic acid.
  • ⅓ glass of lemon juice.
  • 7 glasses of water.

  Mix the ingredients and wipe the grout with a mortar.

  Important! If the grout has darkened from the fungus, then it does not make sense to clean it, since it is struck all the way. In this case, it is necessary to completely remove the grout, treat the surface with an antifungal agent and re-rub the seams.

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  Useful advices:

  • To prevent the grout from reaching the tiles during the repair process, rub the surface with soap or tape the mounting tape. This will facilitate the wiping of the tiles in the future and save time for cleaning.
  • Do not use acids and special solvents containing them in the composition, for washing marble and granite tiles from the trowelling mixture.

  We hope that you have picked up a suitable method for removing the old grout and updated the lining with a new mixture. Do not worry that you have spent your time on such laborious and unpleasant work, but the new interior will now please you for many years with its beautiful, aesthetically updated look.