How to remove grout from tile joints

No matter how carefully you tried to make repairs, the question is probably how to remove the grout from the tile joints and from the tile itself, nevertheless there will be. Small drops or strips of material to decorate the seams invariably fall on unnecessary area. That is why it is better to prevent such a problem in advance, or even to know how and how to wash the grout from the tile, and prepare in advance suitable means for this.

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Than to wash the grout from the tile?

Depending on which way you will be more convenient and affordable, you can use such tools and tools:

1. Special chemical solvents of the type:
   • Sopro ZEA 703 and ZSE 718;
   • Atlas Szop;
   • Clean from Kiilto;
   • Litoclean from Litokol;
   • Keranet from Mapei;
   • Atlas Szop 2000.
2. Folk remedies:
   • citric acid;
   • vinegar;
   • scouring agents;
   • kerosene;
   • white spirit;
   • glycerol;
   • washing household chemicals with acid in the composition.
3. Mechanical:
   • drill;
   • dremel is a tool of the jig saw type with a special nozzle.

You will also need additional equipment:

• brushes;
• rags;
• sponges;
• small solution tanks;
• sharp knife;
• plastic spatula or narrow spatula.

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How to clean the tile from the trowel, if it is not frozen?

If you decide not to wait for a long time, and immediately clarify how to wash the tiles after repair, while the material is not frozen yet - this is the right decision. In this case, time and effort will be much less spent. Proceed in one of the following ways.

Option 1

1. Dampen the sponge with warm water.
2. Clean the tile surface until all traces are removed.

Option 2

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

1. Armed with a sharp thin knife.
2. Carefully drill at the seams, removing excess grout.

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How to remove the grout from the joints of tiles with professional chemistry?

Specially designed tools make it possible to significantly simplify the task, but the main condition for this is the acquisition of a quality solvent. Otherwise, the effect will be less noticeable. 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 strip the material from the walls with an ineffective substance.

Important! Which tools should be preferred - see this article above.

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

1. See the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Apply with a hard plastic brush on the tile.
3. If you notice immediately the foaming - do not worry, it is a dissolving chemical reaction with cement.
4. Brush the desired places, but do not use a metal tool for this purpose.
5. Wash surface with clean water.
6. Make sure that there are no more traces of grout on the tile anymore.
7. Dry thoroughly.

Important! Most often these products are made on the basis of acids, and accordingly have a very sharp odor. Work in a respirator and gloves and do not let the solvent enter your eyes and your skin.

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How to remove old grout between tiles?

If you do not applaud the chemical compounds, but do not mind working intensively, take a drill with a special nozzle, and use it. After an hour or two, the question of how to clean the grout between the tiles will not bother you anymore. This option is perfect if you would like to restore the attractiveness of the kind of surface that you have seen from tiles to small losses.

In this case proceed as follows:

1. Mix water and vinegar in a 2: 1 ratio.
2. Apply with a cloth or brush at all seams.
3. Take a break for 20-30 minutes.
4. Select the correct drill diameter for the drill. It should exactly match or be a bit smaller - otherwise you will touch the tile and it will crumble.
5. Turn the drill to the lowest speed mode.
6. Well fix the instrument in your hands so that it does not slip out during the removal of the grout and spoils the tile.
7. Walk with a wide brush at all seams to remove residual grout and dust.
8. Wipe the seams with a damp cloth.
9. Wait until the surface dries.
10. Apply new grout.

Important! When working, it is advisable to wear protective goggles and a respirator to protect yourself from dust and debris.

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How to remove the grout from the tile with folk remedies?

If you are an adherent of exceptionally handy tools, and do not want to work long and hard, spend a lot of money on professional building solvents, use the simple ways listed below.

Method 1

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

Important! Replace citric acid can:

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

Method 2

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

Method 3

1. Enter the water tank.
2. Add 1 tbsp.kerosene or white spirit.
3. Stir.
4. Wipe the cloth and wipe the traces of the grout on the tile after repair.

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Useful tips

• To prevent the grout from getting on the tile and to facilitate its rubbing in the future, before the joints are treated, surface with soap or tape the mounting tape.
• Please note that you can not use acids and special solvents that contain them in the composition for laundering from the trowelling of marble and ceramic tiles.
• Be careful and careful at work and use special protective equipment against highly aggressive solvents - gloves, overalls, glasses, respirator.

Now you know all the ways how to remove the grout from the tile joints and from the tile itself. Choose the right one and act preferably immediately after the problem is identified. We hope that our useful tips will help you cope with it as quickly and easily as possible.