Remove Grout

When remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, the hardest part can be removing the grout from pre-existing tile. Grout is made from water, cement and sand, which hardens over time to form a rock-like material. The strength of grout is what makes tile so highly desired, as it prevents the tile from shifting. Learning how to remove grout can save you a lot of money that you would otherwise have to pay to a contractor.

Steps

Before Removal

  1. Get the necessary tools. There are a number of tools which you can use to remove the grout. Those you choose will depend on how much money you wish to spend, how much and which type of grout you need to remove, and how often you intend to remove grout.
    • You can use power tools. There are a variety of tools, called grout removal tools or re-grout tools, which will help you remove grout quickly and with much less effort. These are helpful if you have a large amount of grout to remove or remove grout often.
    • You can use manual tools as well. If you for some reason cannot use power tools but find that you have a reasonable amount of grout to remove, use a manual grout removal tool. This will look like a small trowel.
    • If you only have a small amount of grout to remove or it is something soft like rubber grout, you can use a standard razor blade, like an exacto knife.
  2. Cover the surfaces of the appliances you are planning to keep. As the grout is removed, flying debris can cause damage. Drape a large blanket or drop cloth over the appliances, making sure they are fully covered. If necessary, use tape to secure the edges of the protective covering. If you are planning to keep the tiles and removing just the grout, cover the edges of each tile with painter's tape.
  3. Don protective clothing before starting the grout removal process. This should include safety glasses, dust mask and cut resistant gloves. For the purpose of comfort, consider wearing knee pads, as it can take a while to remove grout.

The Removal Process

  1. Make the center incision. Make an incision down the middle of each grout line using a grout saw, preferably one with a carbide blade. Do this to all the grout lines that you want to remove.
  2. Remove the grout. Remove the grout from between the pieces of tile with a grout scraper, using the incision as a starting point. Insert the triangular tip of the grout scraper into the incision you made with the grout saw. Apply firm pressure and drag the scraper along the grout line about the length of one tile. Lift out the grout scraper, return to the starting point and repeat the process until you have removed all the grout in that area.
    • If you do not have a grout scraper, use a chisel and hammer. Angle the chisel away from the edge of the tile and tap if with the hammer until the grout is freed from the floor and edges of the tile.
  3. Finish the edges. Clean up the edges of the tile by chipping out any remaining grout remnants. Hold the chisel so that it is parallel to the floor and the cutting edge of the chisel is touching the edge of the tile. Lightly tap the end of the chisel with the hammer until the grout is loosened. Sweep up the broken pieces of grout from between the crevices using a dust broom.

After Removal

  1. 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. You may need a scouring pad to scrub away any remaining grout from the edges of the tile. Gently scrub the edges of the tile until the grout has been completely removed.
  2. Clean the tile. Wipe down the tile immediately if you are planning on keeping it. Grout residue can quickly harden onto the tile, making it difficult to remove without damage. Fill a spray bottle with half vinegar and half water. Spray the tile and allow the solution to sit for a couple of minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth.



Tips

  • If you are intending to keep the tile it may be a good idea to seek the help of someone who already knows how to remove grout. There is great risk of damaging the tile if you are unfamiliar with how to use a grout saw or grout scraper.

Warnings

  • Always wear eye protection when attempting to remove grout. Pieces of grout and flecks of tile can cut your eyes when flying at high rates of speed.
  • Carbide blades are very sharp. Always wear cut resistant gloves as you risk losing a finger should the saw slip.

Things You'll Need

  • Drop cloth
  • Safety glasses
  • Dust mask
  • Cut resistant gloves
  • Grout saw with carbide blade
  • Grout scraper
  • Chisel and hammer
  • Dust broom
  • Soap
  • Scouring pad
  • Spray bottle
  • Vinegar

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Sources and Citations

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