Grout on tiles

ANJEL1310

Can anyone tell me how to remove surplus grout from tiles.?

We replaved our kitchen about 8 months ago and didnt get all the surplus grout off the tiles, i have tried in vain put as the tiles are like quarry tiles and not the smooth finish type, i am finding it impossible.
Any ideas?

bigdic

Are these floor tiles?

andrewmoorcroft

bigdic wrote:

Are these floor tiles?

Why? Do you have a different answer depending on floor or wall?
Who puts quarry tiles on walls?

I cleaned some off mine using a scouring pad. Not the metal brillo type but the nylon type. I eventually found a heavy duty nylon type for free. I used the centre of a hardfloor polishing wheel (the sort they use for cleaning hard floors in offices/corridors). The wheel is wirey nylon (if u know what i mean), about 18" diameter and 1" thick. The centre of these can be pushed out to make a 3" pad. It is sore on the hands so wear gloves. Alternatively hire the full machine.
Although metal scrapers will work, you risk damaging the tiles.
Good luck!

bigdic

andrewmoorcroft wrote:

Why? Do you have a different answer depending on floor or wall?
Who puts quarry tiles on walls?

My goodness, don't you come across as a smug w*****.

Quite a few people use floor tiles on walls and nothing would surprise me these days.

Yes I would have a different answer, if it was wall tiles then the grout would just polish off quite easily with a bit of elbow grease. Whereas the grout used on flor tiles is hellish to get off and if it's stuck in the grooves of quarry tiles then your amazing little invention isn't gonna work very well.

There are products to remove dried floor grout but they are acid based and horrible to work with.

navig8r

My kitchen wall tiles are of the more "rustic" variety which means uneven poc marked surfaces that holds the grout .I got 99% out while doing the job but some did escape my notice utill it had dried which could only be cleaned off with acid and scrubbing brush...I did not do this ,instead I left well alone and let it add to the rustic charm effect.:D
Dave

TallTree

We had some excess grout on our travertine tiles which were a tumbled effect, I ended up sanding off the excess with a detail sander. looks fine

Peartree

There are a number of products for removing grout film, etc, from different types of tiles - HG seem to do a lot and it can be found in specialist tile shops or on the internet. Being a grouter with more enthusiasm than skill myself, I've often found myself in similar situation, albeit not with a porous tile. I've tried the (expensive) products but came across a tip re white vinegar and found it worked just as well - and of course it is incredibly cheap so you can be liberal with it. Let it soak in for a few minutes and then, gently, use a scraper (I used a window scraper) on the softened grout. You may lose a bit of grout in the joins but can always put it back in (more carefully this time!).

It also worked when I was trying to remove old sealant from my shower. Interestingly, the back of the can of sealant I was replacing the old stuff with said (something like) 'may give off acetic acid fumes when drying' so it looks like whatever evaporates to make the sealant dry is vinegar like and would therefore explain it?

Anyway, it's worth a try given that when I last stocked up (white vinegar is useful for all sorts of stuff - look on the 'old style board) it only cost 47p a bottle!

Good luck.

Peartree

PS Agree you can get away with all sorts by claiming rustic intentions. Have also considered only ever inviting short-sighted or slightly drunk people into my home!

littlereddevil

Peartree wrote: »

There are a number of products for removing grout film, etc, from different types of tiles - HG seem to do a lot and it can be found in specialist tile shops or on the internet. Being a grouter with more enthusiasm than skill myself, I've often found myself in similar situation, albeit not with a porous tile. I've tried the (expensive) products but came across a tip re white vinegar and found it worked just as well - and of course it is incredibly cheap so you can be liberal with it. Let it soak in for a few minutes and then, gently, use a scraper (I used a window scraper) on the softened grout. You may lose a bit of grout in the joins but can always put it back in (more carefully this time!).

It also worked when I was trying to remove old sealant from my shower. Interestingly, the back of the can of sealant I was replacing the old stuff with said (something like) 'may give off acetic acid fumes when drying' so it looks like whatever evaporates to make the sealant dry is vinegar like and would therefore explain it?

Anyway, it's worth a try given that when I last stocked up (white vinegar is useful for all sorts of stuff - look on the 'old style board) it only cost 47p a bottle!

Good luck.

Peartree

PS Agree you can get away with all sorts by claiming rustic intentions. Have also considered only ever inviting short-sighted or slightly drunk people into my home!

I would like to try the vinegar but if I lose a bit of grout from around the tiles I will never get it right again !
Any other way?

ITtim

Lime light and a toothbrush plus some elbow grease should remove it. failing that you can get industrial stregth stuff from b and q. its meant to be diluted but i used it neat. it did the trick!