any ideas on how to get cement/mortar off tile sto reuse them?

quintwins

Moved into a new house but ad to take the tiles off a boxed in section of the bathroom as there was a leak, they match the floor tiles so would like to reuse them, however it was a diy job so there was no grout to start with but they we're put up with tile adhesive, which looks just like cement, now there all still in tack except for one whic he stood one but we can't get it off to get them back up.

Don't wanna have to get new tiles as they were free orginally so not even sure where to look (did cheeck b&q but couldn't find any and don't really wanna spend that sorta money on a temperary house that isn't even ours) and we would like them to match, there not just plain tiles there a stone effect which makes it harder to find a match.

I'm sure there be some simple mse solution somewhere

tpt

put em in the bath overnight, if its not waterproof addy it will come off easily after a good soak. If it is waterproof then you'll struggle, and will need a mechanical solution

keystone

If its tubbed adhesive as tpt says soak in HOT water - it will come off easily. If its cement based you are somewhat knackered.

Cheers

maninthestreet

If it is cement-based, try tapping the cement (not the tile) with a hammer. You may find the cement will crumble.

Gloomendoom

If it's cement based really your only option is a hammer and chisel. You could soak them in acid but it would need a lot of acid.

I've got hundreds of the things to do myself.

ormus

hot water for the basic stuff.
if cement based, then chisel off what you can (lumps etc...) and then use a grinder to get most of the rest off.

quintwins

Sorry i forgot about this (i still have no tiles up btw)

We tried water, someone told us they had acid that disolved it but they we're worried about how the the tiles, guess he'll just have to carefull tap it off with a chisel.....glad thats not gonna be my job :rotfl:

Thanks for all your suggestions everyone.

27col

If there is to be any chiselling, then make sure that safety goggles are worn. You don't want a tile splinter in your eye.
I have never had a problem getting tubbed adhesive off of a tile. Just give it a quick soak in warm water, as has already been suggested.