How to Remove Tile Grout

Introduction: Ceramic tile in hallways and bathrooms have become the floor of choice in most modern homes. Over time the ceramic tile grout becomes old or stained after a few years or a tile gets damaged that you will want to replace. Removing the tile grout from around a damaged tile or removing stained grout in the joint lines is a DIY homeowner task.

This task can be messy and take some work but if you take a few precautions it won’t be quite so dirty or arduous. Cover the floor with a dust drape to protect the floor while you work and to keep the dust contained. If you are removing grout from tile that is above a bathtub, sink or shower, make sure the loose grout does not get in the drain system and cause a blockage in the waste pipe.

How to Remove Tile Grout:

Place masking tape around the edges of the surrounding tiles. This will help protect against accidental chips when removing the old grout.
Using a grout removal tool or grout saw cut into the grout

, applying firm force but keeping it in control at all times. If the grout is sanded, as is usual with floor tiles, then it will take more effort to cut into the grout.
Systematically work your way along the joints, taking care not to slip and scratch a nearby tile.
Useing a utility knife or grout scraper scratch remove the grout. The grout should easily come loose. If the grout is sanded you may need to use a small cold chisel to chip it out.
You may need to repeat the process of cutting into the grout and scratching away using a combination of the tools.
After the grout has been removed clear the dust and dirt from the joints with a vacuum, damp cloth or a small paintbrush.

Insure that you remove all the old grout and residual dust before starting to apply new grout. Any loose old grout material will cause the new grout not to set properly.

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