Grout is the hard material that is commonly used in between tiles to create a smooth surface and to keep the tiles locked in place. This material looks like wet cement when it is put in place, and it dries hard within a short period of time. Removing grout from the tile surface is easiest to do when the material is still wet. If this is the case, you only have to use a damp sponge to wipe off the grout. However, because the grout dries so quickly, some people need to know how to remove dried grout from tile. There are a few solutions available for you to consider.
How to Remove Dried Grout From Tile in Five Steps
The two primary methods to consider when you need to know how to remove dried grout from tile involve the use of sugar and water or wood and water. Both of these methods are effective, so you can choose the method that is most convenient for you.
Sugar and Water
The sugar and water method is an easy way to clean grout off the tile, and you may have all of the supplies available to get started right now. The materials that you need for this method are a bucket, a towel, a cup of sugar, a nylon scouring pad, a wooden paint stick and a gallon of hot water. Mix the sugar and hot water in the bucket until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour the mixture generously on top of the grout. The water and sugar will need to penetrate into the grout over the course of several hours, so the mixture should be applied liberally.
After the grout is completely saturated, use the wooden stick to chip away at the grout. You should be able to remove all of the large chunks of grout that are on the tile’s surface. Some of the finer pieces of grout will still be on the tile and cannot be removed with the stick.
Get the scouring pad wet with the water and sugar mixture. Scrub the grout firmly yet carefully. If your effort is not effective, sprinkle some sugar directly on the pad. This will act as a mild abrasive and may be effective as you continue to scrub away at the grout. Once the grout is removed, clean the area with fresh water. Dry it with the towel.
Water and Hardwood
An alternative method is to use a piece of hardwood, such as oak or another material, to scrub the grout. The wood should have a square cut so that it has a flat edge. Other materials that are needed are water, a nylon scouring pad and a towel. As is the case with the sugar and water method, you will need to soak the dry grout with water until it is thoroughly saturated before proceeding.
Using the flat edge of the wood, scrape the wood against the grout. You will use moderate pressure. If the wood is heavily grained, you may need to lightly sand the corner so that the graininess is smoothed over. Remove as much of the large chunks of the grout as you can before moving on to the next step.
As is the case with the sugar and water method, you will use the wet scouring pad to pull away any fine fragments of the grout. In the event that the scouring pad becomes filthy with grout and your job is not yet finished, rinse the pad before continuing. When all of the grout is removed, rinse and dry the area thoroughly.
Other Grout Removal Methods
There are a few other solutions that may work well when you need to know how to remove dried grout from tile. One of these is to use wire wool. This is an abrasive material that may be used in place of the sugar and water mixture or the block of wood. You simply get the wire wool pad wet, and you rub the grout moderately. This method is most effective when the grout is already saturated with water.
All of the methods mentioned thus far are suitable for cement-based grout. If your grout is epoxy-based, another solution is necessary. You will need to use a special epoxy removal product that you can buy from your local home improvement store. Before you apply the product liberally over the floor, test a small area. Follow the usage instructions on the packaging.
Steps to Avoid When Removing Grout Off Tile
While removing grout from tile can be a tough job, you must avoid the inclination to chip away at it when it is dry. This could cause the tile to crack. Also, do not use a razor or another sharp surface. These products may scratch the tile.
Dried grout on your tile floor can cause immediate stress, but there are thankfully several solutions available to remove the grout effectively. If you have tried these methods without results, you may need to contact a professional for assistance.
