How to Remove Grout From Tile (4 Different Ways)

You are tired of cleaning up your dirty grout repeatedly, bored with its dull color, or a damaged tile needs to be changed. You can restore the beauty of your tiles by cleaning their grout correctly. For whatever reason, you have to remove the grout. But, do you know how to remove grout from tile?

I bet you think that grout removal is difficult and it will cost lots of money to buy tools for it, or maybe you are afraid of damaging the tiles and want to know the safe ways to remove them, but there is so much information on the internet.

Don’t worry! I’ll share that removing grout is easy without spending too much on buying tools. Furthermore, I’ll describe safe ways of grout removal without damaging the tile.

Keep reading this article to explore the information about it.

Causes of Grout Removal

Sometimes grout becomes so dirty that it gets so hard to clean it. The dirt becomes stubborn, and cleaning makes it worse. You can fix this by tile regrouting.
You might think its color does not match the tile, or you are bored with the same color. You can also color the existing grout, but this method is not sustainable. It would be better to replace it with different color grout.
If the grout is damaged and does not repair by filling the gaps, it’s better to replace it.
To remove any damaged tile, you have to remove the grout.

Tools & Materials Required to Remove Grout From Tile Floor

Safety goggles
Oscillating tool
Blade
Utility knife
Vacuum
Bucket
Water
Sugar
Wooden stick
Rubbing pad
Vinegar
Toothbrush
1/4 – 3/8 inch piece of wood

Removing Grout From Tile Surface

During the installation of tiles, grout is required to gain durability. It is also used to fill the seams between them.

The hard chemicals of grout make it difficult to remove. Here I will share four methods that will be helpful for you in removing grout.

Using Oscillating Tool

First, wear your glasses for the protection of your eyes. Take the oscillating tool (a grout removal tool), and put a blade on it. Connect it with power and start working with it.

While removing vertical seams, hold the tool vertically. For horizontal seams, hold the tool horizontally.

Whatsmore, the power will do the work, do not force it to do it. Work patiently. The oscillating tool removes the grout without damaging the tile.

Hold the tool at an angle to remove the remaining grout on the sides. Now, vacuum the grout and check if any grout is left. Remove it with a utility knife. Make sure you are not scratching the tile surface.

Using Solution of Sugar and Water

If you don’t want to use a tool or you can’t buy it, you can make a DIY solution as a grout remover. You mix sugar and water in this method because sugar is an abrasive material and does not damage the tile.

Take a large bucket and pour a gallon of water into it. Add one cup of sugar to it and mix it. Now pour the solution onto the area. You can make this solution in large quantities if the area is large.

Leave the solution over there overnight. The grout will become soft enough to be removed with a wooden stick in the morning. You can easily remove large pieces of grout with it.

The remaining residues can be removed by using a rubbing pad with sugar. Sugar act as an abrasive tool that removes grout safely. Now, wash the area with clean water.

Using Vinegar

Sometimes grout becomes hard enough that it becomes difficult to remove using sugar and water. You can use vinegar to remove the hard grout. First, clean the surface thoroughly.

Mix an equal quantity of vinegar and water in a large bucket. Pour this solution on the entire area and let it sit for two minutes. Using a toothbrush, you can easily remove the grout after getting soft.

Rub the toothbrush gently over the seams. When all the grout has been removed, wash the surface with water.

Using Water and Wood

You can also use water and wood to remove grout from the tile surface. Wood is a soft material, and it will not scratch the tiles.

Nevertheless, You will use a wood piece of the size ¼ to 3/8 inch. Cut one end of the stick square to get an effective grout removal process.

Use water to wet the entire area and leave it for a few hours. Use the piece of wood to remove the grout. When large pieces of grout are removed, use a nylon rubbing pad to remove the smaller pieces. Wash the area with clean water.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Possible to Remove Dried Grout from The Tile?

Use the tools designed for removing grout to remove dried grout. You can also use vinegar to remove hard grouts.

Is there Any Easiest Way to Eliminate Grout?

Pour any solution that makes grout soft to remove it. Leave the solution for a few hours. Now use a wooden stick or any soft material that does not damage the tiles.

How to Remove Grout without Damaging Tile?

You can remove the grout without damaging the tile. If you are using an oscillating tool, do not press it too hard and let the power do its work. Besides that, if you want to use any solution, use the one that does not damage the tile surface.

Which Solution Dissolve Dried Grout?

Make a solution of one cup of sugar and a gallon of water. Pour it over the area. The solution will dissolve dried grout. Use a wooden stick to remove the grout.

Which Solution is Best to Dissolve Grout?

Anyone can easily remove the grout using water and sugar solution. The solution dissolves grout easily, making it easy to remove. You can also use vinegar to soften the grout. If you want to remove stubborn hard grout, you can use sulfamic acid.

Final Thoughts

This article has explained the four best ways to remove grout from tiles. Homeowners can use tools and solutions this but take care of the tile’s surface while working.

Look for solutions that do not damage your tile type. You can easily do this project yourself.

If you use harsh chemicals for stubborn hard grouts, you can hire a professional to do the job to protect the tiles from damage. I hope this article will be helpful for you.