Expert advice on how to carefully and effectively clean old tiles from grout

Old tiles do not always have to be recycled. If you carefully remove and clean the surface of the solution, it can be reused.

Read the article about how to remove it using various compounds and how to carefully clean old tiles from mortar.

How to remove using folk remedies?

You can get rid of the solution using folk recipes. The #1 remedy for removing dried glue is baking soda.

It is applied as follows:

1. 0.5 liters of warm water is poured into the basin.
2. Pour 100 g of soda into it and stir until completely dissolved.
3. Using a sponge, apply the solution to the tiles.
4. Leave for 30-60 minutes.
5. Remove the softened composition. To remove it, you can use a brush with medium-hard bristles.

To prepare 0.5 liters of cleaning product, 50 g of caustic soda is enough.

You can remove the solution from the tiles using vinegar with a concentration of 9%. The acid acts as a solvent, breaking down the molecules of the adhesive base.

Mode of application:

• 1.5 liters of warm water is poured into the basin;
• added to it? glasses of vinegar;
• treat the tiles with the solution and leave for 30 minutes;
• use a brush to remove the solution; if it is poorly cleaned, increase the exposure time by 3 times.

You can solve the problem using bleach.In liquid form, it can dissolve any adhesive composition.

Use it as follows:

1. Dilute bleach with water in equal proportions.
2. Apply the liquid with a sponge to the side of the tile that needs cleaning.
3. Leave to act for 20 minutes.
4. Remove the solution with a brush.

Citric acid will help cope with a thin solution.

Mode of application:

• pour 0.5 liters of water into a basin;
• add 2 bags of citric acid weighing 25 g each;
• stir the powder until completely dissolved;
• the liquid is applied to the tile using a sponge;
• leave for 30 minutes, rinse with clean water.

Mode of application:

1. Pour Cola into a basin; there is no need to release gases.
2. Immerse the bar in the drink.
3. Leave for 2 hours.
4. Clean the product with a brush.
5. Rinse with clean water.

Coca-Cola has the property of coloring light-colored products. Therefore, if it is used to clean light-colored tiles, the element is not immersed in the drink, but rather applied to areas that need treatment.

Often the old solution holds firmly, so it is not always possible to remove it in one procedure. Several soaking cycles may be requiredto get rid of it without a trace.

How to remove with special compounds?

You can remove grout from old tiles using store-bought products. Their use greatly facilitates the work, as they contain components designed to combat complex contaminants. The following compositions will help cope with the solution:

Unicum

Liquid for removing cement and lime residues. The solvent is intended for treating tiles from:

• plaster mixtures,
• joint grout,
• cement and glue.

This universal composition is based on acids and nonionic surfactants. It is applied to the surface to be treated for several minutes, the softened composition is removed with a brush and washed with plenty of water. Price 310 rubles.

Premium House

Gel for removing cement and adhesive residues. The liquid is suitable for treating any surface. The gel has a high concentration, so before applying it to the tiles it must be diluted with water (1 cap per 1 liter of water). The composition is based on functional additives. Price 210 rubles.

Starwax

Cleaner for removing cement mortar. The liquid has an acid base, due to which it effectively dissolves cement, lime and other building compounds. The remover is highly concentrated, so it is not used for treating marble surfaces. Price 530 rubles.

Before using the solvent for the first time, you need to study the information on the label. Violating the manufacturer's instructions is unacceptable.

Mechanical methods

You can get rid of grout on tiles by mechanical cleaning. To do this, use sandpaper, a construction float or a grinder. Depending on the chosen tool, the way it is used differs.

Select sandpaper of medium grit. Use it as follows:

1. Nail or glue the sheet to a wooden block. This will make it easier to hold in your hand.
2. Fix the tile so that it does not move or fall from the surface.
3. Clean the glue with sandpaper.
4. Shake off the dry cleaned solution and rinse the tiles with clean water.

Procedure:

• fix the tiles;
• apply a grater to it and press lightly;
• holding the hand in one position, they begin to systematically work the surface;
• First, remove the solution by pointing the tool up and down, and finish cleaning with circular movements.

You can speed up the cleaning process if you use a grinder. To remove the solution use a scrubbing brush:

1. Install the attachment on the tool and plug it into the network.
2. Fix the tile.
3. Walk over the layer of solution, completely cleaning it.

During the work, you need to ensure that the tile layer along with the adhesive base is not removed.

In addition to specialized tools, you can try to remove the solution using pumice. It is used if you need to clean several elements. Pumice is not suitable for large-scale work, since the process of its use is associated with significant physical and time costs.

This video will show you how to remove old glue from tiles:

What not to do and why?

During work The following mistakes should not be made:

1. Under no circumstances should acidic products be mixed with chlorine. This combination will result in the release of caustic fumes that can cause poisoning.
2. It is prohibited to use a percussion tool to remove the mortar. Tile is a fragile building material; applying force will cause it to crack.
3. Do not use caustic compounds on tiles without prior testing. An aggressive environment can cause its destruction, as a result of which the entire batch will have to be disposed of.
4. It is unacceptable for aggressive components to come into contact with the glazed surface of the tile.
5. Tools (grinder, metal brushes, sandpaper) are not used to remove the solution from the outside of the product, as this will lead to scratches and chips. It is also not recommended to use a metal spatula.

Helpful information

Removal Tips mortar from old tiles, ceramic tiles:

1. Mechanical processing always produces a lot of dust. Therefore, you need to protect your respiratory organs and eyes. To do this, use construction glasses and a respirator.
2. If your skin comes into contact with chemicals, wear rubber gloves.
3. If the solution has firmly adhered to the surface and cannot be removed by conventional means, use hydrochloric acid. This is an aggressive composition that must be handled with caution. Acid is sprayed onto the contaminated area, left for 12 hours, after which cleaning begins.
4. Before using tools for mechanical removal of the adhesive mixture, it is recommended to soak the tiles in plain water overnight. During this time, it will become softer and easier to remove.

Conclusion

There are different ways to get rid of grout on old tiles. If there is time, resort to the help of improvised means. Specialized store-bought formulations help speed up the process.

Mechanical cleaning is used when the adhesive layer is thick and adheres firmly to the base. Regardless of the chosen processing method, you must follow the instructions.