Little tricks on how to carefully and effectively remove glue from tiles

Tile adhesive is characterized by increased strength, because its purpose is to hold heavy building material in a vertical or horizontal position.

During repair work, it can end up in places where it shouldn't be. Read the article about how to quickly and efficiently clean adhesive from tiles.

How to remove tile adhesive?

Remove glue from tiles can be done using caustic substances:

• hydrochloric acid,
• chlorine,
• vinegar.

Regular soda helps to deal with fresh stains.

Hydrochloric acid

Hydrochloric acid helps to get rid of even hardened glue, as it has the ability to dissolve the most durable substances. You can buy it at any hardware store; it is part of many household chemicals.

To prepare the cleaning solution you will need 1 liter of water and 50 ml of hydrochloric acid. Mode of application:

1. Apply the solution to the contaminated area.
2. Leave for 20 minutes to absorb.
3. Clean problem areas with the hard side of a foam sponge.
4. Rinse off any remaining product with water.

Hydrochloric acid is a potent substance, so when working with it you must follow safety precautions. Hands are protected with rubber gloves, a mask and construction glasses are put on the face.

How to remove with soda?

If you start removing the glue within the first few hours after its application, you can use gentle products.

Mode of application:

• moisten the surface that needs treatment;
• apply soda to it, leave for 5-10 minutes to have an effect, areas contaminated with glue should remain wet at all times;
• clean stains with a hard sponge;
• rinse off any remaining product with clean water.

If you fail to remove the glue the first time, repeat the procedure.

You should not rub the tiles too hard with baking soda.. Small undissolved particles can cause scratches and cause the glaze to lose its shine.

Vinegar

Vinegar contains an acid that dissolves tile adhesive, making it easy to remove from hard surfaces. If the composition was applied recently and did not have time to firmly fix, use table vinegar with a concentration of 9%. To remove dried stains, use essence.

Mode of application:

1. Apply vinegar to a cotton pad or rag.
2. Wipe problem areas.
3. Leave the vinegar on the tile to work for 10-20 minutes. Periodically, the stain needs to be moistened.
4. Clean off the glue with the hard side of the sponge.
5. Rinse off any remaining product with clean water.

Gloves must be used when working with acid. Their use will protect the skin of your hands from irritation and drying out.

How to remove old chlorine stains?

Chlorine works well with adhesive masses; with its help it is easy to remove even old stains. It is most convenient to use ready-made chlorine-based compounds. To do this, purchase a liquid product called “Whiteness” from a household chemical store.

Use the product as follows:

• apply the composition to the contaminated area;
• leave for 20 minutes;
• remove softened glue with a rag or brush;
• wash the tiles with plenty of water.

Bleach not only corrodes the glue, but also disinfects the surface. It is not capable of harming the tiles, but is toxic to human health. Therefore, you need to work with it wearing a mask and rubber gloves.

Steam cleaner

If the house has a modern steam cleaner, then the fight against sticky stains will go quickly, without the risk of damaging the tiles and your own health. To remove the glue you do not need to use any household chemicals. It will soften when exposed to high temperatures.

Mode of application:

1. Connect the device to the network.
2. Bring the hover tube to the spot.
3. Wait until the glue gets wet.
4. Remove it with a brush or cloth.
5. Work on all problem areas.
6. Wipe the tiles with a dry cloth.

A steam cleaner allows you to cope even with old, stubborn stains, as well as other contaminants that may have ended up on the tiles.

Physical methods

Tools such as:

• brush;
• putty knife;
• scraper;
• sandpaper;
• chisel.

They resort to “heavy artillery” to remove the adhesive from the back of the tile, for example, for its reuse.

Procedure:

1. Treat the glue with any composition that will make it softer. This can be regular hot water or solvent.
2. Using a spatula or any other tool, carefully remove the composition from the surface of the tile. The scraper is placed with its tip facing the frozen mass. You can help yourself with a hammer by hitting the handle of the spatula with it.
3. Remove any remaining adhesive with a grinder, sandpaper or brush.

The mechanical method of removing glue is good because it allows you to get rid of even a thick layer of glue.

Professional household chemicals

Manufacturers of household chemicals offer the purchase of professional compounds for removing adhesive stains from the surface of tiles. Popular means are:

1. Label Off. The liquid is produced in bottles equipped with a sprayer. Citric acid acts as the main cleaning component. The product is applied to the stain, left to act for 4-10 minutes, after which it is removed with a rag. If a trace remains, the procedure is repeated. The main disadvantage of the cleaning product is its high cost. The price of a 0.5 liter package is 680 rubles.
2. Mellerud: adhesive remover. The basis of the cleaning product is hydrocarbons and surfactants. To remove the adhesive, soak a suitable cloth in the liquid and use it to treat the contaminated tiles. After 5-10 minutes, the softened material is removed with light movements. The cost of a 0.25 liter bottle is 450 rubles.
3. Spray cleaner Tesa. To get rid of glue on tiles, apply the spray to the stain, leave for 10 minutes, and then remove with a rag. The solution has a pleasant smell and has the ability to cope with stubborn stains, but its price is very high. The cost of a 0.5 ml bottle is 1200 rubles.

Helpful information

Tips to take into account before starting work:

1. You cannot rub the tiles too intensely using abrasive compounds. Otherwise there will be scratches on it.
2. You should begin removing the adhesive immediately after applying it. The longer it remains on the surface, the more difficult it is to get rid of it.
3. When applying solvent, you need to act as accurately as possible. Do not allow it to get on the seams.
4. If there are doubts about the safety of the chosen product, it should be tested on an inconspicuous area. This will ensure that the composition will not spoil the appearance of the tile.

Video on the topic of the article

The video will show you how to clean tiles from traces of glue:

Conclusion

Removing adhesive from a tile surface is not difficult if you choose the right product. The longer it is in contact with air, the more aggressive the solvent must be. The simplest and safest assistant in getting rid of glue is a steam generator.