How to Remove Grout Film From Ceramic Tiles
Grouting ceramic tiles is a messy endeavor. Cleaning as you go is the best preventative to the formation of grout film on the tiles. Epoxy grouts produce the most difficult film to remove, due to the permanency of the product. There is an easy method to removing both epoxy and Portland cement grout film. Both methods are manageable by the average homeowner and toxic chemical free. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sugar
- Bowl
- Non-stick scratch pads
- Sponge
- Soft towels
- Teakettle
- Soft-bristle scrub brush
Instructions
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Removing Portland Cement Grout Film
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1
Mix ½ cup of sugar with 4 cups of warm water. Pour this mixture over the tiles that have grout film on them. Let the liquid sit on the film for 30 minutes.
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2
Use a non-stick scratch pad to scrub the tiles. Work in a localized area. Rinse well with clear water and a sponge.
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3
Dry the tiles with a soft towel. Repeat the application of the sugar water, and rinse to remove the grout film.
Removing Epoxy Grout Film
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4
Fill a teakettle with water and bring the water to a rolling boil. Use a potholder when removing the kettle from the stove.
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5
Pour the boiling water over the tiles that have epoxy grout film. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the tiles vigorously.
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6
Wipe the water up immediately with a soft towel. Repeat the process as needed to remove the film.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Once the grout film is removed, consider sealing the grout with a high quality sealant. Onlinetips.org offers information about the various types of grout sealants. Take frequent breaks when scrubbing to avoid fatigue in the lower back.
Shut off the air conditioning before attempting to remove the epoxy grout film. If the change in temperature is too drastic, the ceramic tile can crack.
