How to Remove Grout From Ceramic Tile on Kitchen Counters
If the grout between your kitchen countertop tiles has become corroded, cracked, or so dirty that nothing will clean it, it may be time to dig it out and re-grout. Grout is a form of cement, and it tends to be more vulnerable to stains and moisture problems than the tiles themselves. Removing the grout is a slow and painstaking process, but is a lot easier than a full tile replacement. It's important to be ready to re-grout the countertop as soon as you remove the damaged grout, so moisture doesn't get under the tiles. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Grout saw (square carbide blade on a handle)
- Small, sharp chisel
- Small hammer
- Hand-held vacuum
- Sponge
Instructions
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Scrape your grout saw along the grout lines wherever it needs to be removed. The grout saw is designed to work gradually, breaking through the top sealed layer of the grout and then slowly digging it out. Don't try to remove too much at once or you may end up breaking the tile. Scrape forward and backward with steady speed and pressure and let the blade gradually pulverize the grout.
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Stop using the grout saw occasionally to bring in the hand-held vacuum and clean up the debris. It's important not to let the loose, pulverized grout sit on the tiles, as it could scratch them.
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Chip out any areas of grout that don't come out easily with the grout saw using your small chisel and hammer. Only chisel the grout straight down, not toward the tiles on either sides, as you could end up cracking them. Use the vacuum to pull away the debris.
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Go over the tiles with a sponge that's been soaked in warm water and very well-wrung, to take up any residual grout and grit so it doesn't scratch the surface of the tiles. Don't get water in the open grout lines, as they are vulnerable when the grout is out.
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Tips & Warnings
Grout can end up flying in unpredictable directions when using your grout saw, so wear eye protection.
