Once you have removed the tiles, you will need to soak each of the tiles in a cleaning solution and then scrape off the mortar if you want to reuse them. You can then rinse off the tiles and wipe them down. It is best to wipe a warm, wet sponge over the tile's surface to get the rest of the dust off.
You can remove tiles and reuse it. Gently remove the tiles to avoid breakage. Use quality thin set or mortar during the application.
Start with a grout rake and clean around and isolate the tile. Try to knock off a corner of the offending tile with a small bolster. If / when that snaps off, try to get a flexible blade down behind, such as a small filler blade or putty knife.
Pour 3 cups of vinegar into 1 cup of water and scrub the surface using a brush. After scrubbing for some time, clean the remaining solution using a wet cloth and gently remove it from the surface. In the end, to make the tile shine, use a damp cloth and buff the surface.
To remove mortar from tile flooring, mix muriatic acid with water in a ratio of 1:1. Apply the mixture to the affected area using a brush or sprayer. Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing away with water. Repeat as necessary until all mortar is removed from the tile flooring.
Hydrochloric Acid (Caution: Handle with Care)
Applying the solution to the stained regions using a brush with acid-resistant bristles. Allow it to rest for a while, but stay away from close contact for too long. Finally, give the tiles a good water rinse.
Baking soda and vinegar is the most effective natural solution for cleaning stubborn grime on old bathroom tiles. Mix together to form a paste and apply to the tiles with a non-abrasive brush or sponge, using a gentle scrubbing motion.
Vinegar-water solution : It mixes a natural acid with water to dissolve dirt thereby best suitable for the retention of properties of ceramic tiles. Both options give a non-toxic way of cleaning, hence they are popularly chosen for those who want to regain tiles without chemical cleaners.
Here are the best tools for tile removal:
Masonry or tile chisels. Sledgehammer or hammer (2 pounds) Floor scraper. Drill and tile drill bit.
Older tile can be firmly attached to the subfloor and very difficult to remove. Consider renting a jackhammer with a chisel when removing a tile floor. Be especially careful to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from the flying tile and mortar chips.
Apply warm water and lemon juice to the grout and allow it to soak in. It should help to soften the area a little to make removal easier.
Find a Local Tile Recycler
Recycle ceramic tiles at a nearby recycling center for convenient disposal. Due to its makeup and weight, it cannot be thrown out with your regular trash or recycling service.
The best way of updating your dated bathroom wall tiles is with paint, it's durable and cheap - making a very cost-effective option as opposed to retiling. You can't just use any old paint for this though, you will need a specialist product. Measure your walls to work out how much paint you'll need.
Use Tile Stickers or Decals
Many adhesive decals can cover up unsightly tiles and come off without leaving a residue. Decals come in sticker form but adhere to clean tile to add more color, cover a broken tile, or simply change up the style of the room.
The easiest way to do this is by using PVC wall panels, not only are they easy to install over your tiles but they're easy to maintain as well, making them a great solution for renters and homeowners alike.
Once you have removed the tiles, you will need to soak each of the tiles in a cleaning solution and then scrape off the mortar if you want to reuse them. You can then rinse off the tiles and wipe them down. It is best to wipe a warm, wet sponge over the tile's surface to get the rest of the dust off.
Vinegar can only dissolve smaller mortars. You will need a more penetrative method to clean all those old and large-sized mortar residues. You might need a large amount of vinegar to dissolve a medium-sized mortar cleanly.
Mistake: Applying too much adhesive can cause tiles to slip or ooze adhesive through the joints. Too little adhesive can lead to weak spots and failed adhesion.
This can be done with a putty knife, soft brush, or adhesive remover, whatever you feel works best for you. Follow this up by wiping your tiles down with a damp cloth to catch any dirt.