Remove tile adhesive from joints: If adhesive gets into joints when you're laying new tiles and it dries, you have no choice but to remove it manually. Try scraping it out with a flathead screwdriver, grout scraper or chisel, before washing it out with a sponge and water.
A razor knife works for me. I usually soak the mix a bit before. It helps loosen it up and helps remove it easier. Most of it should come off the face with some water and a good sponge scrub. The grout lines will need to be scraped.
Use warm water and wipe it over the surface of the tiles with a sponge. Then using some fine wire wool, rub gently over the grout which will begin to dissolve and rub off at the same time. Once the tile is clean and has no more hardened grout, wipe over with a damp cloth and leave to dry.
However, if you use peel-and-stick tiles for your kitchen backsplash or mudroom floor, vinegar may help clean up any adhesive residue from those types of tiles.
Sentinel 787 High-Strength Mastic Remover
This fast-acting remover is designed to remove tile and carpet adhesives. It has been reformulated to offer the strength that you deserve without the odor that you might remember. It is a powerful alternative to other low-odor or citrus removal products.
There are two simple methods to try: warm water and steaming. We find that these cope with most types of adhesive. Please don't try using heat guns to remove tile adhesive as the residues can be flammable.
To remove grout from the surface of your tile, try the sugar and water method. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of sugar and 1-gallon hot water. This mixture will soften the grout, allowing you to scrub it away. Using a clean cloth, sponge, or brush, apply the sugar and water mixture to the grout you want to remove.
If you do find that some tile adhesive has dried before you start grouting, then the best solution is to use a grout rake to clean the adhesive off, followed by a stiff scrubbing brush and warm water to remove any persistent spots.
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.
Once you've activated the micro-scrubbers inside, your Magic Eraser is good to go. Start by swiping it firmly across the desired surface. In just a few swipes, you should start to see grout messes and buildup begin to disappear!
Steam cleaning is one of the most powerful ways to clean grout without the use of harsh chemicals. Professionals often use steam to loosen the dirt and other particles trapped in the grout without needing to scrub manually.
As go-to grout and tile care specialists, The Grout Medic truly wants what is best for your tile. Waiting too long to wipe grout could result in unsightly grout haze. Don't wait too long to wipe off grout!
Start by combining four parts water and one part white vinegar (hint: add more vinegar to increase the cleaner's strength). Pour into a bucket or spray bottle and apply the water and vinegar mixture to the tile surface. Scrub the area using a cloth, nylon pad, or a mop.
Removing adhesive: Chemical approach
One easy method is to use standard cooking oil or oil-based materials. Vegetable or canola oil can work wonders, as can peanut butter or mayonnaise. Spread it on, let it soak into the residue for about an hour, then wipe it away. For a tougher clean, try rubbing alcohol or vodka.
To remove epoxy resin tile adhesive from a floor, start by softening the adhesive using a heat gun or steamer. This helps loosen the strong bond. Next, use a scraper or chisel to manually remove the softened adhesive. For stubborn residue, apply a chemical adhesive remover, allowing it time to break down the material.
White vinegar is an acidic solution that can etch or corrode some tiles, particularly those made from natural stone or unglazed ceramic. The acid in white vinegar can also weaken and deteriorate certain grouts over time, particularly if the grout is already damaged or in poor condition.
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.
Homemade Grout Haze Remover
Add three to four parts of distilled white vinegar to one part of cool water in a spray bottle. Mix but do not shake. When using vinegar to remove grout haze, it's usually necessary to use a non-scratching scrubbing pad to boost the removal process.
ANSWER - It is possible to grout over existing grout if there is enough depth to do so. 1/8 inch depth may or may not be adequate depending on the type of grout used. A latex modified grout may work, but you have to properly clean the existing grout to ensure the new grout adequately bonds.
Excess Grout
Grout protruding from between your tiles is a clear sign of an amateur or rushed installation job. If the grout hasn't fully hardened, you can scrape it out with a wooden, preferably oak, stick. This will remove the grout without scratching the tiles.
A dedicated grout rake or a Stanley blade is best for removing existing grout. Grout rakes can be both mechanical and electric. Any electric grout rake is usually 240V and has variable speeds. The Rubi Grout Remover helps to remove grout surrounding ceramic and porcelain tiles.