Over time, the grout between the tiles in the bathroom or kitchen becomes dark, and cracks and chips appear on it, which spoils the overall appearance of the room.

Most often this happens for the following reasons:

• during application, the grout did not fill the entire volume of the seam, which led to the appearance of air voids that destroyed the material;
• using the wrong type of material (for example, in the bathroom it is necessary to use grout with moisture-resistant and moisture-repellent characteristics);
• use of aggressive cleaning agents when cleaning.
• If any of these three mistakes occur, then after a few years the grout darkens, and cracks appear on it, where moisture gets in. As a result, the latter grow into large cracks and become a place for the formation of mold, which looks like large black spots. If you do not take the necessary measures at this stage, then the destruction of the tile itself may begin, which means additional costs for its replacement.

The same applies to silicone grout, which becomes moldy if not properly ventilated. It is impossible to clean it off, so you have to remove it completely and reapply it.

How to remove old grout ?

All methods for removing damaged grout can be divided into mechanical and chemical, from the name of which you can understand the principle of action. Let’s look at the main options:

Drill with drill

Before starting work, treat all seams with a solution of vinegar and water (mix them in a 1:1 ratio, but note that you need to pour vinegar into water, and vice versa). This solution is applied with a sponge or soft cloth. Then you need to wait 15-20 minutes for the product to be absorbed into the grout and soften it.

After this, you can proceed directly to remove the grout. Please note that the diameter of the drill must match the width of the joint to prevent damage to the tiles. You also need to use the drill only at low speeds, and it is important to press the tool well against the seam. This will prevent it from breaking and damaging the tiles. If you don’t have a drill, then take any metal object that can catch part of the grout. It should be sharp enough and have an oblong shape (an ordinary grinder will do just fine). The grout is directly removed using progressive movements along the seam between the tiles.

Having completed the removal of the bulk of the grout, all seams must be treated with special blowers or cotton swabs. After this, you can begin applying new grout.

Using a spatula

You can remove damaged grout with an ordinary spatula. It effectively removes grout softened by a solution of water and vinegar and will not damage the tiles

Chemical removal methods

If you do not want to deal with mechanical methods or cannot be removed by them, you can use chemicals to remove the grout. They are most effective at getting rid of residue, but you need to be careful not to ruin the appearance of the tiles. For work, you can use both folk remedies and special preparations.

Citric acid solution

It is necessary to prepare a concentrated solution and let it brew. It can be applied to the seams with a sponge or rag, and the old grout can be directly removed with a knife or spatula. Please note that if you give enough time for the chemical reaction to occur, the old material will be removed very easily and quickly.

Special preparations

There is a wide range of grout removal products on the market today. There are both universal preparations and specialized ones, produced under the same brand as the material itself for finishing ceramic tile joints. Regardless of the specific type, they operate on the same principle, slowly softening the grout, allowing it to then be easily removed mechanically.

Safety regulations

Working with chemicals and the release of small particles of grout during mechanical removal can potentially lead to an allergic reaction, and damage to the eyes and other parts of the body. To prevent a negative reaction, we recommend using a respirator, gloves, and safety glasses.

Features of replacing silicone grout

If you used silicone to finish the tile joints, then remove it as follows:

• Use a knife or scraper to remove the silicone sealant;
• Clean the seams from dirt and dust particles with a vacuum cleaner;
• apply and leave a special silicone remover for a day, after which the material is removed with paper or a rag;
• wipe and degrease the surface to ensure sufficient adhesion of the new layer of silicone;
• Apply masking tape to the edges of the seam, leaving a little space in the corner between the bathtub and the wall;
• apply silicone grout in 1 pass;
• immediately smooth the seam with a rubber tool or a finger, which must first be moistened in soapy water;
• After smoothing, remove the masking tape.

Numerous companies provide grouting services for bathrooms and balconies, but selecting the one that excels in grouting is crucial for achieving optimal results.

Conclusion

Removing old cement grout is a troublesome and time-consuming undertaking without a guarantee that the tile itself will remain intact. It is often more reasonable to completely replace it (this is especially true for cases where the coating has successfully served you for many years). In this case, you will get a guaranteed attractive appearance, and the old tiles can then be used in the country house to decorate various rooms.