How to Get Dreaded Grout Off Porcelain Tile?

Dried grout on porcelain tile can be a hazard to a homeowner. If left unattended, the hardened compound can crack and warp, allowing water to leak behind the walls. This makes the task of removing the dried grout from tile a challenging one, but there are a number of methods available to tackle the problem. In fact, the best way to tackle this is to test your chosen method in a small, unobtrusive spot. 

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The first and probably the most obvious step in removing the dried grout from your ceramic or marble tile is to dry it off. You can do this by either using a hair dryer or a regular fan. Using a broom and dustpan to sweep up any large pieces of grout is also a good idea. It’s important to make sure you’re not scrubbing away the material you want to keep, though. 

For an easy way to remove the dried grout from your tile, try the sugar and water method. Adding one cup of sugar to a gallon of warm water is enough to make a solution that will work surprisingly well. To make the best of this cleaning solution, you’ll need a bucket, a nylon scouring pad, and a wooden paint stick. 

The best part about this method is that it requires very little effort. Just make sure you rinse off your scrubbing pad after each use. However, it’s a good idea to get a sponge or rag with a scrubbing surface that is not too rough, or it may leave a fine layer of dried grout on the tile. 

Another nifty way to clean the dried stuff is by using a paint stirring stick. It’s an old-fashioned method, but it works. A paint stirrer is designed to be an aide for painting, so it has the advantage of being easy to carry around. 

You can also use a razor blade to remove old, dry grout. Make sure you follow the instructions on the box, though. Depending on the gritiness of the grout, you might have to do a little sanding before you can use it. 

If you don’t want to go to the trouble of removing the dried grout from your tile, you can purchase an epoxy removal product. These products are available at your local home improvement store. They can be used to clean any type of tile, but they are particularly effective for porcelain tiles. 

Other methods to get the job done include the use of a fine abrasive or a scrubbing brush. While not as effective as using a scouring pad or fine abrasive, these methods can remove dried grout with a minimum of fuss. 

Lastly, you could even replace your tile. You’ll have to choose a material that matches your tile. Using a matching tile means you’ll have a better looking floor. Alternatively, you could use a flat piece of wood to do the same thing, and save yourself some time.