Installing tiles on the floor might cover your house surfaces but won’t cover the gap created by the side-to-side tiles filling. The gap between the tile floor is usually covered by some grouting materials, which may become irritating to you later. This is why it is pretty apparent to you to learn how to get dried grout off tile floors.
The standard way to get rid of such an illusion is to take help from any chemical cleaner. Mechanical tools also do the same. But both of them do not provide equal outputs as anyone expected. Chemical cleaners suggestively reduce the backbone of the grouts.
Mechanical tools do remove the excess of the grouts, perhaps leaving a suspicion of scratching. Yet diverging the tiles’ grout often depends on what tiles and floors you’ll get. That means you need to be strategic here. So read this thoroughly to get more ideas and data related to these affairs.
5 Effective Methods To Get Dried Grout Off Tile Floor: Safe Ways
You can choose any method to get dried grout off the tile floor. Make sure those ways aren’t harmful while using the tiles. Perhaps, try out the following three methods, which proved very handy and authentic. Also, you will get the results you expected.
Method-1: Remove The Grout Using Vinegar
As vinegar is very effective in cleaning or wiping off stubborn stains, you can use it to remove the grout. Below are some steps which may help you in this regard. Apply them one after one to get a transparent output.
Step-1: Necessary Tools For The Procedures
To do this process, collect some vinegar from any local stores. Along with these, try to grab the following things also.
- Tilt sponge;
- Haze / Grout remover;
- Mop & bucket;
- A bucket of water;
- Sandpaper grit.
Step 2: Clean The Floor Tile With A Sponge & The Bucket Of Water
First, start your job by damping the tile sponge into the bucket of water. I use Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges to get the job done perfectly.
However, keep the sponge straight, and try to move it in a circular motion rather than following the back and forth motion. Now, wring the sponge after finishing one stroke of mopping and changing the bucket of water when it gets dirty.
Notes- It is time-consuming to change the bucket of water over time. In most cases, you may feel disturbed carrying the water bucket and throwing them away. For this, my advice is to take a spray bottle to spray the water. It will then be easy to clean the floor with a sponge.
Step-3: Use Grout Haze Remover
Since you have cleaned the floor with water, it is now free from loose dirt. At this point, you need to use any grout haze remover or vinegar. If you don’t have grout haze remover, use vinegar instead. But grout haze remover is good and gives you a speedy result.
Step-3: Put 2-3 Drops Into The Sponge
Put 2-3 drops into the sponge and apply it over the floor. Wipe the floor off and rinse it with water. Mix 1 cup of distilled vinegar with 1 quart of hot water for vinegar. Then dip any mopping rag or towel on it, and mop the tile floor with this.
Step-4: Scrub The Floor Tiles
It is worth using a scrub brush to thresh the stubborn stains. Keep in mind that you won’t need to worry about rinsing the floor while using vinegar. Let the solution dry thoroughly and use the tile’s sealer. Both of these liquors work enormously to return the floor gloss.
Method-2: Use Homemade Grout Off Cleanser
You can clean the tile grout using so many homemade DIY projects. One of the best methods is a paste of baking soda and bleach. Mention not, this mixture is also helpful in removing the tile’s stains. So, here are the procedures you should follow for this.
Step-1: Required Materials
Make sure you have collected those things before starting the main task. Vinegar and baking soda are the showstoppers for this method. Apart from these, buy or get:
- Broom or dustpan or vacuum;
- Rag/chamois mop;
- A clean bucket;
- Dry cloth;
- Baking soda;
- Vinegar;
- Nylon Brush;
- Gloves, dust mask.
Step 2: Sweep Or Vacuum The Tiles On The Floor
It is the most common step for almost all the methods. Because without sweeping or vacuuming the tiles, the floor often makes complex tasks easier for you. It picks up dust, pet hairs, and other moss to give you clean surfaces. Ensure that you get into the corners while sweeping, were dirt piles up most.
Step-3: Mix The Baking Soda & Bleach With The Right Ratio
Now mix the baking soda and bleach. Make a thick paste by maintaining a proper ratio. Take a bowl and combine ½ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of bleach. Make sure that the mixture is not too thick or not too light. Now, put the mixture directly over the grouts.
Step-3: Scrub The Floor Using Nylon Brush
Wait at least 15 minutes to properly let the mixture sit on the tile floor. Follow a pattern when you move through the room, and start to scrub with the mixture. You can use any microfiber pad to clean the floor. But nylon brushes are helpful to erase the obstinate taint. Keep scrubbing in a circular motion, so there’s no inch of the foundation that may get missed.
Once you’re done, rinse the floor with water. Leave it to air-dry, or try to do it with a clean cloth if your tile is prone to forming water or gnarly spots.
Method-3: Oxygen Bleach
As grout is very porous, washing it without chemicals is not wise. The grouts on the countertop, floor, kitchen, and bathroom are annoying and hard to remove. So there are tricks that may give you breathable relief. Try the below steps one after one.
Step-1: Create A Solution Of Oxygen Bleach & Warm Water
Oxygen bleach is available in both liquid and powder forms. But you must have used the powder forms for grout cleaning. The liquid usually comes in small spray bottles, which may not be sufficient to saturate a large grout area. Pour the oxygen bleach solutions into the bowl or directly apply them to the grout lines.
It may be suitable for floors, but this can be a little difficult for walls. Apply the powder bleach directly onto the floor.
Step-2: Leave It For Soak & Rub The Grout Line
After applying the solutions, ensure that you leave it at least 60 minutes before proceeding. You can get ready for the next steps within this period. Take a scrub brush, a microfiber pad, and a foam sponge. Then scrub it gently using your hand.
Notes- Bleach is very sensitive when closely contacting eyes, legs, hands, and nose. Wear hand gloves, boot shoes, and a dust mask before starting the task.
Step-3: Check The Remaining Dirt & Rinse With Water
This is the final task; here, you need to give effort to lucid the roots. Use an old toothbrush to get the best results, as the grout lines used to be very thin. After that, check if any remaining dirt disappears almost on contact. If it is appropriately cleaned, you will notice an impressive shine instantly.
Method-4: Steam Clean The Grout
Steam cleaning is the most recommended method for removing the grout and stopping it from going manky. There are different steam cleaners with various features available in the market. Grab any and use it for the job.
Besides this, if you don’t have any, rent a steam cleaner from any local tile hardware store. But make sure not to use them on the enamel or anodized surfaces.
Method-5: With The Spout Of Muriatic Acid
You can use this method, unlike the above procedures. But here, you need to fill a bucket with 1 gallon of clean water. Then add 1-cup of muriatic acid. Do not pour acid directly into the bucket and then water afterward since it can create a dangerous chemical explosion.
Next, apply them to the grout line, and scrub with any paintbrush. Allow the solution to sit for some time until the grout becomes clean. Finally, rinse off the cleaning solutions thoroughly. At this point, you must add an ammonia solution to neutralize the remaining acidity from the grout. Otherwise, it may be fatal to you later.
Follow a similar way to make the ammonia solutions. Pour 1-cup of ammonia and 1 gallon of water, stir it properly and pour it into the floor.
5 Mistakes You Should Avoid While Getting Dried Grout Off Tile Floor
Below are some life-saving tips to remove dried grout from the tile floor earlier. Try to keep an eye on them whenever you’re removing dried grout. They work rapidly and save you time.
1. Use an Oscillating Tool Instead Of a Remover
Try to use any oscillating tool instead of any grout remover. It’s not only for reducing grout effectively but also to help save time. On the other hand, an oscillating tool or grout sander is also very helpful in lessening your labor.
2. Using Wrong Cleaning Techniques & Cleaners
Avoid using the wrong cleaning techniques and cleaners. It is a common mistake that people usually make with grout and tiles. Primarily, the cleaner does not contain harsh chemicals, including ammonia and bleach. Using this kind of chemical may damage your tile floor.
3. Unaware Of Safety Precautions
Some people usually think it is safe to work with any grout cleaners. Perhaps, you don’t know what ingredient it contains and what not. A survey claimed that more than 98% of people show disinterest in wearing safety precautions. So make sure to put on your mask, loose t-shirt, and sandals during the task. Along with these, keep the furniture aside to prevent scratching or cracking on your tiles and grouts.
4. Ignoring Cleaning Tile Grout Daily
You can clean the grout from tiles per week or per month. It may not impact very much on the low-traffic areas. But water and moisture are standard for high-traffic areas like the bathroom and kitchen. There is a high tendency that mold and bacteria will grow and spread very swiftly. For this, you should schedule to clean the grout from tiles daily.
5. Using Too Much Water During The Work
Many homeowners used to clean the grout floor by over-wet it. It is a common mistake that should be corrected. Again, using tap water excessively may cause the problem of discoloration and staining. In that case, try to avoid using too much water while working.
3 Useful Tips To Get Dried Grout Off Tile Floor Without Damaging Tile
One common issue you may face when removing the dried grout from tiles is scratching. This is the primary concern in almost every case. So, below are some valuable tips to get the dried glue off the tile floor.
1. Try To Use Hot Water
Using warm water over the tile floor may sound very easy. But you may often fail in this mission if these tips don’t look workable to you. Hot water is efficient when the grout is dry or too junky. For this, only a non-scratch scouring pad and warm water will be enough to erase the soft grouts from the tiles’ border.
2. Oil Soap To Remove Grouts
You might not want to remove the grouts only, and the stubborn dark spots might be your concern too. In that case, using any mild soap and oil will help to remove the grouts efficiently. Oil soap is compatible with reducing the grout stains that make the surfaces nasty.
3. Grout Saw To Clean The Stubborn Areas
Grout saw is also very effective in removing the grout from the stubborn areas. Since this kind of saw is usually too thin, scooping with this tool becomes a handier for you. Again, it is also attached with a serrated blade which can be used to cut off the grout between the floor tiles.
Related Questions:
How Do You Take Off Dried Grout Without Damaging Your Tile?
The best way is to take off dried grout without damaging the tile using a putty knife. A putty knife helps to reduce grout and erase them from the tile’s corner. Putty knife-sharp edges are a common way to eradicate the grout nicely.
On the other hand, use a sponge to remove the sanding grouts. While driving the knife, make sure that you pressurize the grout line areas, not the tiles. Otherwise, it may damage the tile floor.
How Do You Get Dried Grout Residue Off The Tile Floor?
To remove grout residue from floor tiles, follow a spray-on method. Use a spray bottle, and fill it with clean, pure water. Add some chemical cleanser or haze remover to it.
Pour them onto the tile floor. Scrub it or rub it with any heavy-duty sponges. Later on, I prefer to finish the task by giving a good wash with water. If you don’t want that, use rubbing alcohol and warm water to clean the floor.
Is There Any Certified Chemical To Get Dried Grout Off Tile Floor?
Many types of chemicals can be used to remove grout. You can use it to either remove grouts or diminish the stains. Grout remover is also efficient and steadier than other kinds of products.
One of the most common but effective chemicals is known as muriatic acid. It is a form of hydrochloric acid, also known as tool brick builders. To purchase this, consult your nearest hardware store or building supply store.
Will Hydrogen Peroxide Help To Get Dried Grout Off Tile Floors?
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural grout cleaner that can be used to reduce dried grout off tile floors. You can use it to clean the stains on hardwood surfaces too. To make reliable solutions with these elements to remove the grout lines, combine the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to produce strong bonds.
On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide is the fundamental solution that works nicely to rejuvenate the floor. Both of these chemicals combined react and return the grout-treated area naturally. Once applying it, allow this solution to sit and rinse the floor with water as usual.
Will Vinegar Soften Grout To Get Off The Tile Floor?
Vinegar has an acidic nature which can soften the tiles’ grouts efficiently. Grout materials are base-based. So grout can easily be neutralized with a chemical reaction which is called a neutral reaction. It also penetrates the unsealed grouts by sipping into the air spaces. On the other hand, vinegar could corrode grout with time.
In that case, you must have done a patch test over the floor. If you wish to use vinegar to clean grouts, ensure that you mix them in a good ratio. Use 2-parts of vinegar and add a liter of water to create a grout cleaning solution.
What’s The Best Way To Remove Grout Haze From Tile Floor?
The best way to remove grout haze is using chemical or oxygen bleach. Both of them have vital ingredients to fight against moisture. Again, you can make a homemade grout haze cleaner on your own.
All you need to collect is 1-cup of ammonia, ½ cup of vinegar, and ½ cup of baking soda. Then add1 a liter of water. Put them into the spray bottle, and spray them over the grout haze. Finally, rub and clean it.
Conclusion:
Perhaps, I have finished telling you all about getting dried grout off tile floors, which is best. Again, the way suggested above is the shortest and most notable scheme for this job. But if you want, you can do the same job using any low acid.
Before that, don’t forget to wet the floor first and scrub with a nylon brush. If the grout is not entirely removed, use phosphoric acid. It will effectively remove the remaining cement from the floor. However, take the necessary steps to clean the grouts and make them facile.