Joint cleaner LUX-TOOLS intertile. How to remove grout from joints - tools and materials at hand

This video is dedicated to the original and effective way to quickly clean the joints between tiles. In the future, it is planned to fill these seams with grout. I am the creator of the channel SAMODELKIN and GADGET+, I’ll tell you what tool I use for this and tell you how to implement all this.
To clean the seams in this way, you will need such tools. Sprayer with water for wetting seams, screwdriver, nozzle for cleaning wood coatings from varnishes and paints. The nozzle is needed not with metal bristles, but with plastic, then it is perfect for this method.

When working with a nozzle, it is necessary to take into account some rules. The seams must be cleaned of mortar, the nozzle must not damage the tile in contact with it. And for this, you must first check how the tile reacts to the nozzle in case of accidental or intentional contact with it. In this case, the tile withstood all possible actions with the nozzle, so the master used it.

This method is suitable not only for construction work with filling joints with grout, but also for everyday cleaning of joints in the bathroom from dirt. However, in this case, the brush must be soft enough not to destroy the layer of existing grout and other decorative coatings. Work must be carried out carefully and carefully, using cleaning products, and not with an emphasis on mechanical processing.

Source: youtube

The laying of tiles is completed with grouting, which have an attractive appearance and complete the entire surface. But, alas, after a while, dirt begins to accumulate between the joints of the tiles, and with constant exposure to moisture, mold also multiplies. To avoid this problem, periodic cleaning of the tile joints should be carried out; we will consider how to wash the joints between the tiles later.

Seams between tiles - grout options

Before moving on to the direct issue of cleaning the joints between the tiles, you should first study the materials that are used in the process of grouting.

All compounds that are used during grouting are divided into two main types:

1. Mixtures having a cement base.

They appear in the form of a powdered filler, for the dilution of which water or latex is used. Inexperienced specialists work with mixtures that contain Portland cement substances. This grout is quite elastic and easy to work with. In addition, it easily fills the narrowest seams.

To dilute this kind of mixture, a respirator and goggles are used. Since there is a risk of contact with the mixture in the eyes or allergies.

There are cement-based mixtures in a ready-to-use form. This material is also convenient when working, only its cost is much higher. Therefore, it is practically not common in the construction industry.

When mixing the mixture yourself, it is recommended to strictly follow all the instructions indicated by the manufacturer. If this is not done, then the too liquid solution, after drying, will spread and form cracks. Using too thick a solution is fraught with the fact that the mass is not able to fill all the butt sections, therefore, the tightness between the tiles is broken.

2. Grouts based on the use of epoxy resin.

This mixture has the highest strength and adhesive properties, in addition, the percentage of its moisture absorption is almost zero. It is used in the process of grouting joints between tiles installed on the surface of the pool, in the bathroom, baths, on the front sections of the building, in rooms with high performance.

The use of such a grout requires special care and scrupulousness from the person performing the work. Since special efforts will be required to remove excess material, there is a risk of damage to the tile itself.

The grout contains epoxy resin and a special hardener, which fixes it on the surface. It is sold in a different package and mixed with the main formulations before starting work. The finished mass is not intended for long-term storage.

The seams between the tiles in the bathroom - cleaning with chemistry

Before proceeding to consider the means by which tiles are cleaned, a few words should be said about the rules for caring for them. If they are not adhered to, then the tile will serve its owners for a short period of time and lose its appearance.

Despite the fact that ceramic tiles are highly durable and resistant to various kinds of influences, there are a number of rules for its operation:

• abrasive cleaners or a metal brush are not suitable for cleaning tiles with a glossy surface, even if there are minor scratches, the original gloss is lost;
• chemical compounds based on the use of acid can easily damage the seams between the tiles on the floor;
• to improve the strength of the joints, it is recommended to use an epoxy resin paint, it allows you to improve their resistance to a humid environment;

• in the process of washing tiles, you should rely solely on specialized products that are designed to clean ceramic tiles; the use of other types of products is unacceptable;
• do not use cleaning products that contain pumice, sand, grease solvents in the form of soap;
• if there is a need to remove various kinds of contaminants, then for these purposes use a brush with soft bristles, which is not able to remove the coating on the tile;
• to wash matte tiles, use specially designed emulsions; after washing, they are covered with wax mastic, which makes their color more expressive.

To purchase a product with which you can clean the seams between the tiles, just contact any household store. There are a huge number of cleaning products designed to clean the tiles and the joints between them.

Chemical agents are characterized by the following advantages:

• the possibility of removing mineral deposits;
• effective fight against an unpleasant smell;
• protection against harmful microorganisms, bacteria and germ;
• the use of aromatic additives fills the room with a pleasant smell.

Please note that each type of tile has its own characteristics, which determine the type of cleaning agent used in the process of washing it. Before using this or that composition, you should read the instructions from the manufacturer well.

For example, if you use a solution in which chalk is present to wash ceramic tiles, but stains appear on the surface, which are very difficult to get rid of.

Do not use chemicals immediately. First try to get rid of the dirt with a soft brush and water. If the desired effect was not achieved, then resort to more radical methods.

An excellent tool in this matter is the Pemolux powder mixture. To apply it, you should use the same brush, which is wetted first in water and then in powder. In this case, it is better to wear rubber gloves. After applying the composition, it is recommended to wait about ten minutes, and then all the seams are cleaned with a brush.

The use of this method is relevant if the tile has slight contamination.

How to clean the seams between tiles folk remedies

• moisten the tile surfaces;
• apply baking soda with a sponge;
• wipe the surface of the tile to get rid of dirt;
• do not press too hard on the surface, as there is a risk of damaging the tiles.

Chlorine lime helps to make the tiles and the seams between them snow-white and shining:

• dilute lime with water until a liquid mass is obtained;
• using a spray bottle, apply the solution to the surface;
• after seven minutes, wipe the tile with a damp cloth.

Tip: Use a mask when performing this cleaning method, as there is a risk of an unpleasant odor. Although the positive aspect of such cleaning is the fact that all mold and pathogenic bacteria are destroyed between the seams.

The use of acetic acid will help to cope with stubborn dirt between the seams of the tile. To clean the seam between tiles, follow the instructions:

• apply vinegar essence using a spray bottle;
• using a brush, spread the vinegar on the surface of the seam;
• after 7 minutes, rinse off the vinegar with a damp cloth.

Please note that acetic acid is not used in its pure form. It is diluted in a ratio of 1.5 tablespoons per 500 ml of water. It is recommended to use this method first before applying bleach, as cleaning with vinegar is more gentle and harmless to both the tiles and the skin of the person doing the cleaning.

Another popular method for cleaning the joints between tiles is citric acid. To do this, follow these steps:

• take a sponge and wet it with water;
• lightly squeeze the sponge and dip it in citric acid;
• after 3 minutes, wash off the solution from the surface.

The width of the seams between the tiles does not affect the use of one or another processing method. In addition, you should take into account the fact that after applying any of the above cleaning methods, be sure to rinse off the solution and wipe the tile dry.

Another popular way to clean tiles involves a combination of the above methods. To prepare the solution, you will need to mix in a metal container:

• 3 glasses of water;
• 0.25 cups of soda;
• 0.15 vinegar essence;
• 0.15 citric acid.

Be sure to wear gloves when using the cleaner. This substance is quite aggressive, so you need to work with it quickly. Use a toothbrush or sponge to clean.

Apply the composition to all seams and wait ten minutes. Rinse off the surface with clean water. It is preferable to do the procedure at least twice. With this solution, it is easy to get rid of even the most difficult contaminants.

How to clean the seams between the tiles in the bathroom mechanical method

To use this cleaning method, you do not need to go to the store for chemicals or prepare mixtures based on folk recipes.

It is enough to have sandpaper at home. It is with its help that the seams are cleaned. Only special attention should be paid to the tile, it is unacceptable to scratch it with paper, as there is a risk of damaging the appearance of the coating. This option is quick and easy to perform.

After cleaning all the seams, they are treated with water, and then the tiles are wiped dry.

In addition to sandpaper, a toothbrush, sponge, and dish scraper are used. This option is suitable for a small kind of pollution. In addition, as an addition to this method, it is recommended to apply washing powder to the tiles.

In answer to the question of how to clean the seams between tiles without the use of chemicals and folk remedies, the best option would be to use a sponge based on melamine foam. This material is durable, but at the same time soft. It easily penetrates into any pores, removes all stains and dirt without the use of chemicals.

To apply a melamine sponge, only water is required, and the less effort is applied to wash, the higher the effectiveness of the process. This sponge helps to clean not only the seams between the tiles, but also does an excellent job of cleaning plumbing fixtures, sinks, bathtubs, mirrors, etc.

How to clean the seams between the tiles on the floor: important recommendations

We offer you to get acquainted with practical tips that will help make the cleaning process easier and safer:

• when washing the joints between the tiles, be sure to use gloves;
• an excellent tool for cleaning the seam between the tiles and for washing the tile itself is a chemical that is used to clean glass or mirrors;
• the washing process always starts from the bottom, and the procedure for cleaning and wiping the tiles from the top;
• to whiten the seams between the tiles, the use of hydrogen peroxide is perfect, which is applied directly to their surface without further rinsing;
• when the polished tile is cleaned, it is required to apply a special mastic to its surface, and a vinegar solution is used to improve the gloss of the glossy tile.

Removing grout from tile joints

If all of the above methods for cleaning the surface between the seams of tiles did not help, then more radical methods should be resorted to. If after some time after cleaning the grout still darkened, then mushroom-like bacteria settled on its surface. Their main feature is the presence of characteristic dark spots on the surface of the seams.

To paint over these places, a special covering felt-tip pen is used. It is with its help that problem areas are hidden.

In addition, there are a number of tools designed to update the seams. To purchase them, you should contact a specialized store. In the presence of a more serious kind of contamination that leads to crumbling of the grout during washing, one should resort to opening this material.

Tip: Before starting work, furniture and other items should be removed from the room, as a large amount of dust will be released during the opening process.

The procedure is carried out with special care, in order to avoid damage to the tile itself. After the first pass, all joints are wiped with a damp cloth, and then the procedure is repeated again. If the emery wheel failed to remove certain areas, then sandpaper should be used. Next, the seams are treated with a solvent and a primer. A new grout is applied to the surface.

In specialized stores there are products that are designed to protect the joints between tiles. It takes a lot of time and effort to carry out the procedure of their application. Therefore, these funds are used very rarely. After all the seams have dried, they are treated with a protective compound. For these purposes, a small brush is used. It is not recommended to apply the solution to the tile, as it destroys its integrity. In case of contact with the mixture, immediately wipe it off with a rag.

In order not to have to remove the grout completely, it is necessary to ensure proper care of the tiles. Once a month, wipe the seams with a stiff brush and warm water. Thus, it will be possible to preserve the original appearance of their appearance for many years.

Tile joints are the weakest point in a tiled floor. They are most susceptible to rapid wear, cracking and color fading. The surface finish loses its aesthetics, attractiveness, and a complete replacement of the grout may be necessary. How to do this job correctly and not damage the tile is described in the article.

Causes of premature grout wear

During the operation of ceramic tiles, situations often arise when the coating itself has not yet exhausted its service life, and the grouting has lost its aesthetics and does not fulfill its moisture-proofing functions. This problem may be due to several factors:

1. Incorrectly selected grout composition. The solution should be selected taking into account humidity, temperature conditions and the purpose of the room.
2. Mistakes made when applying grout. The most common is sealing seams with gaps or not to the full depth.
3. Making the solution is not according to the instructions. The liquid consistency of the grout reduces its strength and durability. When mixing the dry mix yourself, you must follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
4. Improper maintenance of ceramic tiles. Acid cleaners destroy the structure of the grout.
5. The appearance of mold on the walls of the bathroom and the penetration of microorganisms into the inter-tile space.
6. Increased humidity and dampness of the room due to lack of sufficient ventilation.
7. Fast contamination of light seams.

Before deciding that it is time to remove the old grout from the joints, it is necessary to carefully examine it and assess the degree of its destruction.

Assessment of the condition of the old grout

The first step is to thoroughly clean the seams. If the grout does not have cracks and there is simply a desire to update the color, then complete dismantling of the grout can be avoided. The situation is worse when deformations, fungus and mold appear between the tiles.

You can determine the need for a complete replacement of the grout by the following signs:

1. There are gaps in the seams, the grout crumbles and falls off.
2. When cleaning the seams with sandpaper, the color of the top layer of the grout does not change. This indicates the spread of mold and requires the removal of the old grout, followed by a disinfectant treatment of the joints.

Depending on the tools and consumables used, there are two main methods for removing grout: chemical and mechanical. To protect the tile from cracking, it is necessary to clean the seams correctly, adhering to the chosen technology.

How to remove grout from tile joints with chemicals

The most gentle option for removing grout is the use of chemical reagents. Special solvents “corrode” the frozen filling without damaging the tile itself.

Important! The chemical composition is selected according to the type of grout. Work with the reagent must be carried out strictly according to the instructions using personal protective equipment (rubber gloves and a respirator).

Remove tile grout with the following solvents: Sopro ZEA 703 / ZSE 718, Atlas Szop / Szop 2000, Clean, Keranet and Litoclean.

Most compounds are based on acids, which, if used improperly, can damage the surface of the finish. Some solvents can leave white marks on tiles.

Let's describe the procedure for removing tile grout with a chemical solution:

1. Apply the reagent along the seams with a thin brush or a special dispenser.
2. Leave the solution for a while (about five hours). The chemicals begin to act and the grout softens.
3. Try to pick out the grout with a construction knife. If it doesn’t come off well, then you need to re-apply the reagent. To remove the cement grout, the treatment will have to be done twice.

Some substances completely dissolve the grout and after a certain time it is enough to rinse the wall.

Removing grout mechanically

Choosing the Right Tool

The following tools may be useful for cleaning tile joints:

Removing grout with an electric drill

Before removing the epoxy grout from the joints, it is necessary to perform preparatory measures:

1. Prepare a solution by mixing equal parts water and table vinegar. The last component can be replaced with citric acid - this will avoid the appearance of a sharp vinegar smell.
2. Soak a sponge in an acidic solution and generously grease all seams. When using vinegar, the impregnation must be kept for about 30 minutes, and when using citric acid - 24 hours.
3. Put a thin drill on the electric drill, the width of which does not exceed the thickness of the tile joint.
4. Turn on the tool at minimum power and slowly “walk” between the tiles.
5. After complete removal of the grout, clean the resulting grooves with a hard brush.
6. Rinse the seams and treat them with an antiseptic composition.

How to remove grout between tiles with a knife: step by step instructions

If there was no drill at hand, then the seams will have to be cleaned with a knife. For work, it is important to choose a tool with a comfortable handle, as the process will be lengthy.

Grout removal procedure:

Folk methods for removing old grout

Supporters of the use of improvised means are suitable for folk methods.

Method 1 Using a concentrated solution of vinegar or citric acid. The prepared reagent is applied to the grout and left for a day. Over time, the grout is removed with a spatula or a construction knife. You can replace acid components with a plumbing lime remover or an acid-based dishwashing detergent.

Method 2 Prepare a solution of one part glycerin and three parts water. Treat the seams with a mixture and leave them for a while. Remove the old grout with a plastic spatula. A glycerin solution is also useful for solving the question: “How to remove dried grout from a tile?”. The cleaning technology is similar to the described procedure - after application, leave for a while and wipe with a rag.

Method 3 If the grout gets on the tile and dries, then it will not work to wash it off with water. For this purpose, you can use a solution of water with white spirit or kerosene. In the diluted composition, it is enough to moisten the sponge, wring it out slightly and wipe the surface of the tile with it.

Restoration of tile joints

Sometimes there is a desire to simply update the interior of the bathroom or kitchen. In order not to make a long and expensive repair, it is enough to restore the grout. It is possible to restore the original appearance of the tile joint using a simple technique:

Make sure the grout is not cracked or damaged by mold.

Cleaning tile joints is not a particularly difficult operation, but the work will require care and perseverance from the performer. So that the tile coating does not suffer, and the new grout lasts for a long time, it is necessary to adhere to the described technology and the advice of specialists.

So that you often do not have to decide how to quickly remove the old grout between the tiles, you need to properly care for the tiles and periodically clean the seams. Thus, it will be possible to extend the original appearance of the cladding and not resort to repair work ahead of time.

How to remove grout from tile joints: video

Grout is a finishing material that is used to fill gaps between tiles. And when you have to change the tiles, the question arises - how to remove the grout from the joints.

Options for removing grout from joints - choose the best

It is not necessary to clean the grout so often, but still it is necessary. Therefore, it is better for you to find out at the stage of laying tiles how these works are carried out.

Many experts note the following methods for removing grout between tiles, which include:

• Removing material with a sharp knife with a thin blade - a paper cutting tool will do;
• If it is necessary to remove the grout from the tile itself, it is best to use a solution of citric acid or detergent;
• You can purchase a mixture for grouting, which is used to remove material - it is easy to find in any hardware store;
• If the material has been applied recently, it can be wiped with plain water by adding a few drops of liquid soap to it;
• Many experts advise removing the old grout or (if it gets on the material) using the thinnest drill.

How to remove grout from joints with a drill?

If you choose a drill as a tool for cleaning tiles from grout, you first need to prepare the surface of the material. We moisten the tile with high quality, for which we need the following solution: we take table vinegar and water at a ratio of 1: 2. After preparation, apply the solution with a soft cloth and leave on the surface for 20 minutes.
While the solution is moistened, we prepare the tool: it is best to take the thinnest or glass - it should not exceed the diameter of the seam. In no case do not take large drills, as in this case there is a high risk of damaging the tile itself. Otherwise, you will have to redo it. After preparation, it proceeds to the very purification of the material that has served its time.

If mechanical methods no longer help?

You know how to remove grout from joints using mechanical methods. But what if the solution got on the tile itself? In fact, removing the grout directly from the surface of the finishing material is not so simple. A day after applying the solution, we remove the remnants of the material with a sponge soaked in water.

If the grout is more than a few months old, then plain water and soap will not help - use any dish detergent, as long as it contains a small part of the acid. This information may be on the product packaging. In addition, products that cope with limescale are excellent - the grout will not resist under their influence and will be washed off.

Goods ordered in the OBI online store are delivered in Moscow and the Moscow Region within 50 km from the Moscow Ring Road. Shipping costs are automatically calculated when placing an online order, based on the weight of the goods and the delivery area.

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We will deliver your order free of charge if the delivery address is located in the first delivery zone for online orders, as well as:

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The courier service delivers small-sized orders (weighing up to 30 kg) to the buyer's door, large-sized orders to the entrance (gate, gate) of the house. Delivery includes free unloading of goods from the car and their transfer within 10 m.

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Paved paving yards and driveways look neat and inviting. With the right choice of material, walking on them is safe and comfortable. But over time, moss may appear on the paving slabs. It negatively affects the performance and aesthetic performance of the tracks. That is why for many owners of private houses and summer cottages the question of how to get rid of this vegetation is relevant.

Where does it come from and why is moss harmful on tiles

Moss is a spore-growing perennial plant. It does especially well in damp shaded areas. Moss spores are easily carried by the wind. Once in a favorable environment, the plant begins to multiply rapidly. If you do not immediately clean the paving slabs, then a solid green carpet will form on it. Moss adsorbs (absorbs) water well, so it is always wet under it. This negatively affects the characteristics of the tile: it will gradually collapse. Other negative points:

• moss makes the path more slippery, and this reduces the safety of movement;
• the vegetation between the tiles looks unaesthetic, and can also lead to a change in the shade of the paving stones.

Mechanical removal of moss

To remove moss from paving slabs, homeowners often use simple mechanical tools such as scrapers, spatulas, or brushes. With their help, you can manually remove the vegetation. The surfaces are then rinsed with water. However, this method has its drawbacks:

• it is almost impossible to mechanically completely get rid of moss on the paths. The remaining spores will germinate and the cleaning will have to be repeated again;
• it is a long and laborious process;
• in order to completely destroy moss on paving slabs, the mechanical method should be combined with the chemical one: use special compounds to combat vegetation.

Efficient removal of moss from the paths with Karcher sinks

We offer some practical tips on how to deal with moss on tiles:

• since moss not only covers the surface of the stone slab in a thick layer, but also penetrates into the pores of the stone, a mud cutter is used to remove it;
• the mud cutter generates a high-pressure rotating stream that combines the power of a point jet with the significant performance of a fan jet;
• the jet should be directed to the surface almost vertically from a distance of 20-30 cm and slowly moved from one edge of the moss-covered slab to the other;
• The splash guard attached to the mud blaster will protect you from flying splashes of water.

In the Karcher catalog you can choose a dirt blaster with a powerful rotary nozzle for any class of high-pressure cleaners - from K 2 to K 7, for example DB 160 DIRT BLASTER for sinks K 5 - K 7. Using practical examples, we want to show you how it is necessary to work correctly with the pressure washer and what should be taken into account. Special accessories give it the widest functionality. It is convenient to carry out abrasive blasting, cleaning pipes, cleaning terraces or even pumping water from a pond. Maybe you will find other applications for your device! When carrying out work, remember that the maximum impact pressure of the jet is reached at its exit from the nozzle. Therefore, persistent pollution is best removed from a short distance. To remove minor stains and treat sensitive surfaces, increase the distance between the object and the nozzle.

When deciding how to clean moss from paving slabs, consider using a pressure washer. This device not only effectively fights with vegetation, but can also be an excellent assistant in other works on a personal plot or summer cottage. Please contact our managers and they will advise you.