How to Soften Grout for Removal 5 Different Ways

Maybe you’re working on your first DIY tiling project and accidentally got a bit of grout on your new tiles. Or perhaps you’re finally tearing out some old shower tiles to make way for a magazine-worthy bathroom reno. Either way, removing grout haze or old, loose grout isn’t as hard as it looks, especially if you know how to soften grout for removal. From mixing up a lemon-based grout softener to tapping trusty vinegar to clear away grout haze, here are five ways to soften grout.

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Why Do I Have to Soften Grout for Removal?

Softening grout for removal isn’t required, but it does make the job much quicker and easier. By softening grout for removal, you also reduce the risk of damaging the tile around the grout. Dry grout may require more pressure to chip or cut away, which means you could crack the tiles.

If you don’t want to soften grout for removal, consider using an oscillating tool or a grout saw to quickly cut through the grout between tiles for a lower risk of damaging the tiles. However, it’s still best to use a softening method, particularly if you want to reuse or donate your tiles. You can also hire a grout removal pro to handle it all and avoid getting your hands dirty.

How to Prep for Grout Removal

Not all methods of grout softening will work for all types of grout or tile. For instance, the acidity of liquid softeners, even homemade varieties, can cause etching or discoloration in stone tiles, while heat methods of grout softening can damage glazed tiles. This may not be an issue if you’re removing grout to get rid of old, worn-out tiles, but if you’re trying to clean up dried grout or grout haze on newly installed tiles, these are important considerations before you begin.

As for grout types, liquid removal methods, like vinegar or sugar water, work best on porous, cement-based grout. If your grout is epoxy-based, you’ll need to purchase commercial grout dissolvers made specifically for epoxy grout, or you can use heating methods to soften the grout.

How to Soften Grout for Removal

Once you’ve determined the type of grout between your tiles, it’s time to start the softening process. The softening method you choose will depend on the grout type as well as what you have on hand. Here are five different methods for softening grout for removal.

Dissolve Sugar in Water

Sugar water is for much more than whipping up cocktails for friends or feeding your plants. You can use sugar dissolved in warm water to help soften and remove grout. Combine 1 cup of sugar water with 1 gallon of warm or hot water, then apply the mixture onto the grout. Let the water soak into the grout for 20 minutes, applying more if you notice the grout going dry.

Mix Warm Water and Lemon Juice

The acidity of lemon juice is a powerful ingredient that can help soften and break down grout for easier removal. However, don’t just pour lemon juice all over the grout. Instead, mix one part lemon juice and two parts warm water in a spray bottle or container. Apply the lemon and water mixture to the grout, letting it soak for 20 minutes and reapplying more if you notice the grout drying out.

Use Vinegar

If you want to remove grout haze from freshly laid tiles, vinegar should be in your arsenal. But first, know what type of tile you’re working with because vinegar can etch or discolor certain types of tile, including marble.

Once you’ve confirmed your tile is safe from the powerful acidity of vinegar, you can dampen a cleaning cloth with distilled white vinegar. Lay the damp cloth over the hazy tile for five to 10 minutes, then use the cloth to buff away the haze. Rinse the tile and wipe clean.

Use a Commercial Grout Dissolver

When in doubt, head to a home improvement store and pick up a bottle of a commercial grout dissolver or grout softener. These products can be particularly powerful, so make sure to suit up in rubber gloves and goggles before you get to work.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle. Most store-bought grout softeners recommend first saturating the grout in water for 15 minutes, then saturating the grout in commercial grout dissolver for another 30 minutes.

If you opt for sulfamic acid as your grout dissolver, work extra cautiously. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and goggles to protect yourself from this potent acid product, which can cause burns if mishandled. Closely follow the instructions on the label. Often, you’ll need to mix the sulfamic acid into water, apply it to the grout to soak, then let it saturate into the grout for 30 minutes before attempting to chisel or saw away the grout.

Apply Heat

Ready to turn up the heat on your grout removal? If liquid removal methods take too long for your liking, you can also try using various tools around the house to heat up and soften grout for removal.

Blow Dryer

While a blow dryer works well at drying the moisture from your hair, it has an opposite effect on grout. The heat can actually help soften and loosen grout in the same way that saturating the grout in liquid does.

Turn the blow dryer to the hottest setting, then point it toward a small section of grout for about three minutes, keeping it at least 8 inches above the grout. Use a grout saw, oscillating tool, or chisel to remove the small section of softened grout before it cools. Repeat until you’ve softened and removed all of the grout.

Heat Gun

If you don’t want to use your beloved hair dryer for this project, dig into your tool or craft box for a heat gun. Start by setting the heat gun’s temperature to around 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Hold the heat gun 8 inches from the grout, warming one small area for a few minutes. Work quickly to remove the heated grout before it cools.

Steam Cleaner

By combining both heat and moisture, a steam cleaner will make easy work of grout removal. Start by heating up the steam cleaner, then hold it a couple inches over grout lines for one to two minutes to soften the grout. You can use a nozzle attachment to direct steam into the grout lines or attach a nylon brush to steam and scrub grout simultaneously.

Taking Care of Grout

Once you’ve installed new tile and cleaned up any uneven grout or grout haze, it’s time to admire your hard work. But it’s also important to make a checklist of grout and tile maintenance to keep the new tiling looking as good as new for as long as possible.

• Squeegee shower walls during each use to prevent grime buildup.

• Wipe tiles dry after bathing or showering.

• Clean and wipe dry tiles on counters or backsplashes daily.

• Use vent fans or a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in rooms with tile and grout.

• Budget around $280 to $670 for the cost of grout cleaning by a pro once per year.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Softening grout for removal is a DIY-friendly task, so long as you use the correct method for the type of grout and tile you have. In fact, this project could cost nothing if you use materials you already have on hand, such as sugar water, vinegar, lemon juice, or a hair dryer.

If you hire a pro for grout removal and retiling work, expect to spend around $10 to $25 per square foot on the cost to regrout. Hiring a pro will save you the hassle of chipping away at old grout and tile, and a pro also knows how to expertly remove grout without damaging any sensitive tile materials. That could save you more money than if you attempt to DIY and accidentally ruin your new tiles.