Rejuvenate Your Tiling: How to Remove Grouting the Easy Way
From the backsplash in your kitchen to the shower walls in your bathroom, the tiles are often the stars of the show. But let’s not forget the unsung hero: grout. That thin line of material between your tiles has a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space.
Over time, grout can become stained, chipped, or even mouldy. This can make a room look dull, dingy, and even potentially unhealthy. The good news is, you don’t have to live with tired-looking grout! Removing or refreshing your grout is a project that can be completed in a weekend, and with the right tools and a little know-how, it’s achievable for almost anyone.
Transforming your space doesn’t require a major renovation. By tackling the grout, you can breathe new life into your bathroom or kitchen, giving it a clean, fresh, and updated feel.
What You’ll Need to Remove Grouting
A Cordless Multi Tool
The main tool you’ll require for the job is a cordless multi tool. The oscillating action of the tool combined with the right attachment makes short work of removing grout. Due to the versatility of these tools, you’ll no doubt get plenty of use out of one of these around the house beyond your grouting project, so it’s certainly a worthwhile investment. Mentioning the countless uses of cordless multi tools are out of the scope of this post, but something we plan on discussing in the future.
Our Top Cordless Multi Tool Picks
DeWalt DCS355P1-GB 18V XR Brushless Oscillating Multi Tool Kit with 1x 5.0Ah Battery
Perfect for cutting a wide range of materials, this DeWalt Multi-Tool has a variable speed trigger for superb speed and application control. Offering a quick change accessory system. The DCS355P1 features a bright LED light, that illuminates dark work surfaces for accurate cutting and a dust extraction adaptor and also comes with a battery and charger.
Milwaukee M12 FMT-422X 12V Fuel Multi-Tool Kit with 1x 4.0Ah & 1x 2.0Ah Batteries
The Milwaukee M12 FMT-422X is 12V FUEL brushless oscillating multi-tool. The tool delivers the fastest cutting speed and lowest full-tool vibration in its class. Its free blade change means you can work quicker and more efficiently with less down time.
The brushless POWERSTATE delivers 10,000 to 20,000 OPM whilst maintaining its speed under load better than anything else in its class. The 12 setting variable speed dial allows you to adapt to the application at hand.
Makita DTM51ZJX7 18V LXT Multi-Tool with 24 Accessories
With up to 20,000 oscillations per minute the DTM51 has a high operational efficiency which enables it to cut through most materials with ease. With a multi-angle setting that spans a full 360 degrees in 30 degree increments this versatile multi-tool will cut plasterboard, wood, metal, ceramic tiles and can flush cut nails and metal pipework. Change the blade for the sanding plate and you can sand or polish with it too. Compatible with all OIS Accessories (Oscillating Interface Systems). With a wide variety of accessories available for various applications.
Grout Remover Multi Tool Blade
The second thing you’ll need is a carbide grit grout remover blade to pair with your cordless multi tool, like the one below. Just ensure that the fitment of the blade is compatible with your multi tool.
Faithfull Multi-Functional Tool Carbide Grit Finger Grout Remover 65mm
Safety Glasses
You’ll want to be able to admire your handy-work with a pair of healthy, fully-functioning eyes, so a good pair of safety glasses is highly recommended. These will stop any stray chunks of grout, or tile from damaging your eyes.
Removing the Grout
Prepare the Work Area
Removing grout can be a messy process, so if possible, put down some old towels or the like to catch the debris, this will make clean-up easier. It’s also highly recommended to put masking tape around the tiles to reduce the risk of marking or chipping them. If you are working in a low light area, it may be worth getting a few cordless work lights to avoid an costly mistakes.
Begin to Remove the Grout
With your blade firmly attached to the cordless multi tool as per the manufacturers instructions, and a secure two handed grip on the tool, position the blade between the tiles directly onto the grout area. It may be helpful to use one of your hands to stabilise the tool against the work surface to allow for greater precision. Once you are confident that the tool is in the correct, safe position, simply press the trigger and allow the abrasive oscillating blade to remove the grout. Work in sections and take your time to avoid damaging your tiles.
That really is all it takes to remove grouting! Any small bits of leftover grout can be carefully removed with a flat head screwdriver. You now have a blank canvas to lay down a fresh layer of grout and give your tiling a new lease of life.