Rejuvenate Your Tiling: How to Remove Grouting the Easy Way
Whether we’re talking about the tiles in your kitchen, or the tiles in your bathroom, the state of the grout between your tiles heavily dictates how good the area looks. Removing mouldy, worn, or chipped grouting can really transform a room and with the right tools it’s a weekend project that absolutely anyone can tackle.
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 DCS355N 18V XR Cordless Multi Tool (Body Only)
The DeWalt DCS355N multi-tool uses the Quick-Change Accessory System, that allows blades and attachments to be changed quickly without the use of tools. The Dual-Grip Variable Speed Trigger provides the ultimate speed and application control. It has a bright LED light that illuminates dark work surfaces for accurate cutting.
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.