Ceramic tiles may be used to create stunning patterns on walls, floors, and countertops. They also provide low-maintenance choices for these areas. When it comes time to redesign your bathroom or kitchen, you may not be ready to say goodbye to your favorite tile designs. You may remove the old tile and wipe away the old mortar with care, allowing you to reuse the familiar patterns in a new area.
Prepare for Safety
To avoid harm, gather safety equipment before beginning any tile removal operation. When removing tiles, grout, and mortar, wear safety eyewear. Dust and tiny fragments of stone or tile can easily irritate your eyes during the removal process. Scrapes and cuts can be avoided by wearing long sleeves and long trousers. If you're removing mortar from the tile with chemical items, make sure the area is sufficiently aired to keep vapors out of your workspace.
Remove the Grout Using a Chisel
You must first remove the grout that covers the spaces before you can remove the tile. This allows you to get your tools under the tiles' edges. Using a sharp utility knife, cut into the grout around the tiles. You may also chisel the grout away with a putty knife and hammer. Alternatively, go to a home improvement store and get a grout remover tool to aid in the removal of the grout. Remove all grout from around the tiles you want to remove so you can get to the tiles' edges.
Tiles must be removed.
You may carefully pull the tiles away from the wall or floor now that the edges are visible. Insert the putty knife as far as it will go beneath the first tile's edge. Lower the handle to the point where the knife is parallel to the floor without shattering the tile. Use caution in this stage to ensure that the tiles remain entire and unharmed. To force the knife beneath the tile, gently touch the back of the knife with your handle. Continue doing so until the tile pops out of its current spot. Remove the tile by pulling or prying it up and setting it aside. Continue removing tiles until the entire wall or floor is free of them.
Begin removing the mortar from the tiles.
Now that the tiles have been removed from the wall or floor, you may begin cleaning them in order to reuse them. Lay the tiles face down and scrape the backs of the tiles with the putty knife, removing as much old mortar as possible. Avoid putting too much downward pressure on the tile, as this may cause it to break.
You may also use cleaning chemicals to aid in the cleaning of the tiles. Using mineral spirits or another solvent-based cleaning, soak a cloth or sponge. Apply the solvent to the back of the tiles' mortar. Allow the solvent to dissolve the mortar for two to three minutes. Sakrete Concrete Mortar Dissolver, for example, can aid in the removal of mortar.
Scrape and soak the mortar off each tile until it's completely gone. To remove residue cleanser and avoid stains, wipe the back of each tile with a cloth soaked in clean water. After removing the old mortar, you can apply new mortar at any time for reuse.
To carefully remove and clean the old ceramic pieces before reusing your old tile, you'll need to put in some effort. When you see the results, though, the work is well worth it.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can recycle your old ceramic tiles and get rid of the old mortar. This will allow you to reuse your favourite tile designs in a new area. Be sure to wear safety equipment before beginning any tile removal operation to avoid harm. Remove the grout using a chisel and then remove the tiles by prying or pulling them off the wall or floor. Clean the back of the tiles with a solvent and scrape off the old mortar. Apply new mortar and reuse your old ceramic tiles in a new area.
