How do I remove tile adhesive or grout from flagstones

[meljones35]

Once our tiler had left and we cleared up we found large blobs of grout/adhesive had dropped onto our flagstone floor. Its solid and in lumps. Any ideas how to remove them without damaging the limestone flags?

 

[Pennyviz]

I'm about to try and clean up my quarry tiles and come across this:
http://www.ltp-online.co.uk/prod/ltp-grout-stain-remover

They also do a water based sealer suitable for floors without a DPC which I might try - anybody else used them?

Ps their website is slow but they do seem to be stocked in retail outlets

Penny

 

[MikeG]

You'll be surprised how robust the surface of the stone is. I would find a hidden corner and do a little scratch test with a screwdriver, and once you've sussed out what damage you can do, simply scrape off the spillage (why the hell is there any spillage??!!). The last remnant, and any scratch marks, might benefit from using a piece of sandpaper carefully, (again, try in a hidden corner) then if you have any sealant on the stone just dab a little in this location.

 

[Pennyviz]

Just seen limestone flags - sorry - anything that removes grout will eat into limestone too I'm guessing.

 

[MikeG]

I'm about to try and clean up my quarry tiles and come across this:
http://www.ltp-online.co.uk/prod/ltp-grout-stain-remover

They also do a water based sealer suitable for floors without a DPC which I might try - anybody else used them?

Ps their website is slow but they do seem to be stocked in retail outlets

Penny

NO!! Don't use that in this circumstance. It says not suitable for use on limestone.

 

[Pennyviz]

Yes sorry about that! Seems to work quite well on quarries. *double checks floor isn't dissolving in fizz of quarry tile soup*

 

[88v8]

Once our tiler had left and we cleared up we found large blobs of grout/adhesive had dropped onto our flagstone floor.

Great tiler. Where did you find him? The Pound Shop?

Ask him how he proposes to remove it.
Does he have a website? Google reviews can be your friend. Nothing quite so damaging as a well argued negative review.

Ivor

 

[meljones35]

Unfortunately he is the partner of a family member so don't want to cause an upset. Think I will be scrapping gently. The slabs are well sealed so I can try some cleaners just not any with acid in!

 

[meljones35]

Has anyone used Green Clean concrete and mortar dissolver? Acid free!

 

[MikeG]

Mel, please don't use a chemical. It really will be better physically scratching the stuff off. Try a scraper. Try a screwdriver. Hell, try a table knife out of the cutlery drawer. But don't bother with chemicals.

Better still, don't pay the tiler until he has cleaned up himself.

 

[eezageeza]

I've never tried it, but Tommy Walsh once recommended using a wallpaper steamer
to remove excess dry grout from tiles - the steam allegedly softens it enough to scrape it off successfully.

Let us know if it works ....