How Do You Remove Tile Mortar From Grout Lines?
Thinset is a cement-base mortar used in tile applications. Amateur installers and even some experienced installers make the mistake of not wiping out excess thinset from the grout joints before it dries. The thinset then hardens and becomes a chore to remove. If you do not remove the thinset before the grouting, the thinset can show through the grout joints where it dried higher than the actual grout level. During installation, use a damp sponge to wipe off excess thinset as you are setting it. For excess thinset in the grout joints, use a pencil, margin trowel or something that fits between the tiles without causing them to shift and remove the thinset. Wipe the tile one final time to remove any thinset on the surface sides of the grout joint. Remove dried thinset before grouting. Take a razor knife and gently scrape any dried thinset from the sides of the grout joint. You do not have to remove the dried thinset all the way to the cement slab. Just enough so that the thinset does show
