The Best Grout Removal Tools in 2023

Think about how much grout you’ve got to remove and how much you want to spend. Different tools are better for different-sized jobs, and some will cost more than others.

Manual Tools

Manual grout removal tools are usually made up of a handle and a blade. They come in different designs, depending on the shape of the blade and how ergonomic the handle is.

One of the most common types is a handle with a blade with a jagged-edged shape. An example is this Edward Tools Grout Removal Tool.

Another usual design is a tool shaped like a screwdriver with a tip that’s pointed or triangular. See, for example, this QEP Grout Removal Tool (10020).

You won’t need to rely on a power source for these manual tools. And they are often cheaper than their electric counterparts.

But, manual grout removal tools are best for smaller jobs where the grout is unsanded and therefore easier to remove. Or they’d be ideal for cleaning your tiles after you’ve used a power tool to remove the grout.

Otherwise, relying on them for big projects will probably result in it taking you a long time. And the work will be difficult and tedious!

Electric Tools

Electric grout removal tools will work faster and are great when you’ve got big jobs to tackle.

Reciprocating Saw

This is a machine-powered saw where the motion of the blade creates a cutting action by a push-and-pull or reciprocating motion.

Using a reciprocating saw is one of the best tools that you can remove grout. And this includes epoxy grout and sanded grout, which are normally difficult to get rid of.

And, you’ll not make as much mess – reciprocating saws don’t create lots of dust.

Oscillating Tool

Oscillating multi tools can perform lots of different jobs. You can use them for cutting, scraping, grinding, sawing, and sanding, and they’re good in tight spaces.

So they’re ideal for removing all types of grout. And as the blade of an oscillating tool vibrates over a narrow arc, you won’t get lots of dust mess like you might with a jigsaw or high-speed rotary tool.

Rotary Tool

This is a smaller handheld electrical tool. Rotary tools offer versatility because they have a motorized tip that’s fast-spinning. And they can be used for sanding, grinding, and polishing different material types.

If you get the right attachment, a rotary tool is ideal for removing grout, especially in tighter spaces.

But, it’s not as fast or powerful as some of the other electric options. So it’s better suited to smaller jobs.

Angle Grinder

An angle grinder, or side or disc grinder, is great for grinding or abrasive cutting and polishing. It has a lot of power so can be used to take grout off whether it’s epoxy-based, sanded, or unsanded.

But, they will create more mess with dust flying into your home – so consider this before opting for this type of tool.

Check what type of grout you need to remove. Different tools work better on different grout types.

• Epoxy grout has an epoxy resin and hardener and is really resistant to stains. So it’s often used with ceramic tiles in areas where stains and chemicals are likely, such as on countertops.
  It’s the most difficult type of grout to remove because of its great bonding strength. Therefore, you’ll need a powerful tool such as an oscillating tool or a reciprocating saw – a manual tool won’t be able to remove this grout type.
• Unsanded grout is used on wall tiles. And it’s reserved normally for grout lines that are less than one-eighth of an inch wide. This type of grout is fairly easy to remove. So you can opt for a manual tool or a smaller handheld power tool.
• Sanded grout is usually used on floor tiles where the joints between the tiles are about one-eighth to three-eighths thick. This grout is denser and more solid than unsanded grout and so a bit trickier to remove. You’ll need to use a rotary tool or angle grinder.

Look at what the grout removal tool weighs before buying. You’ll need to balance a tool that is light and easy enough to use against how powerful it is for the type of job you’re tackling.

Manual tools will be lighter and can be lifted easily to work on wall tiles. See for example this Spyder Grout-Out Multi-Blade Set, which is very lightweight.

But if you have very hard grout to remove, a lighter model might not be powerful enough. In general, the heavier the tool, the more powerful it is.

So in order to remove tough grout, you may need to choose a heavier, more powerful tool.

See what different features are available with different grout removal tools. Some will help you out when working, and/or get the job done quicker.

Some electric tools have features such as trigger locks, convenient cases for you to transport the tool, or LED lights to give you better visibility while working.

Also, consider picking a powered tool that has variable speed control. Lower speeds will allow you to work accurately and avoid damaging your tiles, whereas higher speeds will be ideal for finishing big jobs in less time.

For manual tools, look at the handle – one with an ergonomic grip will be more comfortable for you to hold. And see what the blade tips are like – a variety will mean that you can tackle different areas easily.

Check how many blades, tips, or sanding wheels come with your tool. And if you need to buy extras, how readily available they are.

Some grout removal tools will have accessories that can be easily replaced. These blades or other accessories will probably be available online or in a local hardware store.

But other models will require you to buy quite specific replacements which could be more costly and harder to find.

Plus, check the quality of the accessories that come with your grout removal tool. Items such as blades need to be of good quality or you might regret buying a product that doesn’t work very well and wears down easily!

Yes, you can use vinegar to soften and even dissolve grout – this will make it easier to remove.

As vinegar is an acid, it’ll break down the cement found on grout. This is because cement is alkaline and will therefore dissolve in acids – even when it’s sealed.

Yes, you’ll find several chemicals that can be used for removing grout. These include cleaning products that have oxalic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, muriatic acid, or sodium bisulfate.

These types of acids are often used by brick builders to remove mortar. So they’ll also work well to take grout out.

This will depend on what type of grout you have. Whether it’s new or old grout, this will determine what the easiest way to remove it is.

For sanded or epoxy grout, an electric power tool is best. For unsanded grout that is easier to remove, a manual tool will probably be sufficient.

And whatever type of grout you have, we’d recommend either a reciprocating saw or an oscillating tool if you want fast results.

No, you don’t need to remove all of the grout. Often, just getting rid of the dirty or damaged grout on the surface is enough and will provide a good base for your fresh grout to bond with.

As grout is mainly just cement, you can leave the bottom layers of it. You just need to remove enough from the top of your grout lines so that the surface left behind is bondable when you’re replacing it with new grout.