So I tiled my shower about a year ago, and I thought that I cleaned the tiles off pretty good after I grouted them, however, I look at it now, and I see that I missed a bunch. I am not sure if it is thinset or grout, but it is setup in the texture part of my tiles. I can scratch it off with a wire brush and water, but it is taking an extremely long time.. also, the wire brush keeps producing a black mess all over my tiles... is there a better way? You can see in the picture the texture on the tile I am taking about.. all the white stuff on there is thinset or grout.

http://images5b.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp6325%3A%3Enu%3D328%3B%3E%3A39%3E98%3 A%3EWSNRCG%3D33%3C4%3A8%3B88%3B32%3Anu0mrj

It looks like grout by looking at the color.. thinset is usually grey unless for some reason you used white. I'm not sure about taking it out. Is it a floor tile you used on the wall?

Yeah, I used white thinset too. I'm pretty sure it is grout.. I guess a bigger brush is in order.

Caution!!
Try a small amount of muriatic acid with a brush and rinse well
Use eye protection, gloves and well ventilated
:)

Use a scrub brush instead of wire brush. After u finish, polish tile with dry rag.

Good luck

Chuck

I agree it's grout. Do not use Muriatic Acid, you will be using a different acid, follow directions. I would normally recommend using Sulfamic Acid crystals, but not in this case since the install is not new. Try PHOSPHORIC ACID SUBSTITUTE- by Aqua Mix. Phosphoric Acid Substitute :: Professional Contractors :: Custom Building Products (http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/ProductCatalog/aquamixproducts/aquamix_problemsolvers/PhosphoricAcidSubstitute.aspx?user=pro&lang=en)

You may need a "steel" brush, but not a regular wire brush, get a brass brush, so that it won't cause damage. Also use a Teflon sponge like the one you have in the kitchen.

See how that works, may require a couple attempts.

Jaz

I cleaned grout off tiles by using white vinegar and a green scrubber. Takes a lot of elbow grease but it will come off.