How to Clean Thinset Off Marble

Things You'll Need

Sponge
3/8-inch by 6-inch oak block
Wet/dry vacuum
Scouring pad

Clean thinset while the thinset is still wet for best results.

When you install a new marble tile floor, backsplash or tile surround you are bound to get a small amount of thinset on top of the tile when you grout. When the mortar or thinset dries on the tile, it becomes difficult to remove. It is very important to remove the thinset from the tile before it fully dries. However, if you do not remove it before it dries, it is still possible to remove it afterward.

Wet Thinset

Step 1

Rinse the sponge in warm clean water and wring the sponge to remove excess water.

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Step 2

Wipe the surface of the tile with the sponge. Use overlapping circular motions to remove any loose thinset from the top of the tile.

Step 3

Rinse the sponge in warm clean water and wring it out.

Step 4

Wipe the sponge in a straight line parallel to the grout lines. This will not only help to shape the grout lines between the tiles, it will help to remove excessive grout from the tile edges.

Step 5

Wait for the tiles to dry. You will notice a slight haze on top of the tile. Rinse the sponge in warm clean water and squeeze it to remove excess water.

Step 6

Wipe the sponge across the face of the surface in one smooth stroke. Flip the sponge over and wipe it over the second half of the tile in one smooth stroke.

Dry Thinset

Step 1

Wet the mortar with water. The water acts as a lubricant to avoid scratching the marble tile while you remove the thinset.

Step 2

Place the edge of your oak board at a 45-degree angle to the floor and scrape the wooden block over the thinset to break the thinset off the tile. Do not use a metal scraper, as it will scratch the tile. Make sure the oak you use has a flat square edge to maximize its scraping ability.

Step 3

Vacuum up the thinset with a wet/dry vacuum as you work to avoid pushing the loose thinset around the tile.

Step 4

Wet the floor and scrub off the remaining thinset with a mild scouring pad designed for dishes. Keep the floor wet. Again, the water acts as a lubricant.

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