How to Remove a Tile Backsplash Without Damaging a Wall

Remove the grout from around the tiles by rubbing the grout with a grout remover. The remover has bristles that break up the grout easily.

Place the working edge of a putty knife to the base of a single tile, particularly a small one, and work it back and forth to get it under the tile. The tile may pop out of place at this point, or you may need to then pry the tile away from the wall after you've worked the putty knife under it. If the wall surface is otherwise unfinished drywall, some paper and possibly some gypsum may come up, too. In that case, you'll make the wall smooth with drywall putty after all the tiles are removed.

Place a chisel in the middle of larger tiles that won't pry up easily with a putty knife. Hit the handle of the chisel with a hammer. This will cause the chisel to dig into the tile and break it.

Dig the broken pieces off the wall with the putty knife, keeping the knife at a 45 degree angle to keep from digging into the wall.

Continue to remove the tiles or tile fragments from the wall until it is clear of all backsplash tiles.

Scrape the leftover adhesive from the wall with the putty knife, cleaning the wall of all debris. Pour a capful of mineral spirits onto a rag and rub any stubborn adhesive to dissolve it completely.

Clean the counter of broken tile bits with a hand-held broom and a dustpan.