How to Remove the Concrete Mortar Behind the Bathroom Tile

Removing bathroom tiles from a wall, counter or floor is a labor-intensive process no matter how many tiles there are. However, after you manage to pry off the tiles, the job is only half done. The installation surface is then covered with a concrete-based mortar product that is rock hard. This material must also be removed before reinstalling new tile or a different wall surface. Removing the mortar residue is accomplished in much the same way as removing the tile itself.

Work gloves
Safety glasses
Tarp
Chisel scraper
Hammer
Broom
Dust pan
Shop vac
Long-handled floor scraper

Instructions

- 1
  Put on thick work gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from flying pieces of mortar. If you are working near a sink or tub, lay a tarp over the drain to prevent the mortar from falling into it and clogging it up.
- 2
  Place the blade of a chisel scraper up to the mortar and position it so the blade is angled under a chunk of mortar. Hit the head of the scraper with a hammer using firm force to drive the blade up under the mortar, thus chipping it off.
- 3
  Move on to another section of mortar and repeat the process of hitting the chisel blade with the hammer to dislodge another chunk.
- 4
  Set the hammer aside once only small amounts of mortar remain, and simply move the scraper back and forth to dislodge the remaining mortar. Continue this process along the entire area until no more mortar remains on the wall.
- 5
  Sweep up all of the loose mortar and scoop it up in a dust pan. Pour the mortar into a waste bin to dispose of it. Vacuum the bathroom area thoroughly with a shop vac to remove any mortar dust.

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