How to Remove Bathroom Tiles

Find out how to remove old tiles in our step-by-step guide. It’s relatively easy if you have the right tools and are confident with DIY, so read on to discover our top tips.

You might remove your bathroom tiles for several reasons, from design choices to preventing water damage. Perhaps you want to update the colour scheme or add a feature wall with some new tiles. Or, if you’re planning a bathroom renovation and reconfiguring the space, the tiled areas around the shower, bath or sink may need removing.

Another reason why you might remove tiles is if they’re damaged, letting water leak into the walls and causing damp or mould. Once the area has been waterproofed, you could replace the existing tiles with new ones or try wall panels instead. Mira wall panels come in various sizes, colours and designs. They’re quick to install, easier to clean and more waterproof than tiles.

Once you’ve protected the space with cardboard or dust sheets to prevent scratches and put on your PPE to keep yourself safe, you can start the removal process.

1. Removing the first tile is always the hardest, as there’s no access from either side. Try to find a loose tile you can prize out with the chisel. If there isn’t one, you’ll have to break one.
2. Place the chisel in the centre of the tile, then hit it with the hammer. Take care when doing this, as the tile will shatter into small pieces. We recommend using a cardboard box or bucket to collect the broken tiles, which can be sharp.
3. Once the first tile is removed, accessing the surrounding tiles is much easier. Place the chisel against the wall or floor, tuck the end behind the tile, and tap it with the hammer to lodge it firmly. Then, move the chisel towards you to prize the tile away.
4. After removing all the tiles, use the scraper to get rid of as much dried adhesive as possible. This will make the surface smoother for any further work, such as re-tiling, adding wall panels, plastering or painting.
5. Collect as much debris as possible by hand, then use a dustpan and brush to remove the remainder. Finally, vacuum the room and wipe down surfaces to eliminate dust.

Use the scraper tool to remove dried adhesive from wall tiles. For stubborn glue, soak the tile in hot water until it softens, then try again.

The best way to remove dry or hardened grout from tiles is with a scouring pad or wire wool. However, this may scratch the tile surface, so work slowly and carefully. For really tough grout, use the scraper tool, working at an acute angle to prevent damage to the tile surface.

 When replacing old tiles with new ones, learn how to tile your bathroom in our handy guide.