Hi i have slate tiles on my bathroom wall and floor and have trouble getting grout off any idea's cheers?

Question:

Answers:
Do you know if the slate was sealed before it was installed?

Here is an answer from one website.....

Q 5416: My husband and i are planning on installing black slate tile in our foyer. This is a first for us, we have installed ceramic but never slate. Other than sealing it is the installation different? Also, we are planning on cutting the 4 corners off, and placing a 2x2 inch green slate sqare between each black tile. How difficult is it to cut the tile, do I use the same wet saw I would use if I were installing ceramic. Thanks for any advice you can provide. Rachel, July 22, Reply

R1: Install like ceramic. Just remember to seal once before applying grout. This will ensure that the grout washes off the slate if it accidentally gets onto the slate. Debra C. Donovan

tons of answers about slate at this source...

http://www.findstone.com/cureslat.htm...



Here is a second site on care and cleaning......

Care and Cleaning of Slate Floors

Care

Slate is a porous stone material, so should be sealed. Get a special stone floor sealer from the flooring dealer or building supply. The sealer penetrates the upper surface of the slate, and protects it from soil and scratches, and from grease.

Cleaning

Slate floors can be washed with a detergent and water solution, and rinsed well. They are not damaged by alkali cleaners, but strong solutions are not needed for cleaning. A water-based, self-polishing wax can be applied over a clean, dry, sealed floor for extra protection and shine. Weekly damp mopping with a barely damp mop on a waxed floor will keep it clean for quite a while before the washing with detergent is needed.

If one has an electric polisher, solvent-base polishing wax may be used to clean and wax. This must be buffed.

source....

http://housekeeping.about.com/gi/dynamic...


I am guessing from these sources that you should not use vinegar or other acidic products that would normally remove grout. Have you tried soap (which is alkali) and a soft brush?

Good luck in getting the grout removed.