Flooring Tile - Removing old grout/glue from bathroom walls

I am in the middle of a bathroom remodel. As part of the remodel, we took down ceramic tile from the walls, which required the removal of the grout/glue from the walls. I was able to sand about 95% of it off using my orbital sander, but the rest is in hard to reach places (such as behind the toilet) where I cannot get access to with my sander. Is there something you can recommend to get this cleaned off, other than just sanding by hand? Thanks.

Shut off the water supply to the tank. Flush the toilet, sponge out the remaining water. Remove the tank.:)

It doesnt take all that long to do this.:)

Johnny - did you get your threads mixed up? :confused:

I usually scrape off what I can first, then sand. Expect to make some drywall repairs. What are your plans with the wall? new tile? paint?

Johnny - did you get your threads mixed up?

LMAO - No Mark, but I can see how one might think I did. Sometimes I think people can read what's going on in my mind, boy thats scary. Thanks for the wake up.


Just saying that if he cant get at the adhesive behind the tank he can remove the tank.

Thanks! I got your advice yesterday and it worked like a charm. I only ended up having to hand sand a few corners that the orbital just can't get to due to it's shape. I'd have never thought of this on my own--and I'd still be at home trying to hand sand that whole area :D

The plan is to paint most of it, but put new tile around the shower/bathtub area. We are going to completely rehang those walls though, since it was just plain drywall back there and I know you don't want that around the shower.

The plan is to paint most of it, but put new tile around the shower/bathtub area. We are going to completely rehang those walls though, since it was just plain drywall back there and I know you don't want that around the shower.

Yep, sounds you been doin your reading. Insulate all the exterior walls in the shower/tub area. Then 6 mil poly sheeting over the studs. Then cement board, not drywall or greenboard. Make sure you tape and mud all the cement board joints with the same thinset you'll use to set the tile. Good luck. Got any questions as you go, fire away.:)

Hey Johnny, even though I had read in thespian's 1st post the "(such as behind the toilet" it failed to register in my little brain :eek: :D

....... and I was all set to make you take a sobriety test :D:p:D

....... and I was all set to make you take a sobriety test

It's not the liquor, I think its just old timers. Lately I'm finding my kids are finishing my sentences for me.:eek: