How do I reinstall tiled toilet paper holder and toothbrush holders that fell off?

Question

Our toiletpaper holder was mounted on a tile, and the tile and holder fell off out of the wall. The toothbrush holder, also tiled, was very loose and we pulled it off. They are the standard square tiles (?6x6 inches square).

How do we clean off the adhesive on the wall and the holders, and what type of adhesive should we use to reattach them? Any secret to holding them in place while the adhesive dries?
Thanks!!

I forgot to mention that neither of the areas is actually in the bathtub, one is next to the toilet, the other is a toothbrush holder over the bathroom sink, so they are dry areas.

Answer 1

If they were installed with mastic (as opposed to thin set, a mortar type material) let them set overnight in a pail of water and the old mastic will peel off easily. Clean out the holes that they go in so there is no loose or powdery residue left. Then use a latex modified thin set(the more latex in the product the better) to reset them. Duct tape works well to hold them in place while the mortar sets overnight. When ready you can either grout them or caulk to finish the job.

Answer 2

I've used tape to hold tiles in place. Duct tape works well, just use goo gone afterwards to take off the residue.

Target has smaller tubes of grout and mastic so you can do a small job.

I would remove the stuff off the back of the tiles w/a razor blade as well.

Answer 3

Your best bet is to let a professional tileman install them for you. He will also grout after the tiles have set up. Adhesive is not the route to go in a wet area, as it will only fall off again.

Answer 4

Use a blade to remove the dried up glue, then use a tile glue that they have at a home place. After you glue it, put a stick against the holder with the other end against the tub edge till it dries.
I have been glueing them for many years and have no problems