I just take a sharp-end chisel and run it at an angle along the edge of the tile. It is easier to remove when wet, so better to use a putty knife at the time you're setting the tile, but a chisel takes out the dried stuff fine for me.

Nevermind the chisel. Use a utility knife. You won't chip nearly as many tiles. :-)

Also, no need to remove it all-- only spots where the thinset about fills the joint, or sticks out.

Yup, I also use a utility knife.

I'll let it set up then come back several hours later when the thinset has set up a bit. Rake it out, it'll pop right out. Sometimes I'll sweep it up, sometimes I'll follow with a shop vac.

For the record, I don't hammer on the chisel, I just scrape it along the edge. No cracked tiles yet. :-)

I use a spacer to clean it out when its wet. Followed by a damp cloth.

I use a spacer to clean it out when its wet. Followed by a damp cloth.