Everyone wants their bathroom to look fresh and new. However, even a new bathroom can accumulate dirt and grime with regular use.
The good news is that essential maintenance, such as keeping your bathroom tiles clean, not only improves the appearance but also prevents the build-up of soap scum, mould, dirt, and grime.
Different tile materials require different cleaning methods. The most effective way to clean your bathroom tiles, regardless of the type you have, is explained below.
- What to Use to Clean Bathroom Tiles
- How to Clean Bathroom Tile Walls
- How to Clean Bathroom Tile Floors
- How to Clean the Grout Between Tiles
- Tips for Cleaning Different Types of Tiles
- How to Remove Mould and Stains from Bathroom Tiles
- Bathroom Tiles Cleaning FAQs
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What to Use to Clean Bathroom Tiles
Household items, such as baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar, are readily available, low-cost cleaning agents that pose no harm to the tiles or the environment.
For instance, a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda in equal proportions acts as a powerful cleaning solution that can transform your floor and wall tiles.
Similarly, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda is equally effective in removing soap scum and stains from bathroom tiles.
Chemical cleaners, such as bleach, tile sprays, and descalers, can instantly remove dirt, mould, grime, and even stubborn stains. That’s the reason they are a popular choice with homeowners.
However, using them as a routine cleaning solution is not advised, as they can damage and discolour the grout and loosen the tiles.
Tools
The following is the list of tools needed to clean bathroom tiles:
- Microfibre cloths
- Sponges
- Bucket and mop
- Squeegee wiper
- Spray bottle
- Tile scrubber
- Floor scrubbing brush
- Grout brush or old toothbrush
- Broom and dustpan
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles
- Clean towels
- Dusters
How to Clean Bathroom Tile Walls
The following is a step-by-step process for cleaning bathroom tile walls.
1. Prepare the area:
Remove all clutter and obstructions, such as toiletries on the shower shelves and the shower curtains, to give yourself ample space to work.
2. Vacuum or wipe the tiles clean:
Vacuum the tiled surface or wipe it clean with a dry towel or microfibre cloth to remove loose dirt and debris.
For added convenience, you can also use a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment specifically designed for hard surfaces. This makes it easier to remove dust, hair, and loose grime from both flat tiles and grout lines, especially on vertical surfaces like bathroom walls.
3. Choose your cleaning solution:
A commercial tile cleaner, such as Zoflora Bathroom Cleaner or Cif Cleanboost Bathroom Spray, is an easy-to-use solution that’s effective on all types of tiles.
Alternatively, a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water or vinegar and lime juice can be effective.
Note: Avoid using a mixture of vinegar and lime juice or bleach-based cleaners on a natural stone tile surface, as both of them are acidic and can cause lasting damage.
4. Spray or apply the cleaning solution:
Spray the solution generously on the surface of the tiles. If you are using a paste of vinegar and baking soda, apply it on the tile surface using a microfibre cloth or dry towel.
5. Let the cleaning solution or paste stand:
Allow the solution or paste to remain on the tile surface for 5 to 10 minutes to help loosen dirt and grime.
Some commercial tile cleaners may require longer dwell times (sometimes up to 15 minutes) for maximum effectiveness. Always check the product instructions to ensure proper use.
6. Scrub the tile surface gently:
Use a tile scrubber or soft sponge to gently scrub the tiles. Don’t use excessive force, as it could damage the tile surface.
7. Rinse thoroughly:
Rinse the tiles clean with plain water, using a bucket and mug or by spraying with a shower head.
8. Dry the tiles:
Wipe the tile surface with a clean cloth or squeegee to prevent water spots and streaks. A dry tile surface will also prevent moisture from lingering, arresting mould growth.
9. Repeat steps 4 to 8 to clear stubborn stains:
Repeat the cleaning process if the tiles are heavily stained.
10. Regular maintenance:
To ensure your bathroom tiles are clean, wipe them down with a squeegee or clean towel after each shower. Clean any stain or signs of mould as soon as they appear.
How to Clean Bathroom Tile Floors
The following is a step-by-step process for cleaning bathroom tile floors.
1. Clear the bathroom floor:
Remove any bath mats, floor rugs, or stools from the bathroom floor to provide easy access for cleaning.
2. Sweep or vacuum the floor:
Sweep or vacuum the floor to ensure it’s free from loose dirt, dust, and debris. Use a vacuum with a hard floor setting or a brush attachment to effectively clean edges and grout lines.
3. Choose a cleaner:
A commercial tile cleaner, such as Method Floor Cleaner or Flash Power Spray Floor Cleaner is a quick dry solution that’s effective on all types of tiles.
Alternatively, a mixture of vinegar and water or vinegar and lime juice in equal proportions can be effective. Similar to bathroom tile walls, avoid vinegar or acidic cleaners on natural stone tiles (like marble or travertine) as they can cause etching and damage.
4. Spray or apply the cleaning solution:
Spray the solution on the floor surface. If you are using a paste of vinegar and baking soda, apply it on the tile surface uniformly using a damp mop.
5. Scrub the floor:
Use a floor scrubbing brush to gently scrub the tiles. Avoid using undue force, as it could damage the tile surface.
6. Rinse thoroughly:
Rinse the bathroom floor with clean tap water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.
7. Dry the floor:
Wipe the floor dry with a clean mop to prevent water spots and streaks. Ensure the floor is completely dry before walking on it to prevent slips.
How to Clean the Grout Between Tiles
The following is a step-by-step process for cleaning the grout between tiles.
1. Clear the area:
Remove any furniture and bathroom essentials that might be in the way.
2. Sweep or vacuum the area:
Clean the area to remove dust and dirt.
3. Choose a cleaner:
A commercial grout cleaner, such as Bar Keepers KILO89617 Friend Power Spray or Dettol Antibacterial Mould & Mildew Removal Spray, is an easy-to-spray solution that’s effective for cleaning all types of grout.
Alternatively, a mixture of vinegar and water or vinegar and lime juice in equal proportions can be effective. A paste of vinegar and baking soda also works well on tile grout.
4. Spray or apply the cleaning solution:
Spray the solution on the grout lines. If you are using a paste of vinegar and baking soda, apply it on the tile surface uniformly using an old toothbrush.
5. Let the cleaning solution or paste stand:
Allow the solution or paste to remain on the grout lines for 10 to 15 minutes to help loosen the dirt and stains.
6. Scrub the grout lines gently:
Use a grout brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the grout lines. To avoid unnecessary wear, start using a soft brush first. For stubborn stains, use a grout brush with stronger bristles.
7. Rinse thoroughly:
Rinse the grout lines clean with plain water, using a bucket and mug or by spraying with a shower head.
8. Dry the area:
Wipe the grout lines dry with a clean cloth or squeegee to prevent water spots and streaks. A dry surface will also prevent moisture from lingering, arresting mould growth.
9. Repeat steps 4 to 8 to clear stubborn stains:
Repeat the cleaning process if the grout lines are heavily stained. Once the grout is fully clean and dry, consider applying a grout sealer to protect it from moisture, stains, and mildew.
Tips for Cleaning Different Types of Tiles
Follow the tips outlined here for cleaning different types of tiles.
- Ceramic Tiles: A mild detergent can be used to clean ceramic tiles, or a thick paste of baking soda can be used to remove stubborn stains.
- Porcelain Tiles: A mixture of warm water and mild detergent can be used for routine cleaning. For removing stubborn stains, a mixture of white vinegar and water in a 1:4 ratio can be used.
- Stone Tiles: A mild pH-neutral cleaner, such as Ecover Floor Soap Refill, is effective for cleaning stone tiles.
- Marble Tiles: Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaning products, as they can damage the tile surface.
- Rough/Matte Tiles: A combination of gentle cleaning agents, soft-bristled brushes, and microfibre cloths is effective for cleaning rough/matte tiles. Harsh chemicals and abrasive materials must be avoided, as they can damage the tile surface.
- Black Bathroom Tiles: Black bathroom tiles are prone to showing water spots and streaks. Hence, it’s best to use a pH-neutral cleaner, warm water, and a microfibre cloth to prevent scratches and streaks.
- White Bathroom Tiles: A gentle cleaning solution, like soap dish and warm water, will suffice for routine cleaning. A specialised grout cleaner or a thick paste of baking soda is ideal for tough stains. Since harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can damage the surface of white bathroom tiles, they must be avoided.
How to Remove Mould and Stains from Bathroom Tiles
A mixture of white vinegar and water or a paste of baking soda and vinegar is effective for removing mould and stains from bathroom tiles.
However, for stubborn stains, a specialised mould and mildew remover, such as Astonish Mould and Mildew Blaster or Deuvuo Revolutionary Mould Remover Gel, is highly effective.
For a complete guide on how to remove mould and stains in your bathroom, check out our article: How to Prevent and Get Rid of Mould in the Bathroom.
Bathroom Tiles Cleaning FAQs
1. How often should you clean bathroom tiles?
Once a week would be ideal, as it will prevent the build-up of dirt, soap scum, grime, mould, and mildew. However, a deep clean once a month will ensure that your bathroom looks fresh and new.
2. How to clean bathroom tiles without chemicals?
As explained in this blog post, you can use a combination of vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to clean bathroom tiles without chemicals.
3. Can you steam clean bathroom tiles?
Yes, steam cleaners can effectively remove grime and sanitise grout. Steam can also dissolve dirt and stains on the grout, ensuring that tile floors and shower walls are spotless.
4. Does bleach damage bathroom tiles?
Yes, bleach can damage bathroom tiles and grout. It causes discolouration of tiles, resulting in the tiles appearing dull over time.
Summary
Bathroom tiles can accumulate soap scum, grime, stains, and mould over time, especially so if basic maintenance is ignored. But by using the right tools like soft brushes, microfibre cloths, and a squeegee — and cleaning solutions such as baking soda, vinegar, or commercial tile cleaners, you can ensure the your tiles stay sparkling and spotless.
Remember to avoid harsh chemicals on sensitive materials like natural stone and always dry tiles thoroughly after cleaning to discourage mould growth.
With a little routine effort, your bathroom tiles can stay fresh, shiny, and long-lasting.
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