How to Clean Bathroom Tiles
It’s generally recommended to clean your bathroom and tiles once a week to maintain a good level of cleanliness. Keeping on top of your tile cleaning will reduce the frequency of the tiles needing a deep clean. Plus, sparkling clean tiles will definitely uplift the bathroom.
Cleaning the bathroom can be a daunting chore depending on how long it's been since the last clean. We’ve put together some advice to help you quickly and effectively tackle your bathroom tiles in no time!
How to Clean Grout
It’s best to start with grout cleaning before taking on the tiles, as you don't want grime from the grout to run down onto freshly cleaned tiles. Usually grout is the worst affected area as residue tends to gather in the grout lines. You may often see ‘pink mould’, this is a bacteria known as Serratia marcescens which is very common as it thrives in moist environments like the bathroom, however it's generally harmless unlike other moulds, just a bit unsightly.Basic Scrub:
Using warm water with a bit of mild dishsoap, go over your grout lines with a toothbrush, alternatively a steam cleaner can be used. This ‘gentle’ clean should suffice when keeping up with frequent tile cleaning.Mild Stians:
If your grout is showing staining, then a cleaning home remedy can work wonders. Create a simple paste using two parts baking soda and one part water, apply to the grout lines with an old toothbrush and let the paste sit for 5-10 minutes to work its magic. Give it a scrub and then rinse off, if the staining is still there we’d recommend giving the process another go before resorting to tougher cleaning.Tougher Stains:
If your bathroom grout has stubborn stains, a tougher home remedy may be more appropriate. Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to form a paste, apply to grout lines and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, scrub and rinse.Alternatively a grout cleaner can be used, however we would recommend testing this on a small inconspicuous area before taking on a full wall to ensure it's safe to use on your particular tiles.
How to Clean Wall Tiles
Regularly cleaning your bathroom wall tiles will help maintain the appearance, helping to prevent any permanent staining and discolouration.Basic Cleaning:
For general frequent cleaning, use a mild detergent mixed with warm water and apply to tiles using a sponge or soft cloth, rinse with clean water to remove any residue. A mild detergent usually has a lower pH and lacks chemicals such as bleach. These can be solutions such as general dish soap and eco-friendly cleaning products.This cleaning method should suffice for regular cleaning. We do recommend testing your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your tiles before tackling the full wall, just to ensure it is safe for use on your particular tile.
Tougher Stains:
For stubborn stains, again a home remedy is a safe and effective method of choice. Using two parts baking soda and one part water, create a paste to apply to your wall tiles using a stiff bristled brush or a sponge on more delicate tiles. Leave the mix for 15-20 minutes to work, scrub, then rinse with clean warm water.How to Clean Floor Tiles
Just like your wall tiles, you want to clean your bathroom floor tiles regularly to prevent any permanent staining and discolouration whilst also maintaining good hygiene.Basic Cleaning:
Sweep over the floor to collect any dust and debris. Mop across your floor tiles using a general floor cleaner, alternatively you can use one part dish soap mixed with two parts white vinegar. Mop again with simple clean water to ensure any residue is removed. This should suffice when cleaning floor tiles on a weekly basis.Tougher Stains:
For tougher floor stains, the same method mentioned above for cleaning stubborn wall stains can also be used on the floor. Make sure to always go over with clean water to remove any left over residue, if left this can be a slip hazard.Top Cleaning Tips
Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
We strongly recommend avoiding harsh chemical cleaners which include bleach, acids and ammonia. Harsh cleaning agents like these can erode, stain or even unglazed tiles, whilst also damaging grout which can lead to tiles loosening over time.Ventilation:
Before beginning your cleaning regime - remember to crack a window open! Good ventilation is essential when cleaning to vent out polluted air for your own safety.Regular Cleaning:
Although nobody wants to spend precious time cleaning the bathroom, the more regularly you clean the easier the job will be.Microfiber Cloths:
These soft cloths are ideal for tile cleaning, effectively trapping dirt but also perfect for preventing streaks and watermarks.Wall Cleaning Made Easier:
Tackle cleaning your bathroom wall tiles with a mop! Sweeping your mop across the walls makes it much easier to reach up high towards the ceiling and will definitely speed up the job. Ideal for cleaning tiles above the bath too, where access can be limited or hazardous.Vinegar Caution:
Try not to over use white vinegar in your cleaning routine, frequent use can be damaging to some tiles. White vinegar is an acid which can cause corrosion to some tiles like natural stone and unglazed tiles. It can also deteriorate some grouts, especially if your grout is already in poor condition.Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep white grout clean?
Regular cleaning will help to maintain a fresh appearance on white grout, alternatively you could consider using a grout sealant and reapplying this annually to protect from stains.
How does a steam cleaner work on tiles & grout?
The pressure of the steam and high temperature generated by the steam cleaner penetrates and loosens dirt particles which can then be easily wiped away.
Can i use bleach on my tiles?
We would recommend avoiding the use of bleach when it comes to cleaning tiles and grout, frequent use can cause damage and discolouration.
Can i grout over existing grout?
Applying new grout on top of old grout can lead to poor adhesion, chipping and flaking over time. It's best to remove old grout completely, especially if it's damaged or mouldy. Grout can be removed using a grout rake.
Stylish Additions
Now your bathrooms looking spick and span, why not spruce up the bathroom with some new bathroom accessories or a brand new mirror. Small additions can make a stylish impact, breathing new life into your space, whilst being budget friendly.
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