Share:
When you have spectacular-looking bathroom tiles, you'll want to keep them looking as good as new for many years! Yet, how you clean your tiles can make all the difference here. 
There's a huge variety of cleaners on the market, with new ones appearing regularly. So how do you choose the right one for the job? Also, how often should you clean your tiles, and with what method?
Fortunately, cleaning bathroom tiles is a simple job. It's also one that you can do using home-made solutions and still get that professional finish.  
Here, The Bathroom Showroom shows you how simple this task is. Most importantly, we show you how you can care for your tiles in the process.

Know Your Tile Type

Firstly, it’s important to understand the types of tiles that you have in your bathroom. The most common and indeed popular bathroom tiles are porcelain and ceramic.
These tiles are the more durable choice and easier to maintain. For many, porcelain and ceramic choices work superbly in busy-traffic bathrooms. 
When cleaning such tile types, these are the more accommodating of choices. However particular care should be taken with the tools used here to not scratch and ruin their finish.
Equally as popular now are natural stone tiles. These tile choices vary greatly but tend to include slate, quartz, marble, granite, and limestone in their materials. 
Though these types are pretty durable, they do require a certain level of care when cleaning. Those acidic products aren’t recommended for such bathroom tiles as they'll ruin the surface. So, be mindful of selecting a compatible cleaning choice for this tile type. Also, you’ll need to be equally careful with the tools you use to clean natural stone tiles with. 
Glass tiles are also fast becoming a preferred choice when creating a dream bathroom design. These bathroom tiles will also require non-abrasive tools and products for cleaning. 
By knowing what tile type you’re working with you can ensure your cleaning products and methods won't damage their surface. 

Understand What Challenges Your Tiles Are Facing

Secondly, the best way to clean your tiles is to know a bit more about the challenges they face regarding dirt. For most bathrooms, the two common cleaning issues are soap scum and mould and mildew.
Soap Scum: 
Soap scum is a challenge facing all bathrooms and is especially prevalent in the shower area. 
This is a combination and build-up of hard water, body oils, dead skin cells, and typical shower products. It accumulates when the water dries after showering. The remaining water droplets then stick to your tiles. 
Unfortunately, soap scum can build up quickly, especially when left over time.
Mould and Mildew:
Mould and mildew are another common bathroom problem because of the high levels of moisture in this environment. 
Once again, for many it’s most noticeable in the shower area. Mould and mildew present as dark marks that are usually visible in the grout of tiles. 
Yet again, this is a persistent issue that if left untreated, can pose health problems to all users. 

Select The Best Cleaning Products

Once you know what type of tiles you’re working with and the challenges faced, you can then make the best cleaning product choice. 
But, with so many products to choose from, this simple decision can be time-consuming! Yet there is a quick solution in the form of using simple household items instead.

Consider Making Up Your Own Tile Cleaning Solution

If you want to use a natural cleaner, there’s nothing easier than creating your own home-made solution. Knowing what goes into your cleaning products can help create a healthier choice for yourself and the wider environment.
Eliminating Soap Scum
For bathroom tiles that simply need a quick clean, try a combination of:
  • White distilled vinegar -  ½ cup
  • Washing-up liquid -  ½ cup
  • An essential oil choice - Several drops
Combine these ingredients together and place them in a spray bottle. Then spray the solution all over the tiles and leave it for a few minutes. Taking a non-scratch scrub pad, work top to bottom gently in an ‘S’ pattern, working to remove the solution. 
When you’ve done this, spray some water over the area to ensure you've removed all the solution. Then, most importantly, take a soft microfibre cloth and dry the entire section you’ve been working on. 
Eliminating Mould and Mildew
For bathroom tiles that are showing signs of mould and mildew, use a combination of:
  • White distilled vinegar ½ cup
  • Baking soda - ½ cup
Mix these two ingredients together to create a paste substance. Then apply it to the affected areas. Let the mixture work its magic for an hour. Then rinse the area with warm water and dry down with a soft cloth to finish. 

Cleaning and Caring For Your Bathroom Tiles Is Simple

When you make cleaning your bathroom tiles a regular process, keeping them in top condition is effortless. Aim to give your tiles a quick weekly freshen up with a gentle natural solution like those discussed above. This way, you can ensure fantastic professional-looking tiles all year round.
For more bathroom ideas and bathroom inspiration, take a look at our Rest and Relaxation blog section.
With articles ranging from how to tackle limescale in the bathroom to cleaning your bathroom fast and effectively, we provide a wealth of guidance to help you make the most of your bathroom.