While bathroom tiles will last for years, they aren’t designed to last for life, and at some point, you will need to replace them. Working out when you need to replace your bathroom tiles can be tricky, especially if you don’t remember when you laid them or aren’t sure what worn tiles look like. To ensure that you know when the time is right to replace your bathroom tiles, here are 5 signs that you need to look out for:
1. Tiles are Loose or Hollow
A hollow sound when tapping your tiles or noticing any loose tiles in your bathroom, is a sign they need to be replaced. Hollow or loose tiles can be a sign of poor installation or water damage, and you should look to replace any tiles with these signs. Loose tiles create gaps for water to seep behind them and can cause structural issues and mould in your bathroom, leaving you with costly repairs.
2. Tiles are Cracked or Chipped
Chips and cracks can develop as your tiles age or become damaged. While most tiles are durable, dropping them or hitting them to install nails, screws, or bathroom features can cause them to crack and chip. You should replace any cracked or chipped tiles to prevent further damage and to stop water from entering cracks and chips, as this can cause mould to grow.
3. There is Mold and Mildew
It’s no secret that mould and mildew thrive in damp bathrooms, but signs of them near, on, or around your tiles are a sign your bathroom needs updating. Mould and mildew can penetrate your tiles or grow in your grout lines, and while it can be cleaned, if it keeps reappearing, it’s worth removing the tiles, addressing the issue, and replacing them with new bathroom tiles.
4. There is Grout Damage
Damage to your grout can be a sign that your tiles need to be replaced, too. Grout helps to keep your tiles together and prevents water from creeping into the gaps. Should your grout be cracked, missing, or damaged, it can be cheaper to replace the tiles than to re-grout them! Other common signs of grout damage include discolouration and crumbling, so keep an eye out for them when cleaning your tiles.
5. Tiles are Outdated
Finally, if your tiles are outdated and no longer suit your aesthetic, it may be time to change them. Replacing your tiles can transform your bathroom, giving it a clean, modern look. Upgrading your bathroom tiles can also increase your home’s value, especially if the current bathroom is dated or not fully functioning.
How to Revive Bathroom Tiles
If your bathroom tiles aren’t showing any of these signs, then you might be able to breathe new life into them with a simple revival, rather than replacing them. Reviving your bathroom tiles is much cheaper and can keep them in use for several years. How you revive your bathroom tiles will vary slightly, depending on the condition of the tiles and material, but you can follow our general guidance to restore your tiles to their former glory:
Deep Clean Your Tiles
Often, a good deep clean can help restore your bathroom tiles, removing any soap residue, dust, or grime buildup and letting the original colour and finish shine through. How you will deep clean your tiles depends on the material, but you usually start by using a natural cleaning solution and a soft-bristle brush to work it into the tiles. You should repeat this, depending on how dirty the tiles are, before rinsing them with water. Use a microfibre towel to buff the tiles dry and enjoy the results!
Shine Your Tiles
After deep cleaning tiles, you can try shining them too, which will reverse the effects of mould, soap scum, and hard water, restoring your tiles’ natural shine. To shine your tiles, use a simple cleaner made with dish soap and hot water, applied with a mop. You will want to work on each tile, wiping until it is clean.
Follow with a microfibre cloth or rust mop to buff the tiles, creating a shiny finish. This can make your tiles look new again, though you will want to ensure your grout is thoroughly cleaned too to achieve a new look throughout the bathroom.
Paint Your Tiles
Another option is to paint your tiles, especially if you are looking to change the colour in your bathroom or give it a quick refresh. You should choose the appropriate paint and prepare the tiles beforehand to achieve a smooth finish.
Update Your Bathroom Tiles Today
Should any of your tiles show the 5 signs we have highlighted, it could be time to replace your bathroom tiles. Replacing your bathroom tiles does not need to be expensive, and you can use suppliers like Cheap Tiles Online to find the perfect tiles at a fraction of the price of other retailers. Head to Cheap Tiles Online to find your new bathroom tiles today!
