Keeping your bathroom clean can feel impossible, especially if it is used several times a day. Many of us focus on the bath, shower, toilet, and sink to keep our bathrooms clean, forgetting one of the main parts of the bathroom: the tiles. Without regular cleaning, your tiles can become filled with grime and bacteria, which can cause mould to grow and potentially damage your tiles. Cleaning them is vital to a clean and hygienic bathroom; but how do you do this? That is what we are here to tell you! Today, we have provided a handy step-by-step guide that walks you through cleaning your bathroom tiles so you can enjoy a clean bathroom without the stress.
Step 1: Clean the Grout
To start, you want to clean the grout. Grout can look dirty quickly, especially if it is white and mould has started to grow. Grout might seem fiddly, but it isn;t too difficult to clean, just time-consuming. Use an old toothbrush to reach these small areas, scrubbing your cleaning mixture into the grout. You can use bleach to clean grout, but it can fade the colour, especially if you have dark or coloured grout. To avoid this, we recommend using baking soda mixed with water.
Mixing your baking soda with water will create a paste that can be worked into the grout. This will cut through any dirt, without damaging the grout and its colour. Leave the mixture for about 30 minutes before rinsing with clean water. You can repeat the process if needed, and use a microfiber towel to dry the grout when finished.
Another option is to use a grout pen, which can restore any faded grout. The pens are easy to use and you will simply use them to draw over your grout, restoring or changing the colour. These pens will make the grout seem brand new, without the hard work of removing and replacing it.
Step 2: Clean Wall Tiles
Next, you should focus on your wall tiles. When cleaning wall tiles, you need to consider their material to ensure you do not damage them. For marble surfaces, you should avoid any vinegar or harsh cloths, as these can scratch and damage the tiles. Vinegar is suitable for ceramic tiles, but make sure you are not using scouring pads on any tiles. These can scratch the surface, ruining the finish of your tiles. Instead, opt for a microfibre cloth.
To clean your wall tiles, run the shower for a few minutes with hot water. This helps the pores on your tiles open, making it easier for you to remove any dirt. Use dish soap, baking soda, and water to create a soap solution. You can take a sponge or microfibre cloth to wipe the tiles with the mixture. You want a gentle and constant wiping motion rather than scrubbing to clean the tiles.
You can leave the solution to dry on the tiles before rinsing with water. Repeat as necessary until the tiles are clean. To dry the tiles, follow with a cloth or towel, buffing to remove any watermarks.
Step 3: Clean Floor Tiles
Clean your floor tiles the same way you clean your wall tiles, starting with the grout. As you will likely be on your hands and knees to clean your floor tiles, consider a steam cleaner, which will do the hard work for you. When using steam cleaners, ensure the tiles are free of debris and dirt. A brush or vacuum should be used to remove dirt or debris, preventing the steam cleaner from scratching it across your tiles. When your floor is clean, you can use a steam cleaner on your tiles.
Ensure that you cover every area with the steam cleaner. You should check beforehand that a steam cleaner is suitable for your tile type. If it is not, you can repeat the method we showed you for your wall tiles.
Step 4: Dry all Tiles
To finish, make sure all your tiles are dry. Wet tiles can be slippery, causing an accident when someone uses the bathroom next. Leaving water to dry on tiles can also cause water marks; ideally, you want to remove them for the best finish. You can dry your tiles using a microfibre cloth or towel, using a buffing motion to remove any watermarks.
Find Your Bathroom Tiles Today
Cleaning your bathroom tiles doesn’t need to be difficult, and by following our four steps, you can enjoy perfect tiles every time. Should you need a refresh in your bathroom, consider purchasing your next tiles from the Tile Collective. Their reasonable prices and wide selection ensure everyone can find the perfect tiles for their bathroom. Check out the Tile Collective and their options today!
