Let’s face it: Cleaning your bathroom tiles is not at the top of anyone’s To-Do list (ever!). But it needs to be done. With the right tools and techniques, the process will not be as cumbersome. In this guide, we will outline easy tips and hacks on how to clean your bathroom tiles with effortless ease.
Hack #1: Stock Up on the Necessary Cleaning Supplies
First things first, you’ll need to stock up on the essential cleaning supplies such as vinegar, spray bottle, soft scrubbing pad/sponge, microfiber cloth, salt, etc. Once you have the cleaning essentials in place, you can get ready to do the grunt work, which is cleaning.
Hack #2: Understand the Type of Bathroom Tile You Have
Improperly cleaning the bathroom tile can cause more harm than good. This is why you need to understand the type and material of your bathroom tile. For instance, if your bathroom has ceramic or porcelain, ensure you’re using a non-scratching tool to clean it. If your bathroom has cement tiles or tiles made of natural stone (think: granite, marble, limestone, and so on), do not use any acidic cleaners, which can ruin your tiles. Always use a neutral pH cleaner and gentle tool in such cases.
Hack #3: Understand How to Get Rid of Soap Scum
Soap scum on your ceramic bathroom tiles is an ungodly sight. This ‘scum’, comprising of hard water and dead skin cells that your body sheds while exfoliating and showering, builds up over time. The good news is that it can be cleaned easily. Here’s a simple cleaning recipe you can try:
- Dilute distilled vinegar with water in equal quantities.
- Then, make a paste out of baking soda and the distilled white vinegar (made in step 1). Note that you can also use lemon juice instead of vinegar.
- Next, use a non-abrasive cloth (or soft sponge) to apply this paste to the bathroom tile.
- Wipe it off with the vinegar mixture. Then, rinse it with plain water.
- Let the tiles air dry completely.
Hack #4: How to Get Rid of Mold and Mildew Growth
Bathrooms are a sacred space for moulds and mildew growth, only because bathrooms harbour high levels of moisture. Without proper ventilation, moulds can grow quickly. Here’s an easy recipe you can try to remove mould growth:
- Mix 1 part bleach to 2 parts water. Transfer this mixture into a sturdy spray bottle.
- Then, spray this solution onto the affected areas. Let it sit for a couple of minutes.
- After a while, add another layer of spray and scrub it with a soft brush.
- Finally, rinse the area off with plain water and repeat until the mould is completely removed.
Hack #5: How to Clean Shower Area Glass Tiles
Generally speaking, people use glass tiles in the shower area due to their moisture-resistant and stain-resistant properties. When cleaning the glass tiles, do not use abrasive products as they can leave a scratch or mark and destroy your tile for good.
Hack #6: How to Get Rid of Other Types of Stains
To spot-treat stains, mix half a cup of water and half a cup of vinegar. Transfer it into a spray bottle and spray on the affected area. Then, you’ll want to scrub it with a toothbrush. Finish off by washing it with plain water. If your bathroom has hard water and you’re struggling with hard water stains, use salt. Simply, sprinkle some salt on the area and allow it to sit for at least an hour. Next, scrub the salt away with a scrubber. If the stain remains, use the vinegar and water mixture.
Hack #7: How to Clean Your Bathroom Tiles for General Upkeep and Maintenance
If you wish to engage in general cleaning of your bathroom wall tiles, here’s a sample you can follow every month:
- Prep your bathroom tiles by running a hot shower. The vapours will loosen any dirt or grime on the walls.
- Create your own cleaning solution by mixing a half cup of baking soda and a half cup of lemon juice into half a bucket of warm water.
- Use a soft sponge to scrub this solution over your tiles.
- Once the scrubbing is complete, let it sit for about five minutes.
- Then, damper a clean sponge in plain water and clean off the area.
- For best results, follow up with a high-quality disinfectant.
There you go. Here’s how you can clean your bathroom tiles like a pro. That said, if you are pressed on time, you may want to hire a professional to get the job done. If you are looking to change your bathroom tiles and literally want a change of ‘scene’ for your bathroom, get in touch with our team of experts at HomeLane. We can bring your ideas to life and literally make space for the bathroom of your dreams.
