No matter what colour your bathroom tiles may be, dirty tiles and grime can really spoil the aesthetic of the room. The bathroom is one of the dirtiest places in any home or commercial space, filled with germs and bacteria as well as a constant stream of damp air. No matter how regularly you clean or whether you only have a tile feature wall, these surfaces can easily accumulate soap scum and stains from constant use and could result in more series issues such as mould or structural damage. From basic maintenance to advanced cleaning techniques, this guide will walk you through the process of cleaning bathroom tiles, leaving your space feeling safe, hygienic and brand new every single time!
How to clean grout on bathroom tiles
When going to clean your bathroom tiles, one of the first and most important things to focus on is the grout. The grout will not only begin to look dirty but is also a prime place in which mould can grow. There’s no point wiping down your main tiles if you’ll be scrubbing away grout dirt straight after, so it’s always best to do this at the start.
One of the easiest ways to clean bathroom tile grout is to use an old toothbrush and an effective cleaning solution, making sure to avoid anything too strong such as bleach as they could affect the finish of your tiles. Here is a simple step-by-step process to clean your bathroom grout.
- Mix baking soda and vinegar in a bowl to form a paste.
- Use a toothbrush or small bristle brush to scrub the grout using the paste.
- Leave the paste to sit for around 30 minutes.
- Rinse off the paste and wipe down any residue.
- Continue with the rest of your cleaning.
How to clean bathroom wall tiles
Now that the grout has been cleaned, you can move on to the main wall tiles which may come in a selection of different colours, finishings, textures and requirements. It’s always best to research your specific tile type to make sure there aren't any special cleaning methods involved. Although the tiles themselves may not always look dirty, especially if they are inside a shower cubicle or wetroom, they can easily accumulate dust, grime, soap and watermarks. You can use the same solution as before to clean the majority of tiles, this time using either a cloth or sponge depending on the material. Once the paste has been sat on the surface for a few minutes, rinse off and wipe down using a spare towel or mop.
How to clean bathroom floor tiles
Cleaning floor tiles can also be done with the previous method, however, the floor is typically a bigger surface area and will obviously harvest more dirt. Although there are a number of different cleaning methods, here is a simple step-by-step guide to cleaning bathroom floor tiles.
- Remove all your accessories and objects from the room e.g. floor mat and bin
- Hoover or sweep. You need to ensure you hoover or sweep the floor before applying any wet methods as this will remove any dirt, hairs, dust and small loose objects.
- Use a mop, or steamer or go on your hands and knees using a floor solution and hot water. Many people also mix in a small amount of bleach or disinfectant for added cleanliness.
- Wipe down the area using a microfibre cloth or spare towel.
Things to avoid when cleaning tiles
In order to keep your tiles looking their best, there are a few things to avoid when cleaning them including:
- Stay away from harsh chemicals.
- Avoid coloured cleaners as these could be absorbed.
- Avoid wax-based cleaners as this could make the tiles slippery and potentially leave yellow stains.
- Stay away from abrasive materials as these can scratch or damage the tile.
One of the main things to remember when going to clean your bathroom tiles, whether it’s the floor or walls is to do your research. Not every tile type is the same and each one will come with different cleaning requirements to avoid any wear or potential damage.
Bathroom design services by Inspired Washrooms
Our team of commercial designers and fit-out specialists are passionate about creating spaces which look good and inspire. Whether you're a local swimming bath or own a retail store, we have all the skills and resources to refurbish your washroom to meet your needs and business growth.
Based in Nottingham, we’re ideally located to serve the entire UK with no trouble at all. We’ve worked across the country and had a number of projects in London, Leicester and Birmingham that we’re very proud of. So, whether you’re in Newcastle, Leeds or even Cornwall, get in touch and we’ll breathe new life into your old commercial washroom.
Give us a call today on 0115 811 4242 and we'll help in any way we can!