Ideas for Easy-to-Clean Bathroom Tiles, Shower Doors, & Design

A bathroom should be a place to refresh, not a source of endless scrubbing. The right design choices can make your bathroom easier to clean, saving you time and effort while keeping your space looking its best. From the easiest shower to clean to the best tile for shower walls, here’s how to create a bathroom that works for you—not the other way around.

Easy-to-Clean Bathroom Tile Choices

• Choose Large-Format Tiles: Large-format tiles reduce the number of grout lines, which are often the hardest part of a bathroom to keep clean. Fewer seams mean less space for mold, mildew, and soap scum to accumulate. Porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles are especially good options, as they’re non-porous and resist staining.
• Opt for Smooth, Matte Finishes: Glossy tiles may look sleek, but they tend to show water spots and fingerprints. Matte finishes, on the other hand, are more forgiving and don’t highlight every splash or streak. Smooth surfaces also make it easier to wipe away residue, so you spend less time scrubbing tiled bathroom surfaces.
• Use Epoxy or Stain-Resistant Grout: Traditional cement grout is porous and can discolor over time. Epoxy grout is more resistant to stains and doesn’t absorb water, making it a smart choice for shower walls and floors. It also inhibits mold growth, which means less maintenance in the long run.
• Consider Large Porcelain Slabs or Panels: For the ultimate in easy-to-clean surfaces, large porcelain slabs or wall panels minimize seams almost entirely. These panels can cover entire shower walls or bathroom floors, creating a sleek, modern look with virtually no grout to maintain. They’re also highly durable and resistant to moisture.

Avoid small mosaic tiles and heavily textured surfaces. While they can add visual interest, they create more grout lines and crevices where grime can build up. Textured tiles can also trap dirt, making your bathroom harder to clean thoroughly.

Easy-to-Clean Shower Design Features

• Frameless Glass Shower Doors: Frameless glass doors are the easiest shower doors to clean because they have fewer metal tracks and seals where soap scum and mildew can collect. Look for glass treated with a protective coating, which helps repel water and reduces spotting.
• Curbless, Walk-In Showers: A curbless shower eliminates the ledge that often collects water and grime. With a single, gently sloped floor, water drains efficiently, and there are fewer corners to trap dirt. This design also makes the shower more accessible and visually open.
• Wall-Mounted Fixtures: Wall-mounted showerheads and controls keep the floor clear and make it easier to wipe down surfaces. Consider a handheld showerhead for targeted cleaning, which can help rinse away soap and debris from hard-to-reach spots.
• Strategic Wall Materials for Easy Clean Showers: Acrylic and solid surface shower panels are excellent for easy clean-up, as they’re non-porous and have no grout lines. Cultured marble is another low-maintenance option, offering a seamless look and easy wipe-down. For those who prefer tile, stick with large-format porcelain or ceramic, and always pair with stain-resistant grout. For more insights, check out our guide to the Best Materials to Use on Shower Walls.

Avoid sliding shower doors with metal tracks. These tracks are notorious for trapping water, soap, and hair, making them difficult to keep clean. Instead, opt for hinged doors or a fixed glass panel for a more streamlined, low-maintenance solution.

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Toilet Choices for Easier Cleaning

Wall-mounted toilets are a game-changer for easy-to-clean bathroom design, especially if you’re dealing with a half-bath with tight dimensions. With the tank and plumbing concealed behind the wall, the floor beneath the toilet is completely open, making it simple to mop and wipe down. The smooth, minimalist shape also means fewer nooks and crannies for dust and grime to settle.

If a wall-mounted toilet isn’t an option, look for a one-piece toilet with a skirted base. These models eliminate the exposed curves and bolts found on traditional toilets, so there are fewer places for dirt to hide. A high-quality glaze on the ceramic surface will also help prevent stains and buildup.

Read How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Toilet.

Additional Design Tips to Make Bathrooms Easy to Clean

• Keep “stuff” to a minimum: The less you store on counters and open shelves, the fewer items you’ll need to move when cleaning. A clutter-free space also makes it easier to spot and wipe up messes quickly. Find inspiration with our Minimalist Bathroom guide.
• Enclosed shelves: Cabinets with doors keep dust and moisture away from your toiletries and towels. This not only keeps your bathroom looking tidy but also reduces the number of surfaces you need to clean.
• Floating vanities: Wall-mounted vanities open up the floor space, making it easier to sweep and mop underneath. They also give the room a more modern, streamlined look.
• Integrated sinks and countertops: A seamless sink and countertop combo eliminates joints where grime can collect. Materials like solid surface or quartz are especially easy to wipe down.
• Minimal hardware: Choose cabinetry and fixtures with simple, easy-to-wipe handles or even touch-latch doors. Fewer grooves and details mean less dust and dirt buildup.
• Large mirrors with minimal frames: Frameless or thin-framed mirrors are easier to clean and don’t trap moisture or dust around the edges.
• Smart ventilation: Good airflow prevents mold and mildew, which means less scrubbing. Install a high-quality exhaust fan and use it regularly to keep humidity in check.
• Easy-to-clean window shades: Select window treatments made from moisture-resistant materials, such as faux wood or vinyl, which can be wiped down quickly. Avoid fabric shades that can trap dust and mildew; instead, opt for simple blinds or shades that are designed for high-humidity environments and require minimal upkeep.

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Design Decisions to Avoid

• Ornate fixtures and hardware: Intricate designs may look appealing, but they collect dust and grime in hard-to-reach crevices, making cleaning more time-consuming.

• Open shelving near water sources: While open shelves can be stylish, they expose your items to splashes and humidity, leading to more frequent cleaning and potential damage.

• Dark grout with light tiles: While this contrast can be visually striking, dark grout can show soap scum and mineral deposits more readily, requiring more frequent maintenance.

• Deep, textured floor tiles: These can trap dirt and are harder to mop thoroughly, especially in high-traffic areas.

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Design a Bathroom That Fits Your Lifestyle with Block

An easy-to-clean bathroom is about more than just materials—it’s about creating a space that truly works for you. At Block, we know that the right contractor makes all the difference. That’s why we carefully screen and pair you with experienced, vetted professionals who are committed to quality and efficiency.

From the first consultation to the final walkthrough, your contractor will handle every detail of your renovation, ensuring your new bathroom is built to last and easy to maintain. We take the guesswork out of finding the right team, so you can focus on enjoying your new space. With Block, you get a seamless renovation experience and a bathroom that fits your lifestyle—beautiful, functional, and refreshingly easy to keep clean.