Beautiful tile can be the difference between a zen-like bathroom experience and a room you simple don’t want to spend any time in. But simply investing in tile you love the look of isn’t enough to preserve your environment. You have to take care of it too. You have to clean your bathroom tiles the right way.
When it comes time again to clean your bathroom tiles there are an abundant number of options exist for for everyone’s preferences and the depth of cleaning necessary.
DIY
Odds are you already have numerous products in your refrigerator and pantry that can double as cleaning agents. For those inclined to use all-natural ingredients, below are some recipes that do a great job at removing build-up and sanitizing bathroom tiles and surface.
- White Vinegar – Use equal parts white vinegar and water. You can add baking soda to this mixture for increased effectiveness. Either spray the mixture on the wall or use a sponge to apply. Allow the solution to sit for a minute to fully dissolve the buildup. Wipe off with a damp cloth and allow to air dry.
- Lemon Juice – Lemon juice’s natural acidity renders it an effective cleaning product. Apply the juice to your tiles and then wipe away with a cloth. In addition, you can put a thin coat of baking soda on the tile before spraying the juice to add more power.
- Baking Soda – Baking soda is an effective ingredient for sanitizing grimy surfaces Mix a 1/2 cup of baking soda with one teaspoon of liquid dish soap and 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Apply the mixture to the tile and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, wipe away with a damp cloth and let dry.
For a more powerful DIY clean:
- Bleach – Combine bleach, baking soda, and water to create an even stronger cleaning concoction. The bleach and baking soda may be mixed in a 1:3 ratio. Apply the solution to tile and then rinse off with a damp sponge or cloth. Make certain to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask if necessary. Make sure to wear gloves as bleach is a skin irritant.
- Ammonia – Create an ammonia spray by mixing the liquid with water in a 1:2 ratio. Apply to walls and let sit for an hour. Rinse off with a damp cloth or sponge. Again, please wear gloves and make sure the area is well-ventilated, as ammonia is noxious and irritating.
Cleaning Products
There are a seemingly infinite number of cleaning products out there that will do the trick and make your tiles like new. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions and, like before, open all windows and doors to increase ventilation. Many of these products contain strong chemicals, so it is advisable to also wear gloves.
General Tips
- Microfiber mops and clothes are a great way to increase your cleaning power.
- Run the shower/tub with hot water before cleaning to create steam and open up ceramic pores.
- Whichever method you end up going with, test the solution on a small area of tile before starting to ensure against damage.
- A steam cleaner is a great alternative to manually cleaning tile. Its warmth opens up surface pores and allows for a deep removal of grime and build up. If you don’t want to invest in a steamer off the bat, look into renting one from a local hardware store.
