The best way to clean the tiles and grout joints in your home will differ. It all depends on the type of stain you are removing and the material the grout is made of. It is almost impossible to find a cleaning solution that works in all cases without damaging the bathroom walls.
However, once the problem is identified, more effective and targeted cleaning can be done.
Things to consider before cleaning bathroom tiles
The process of cleaning shower tiles is simple, but a few things should be kept in mind, such as
- Steaming the bathroom.
- Preheat the wall tiles.
- Coat the tiles with your preferred cleaner.
- Keep the space properly lit.
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Steps for cleaning bathroom tiles
Below we outline the steps that will help you clean shower tiles with ease. Just check and follow the steps.
Step 1: Figure out which tiles will be cleaned
Replacing bathroom tiles is an expensive option. The shine and luster of bathroom tiles can last much longer with little effort. In addition, dirty tiles can promote the growth of disease-causing bacteria. Therefore, clean the bathroom at least twice a week. This is an effective way to prevent germs. Knowing your bathroom tiles and cleaning them accordingly will help you clean them more effectively.
Step 2: Stain removal
Mix 12 cups of water and 12 cups of vinegar to treat bathroom stains. Fill a spray bottle halfway with water and spray on the stain. Scrub with a toothbrush and rinse with water. Use salt to remove hard water stains. Salt has excellent disinfecting and sterilizing properties. When cleaning with salt, make sure the stained area is wet. Sprinkle the stained area generously with salt and let it sit for an hour. Remove the salt with an abrasive brush. Most of the stain should be removed. The remaining stains should be removed with vinegar and water solution.
Step 3: Cleaning bathroom tiles
First, prepare the bathroom wall tiles. Take a hot shower. The steam from the hot water loosens the dirt from the bathroom tiles. To clean the bathroom tiles, combine 12 cups of baking soda and 12 cups of lemon juice in 12 buckets of hot water. After mixing thoroughly, scrub the wall tiles with this solution. After scrubbing the entire surface, let it sit for five minutes. Then wipe with a clean, damp sponge. Use a Cif bathroom cleaner for a clean finish. It effectively removes water stains and soap deposits. Consult the package for proper instructions for use.
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Step 4: Cleaning the bathroom floor tiles
Sweep the bathroom floor with a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt. Start at the point farthest from the bathroom door and gradually move closer to it. After painting the walls, you need to clean the bathroom floor tiles. You can also clean the walls with a vacuum cleaner. Of course, you can sweep the floor tiles, but the vacuum cleaner will quickly remove any loose threads or hair. When finished, wash the bathroom floor with a good detergent. After cleaning, disinfect the floor with a suitable disinfectant floor cleaner, such as a sodium hypochlorite product, and always test it on an inconspicuous area first.
Step 5: Cleaning the joints
Mortar has a porous structure. It can trap dirt and moisture. Spray the joints generously with an effective bathroom cleaning solution and wipe clean. Mix 1 cup white vinegar and 1 cup water in a bowl.
Once thoroughly mixed, rub on the grout; leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe off the cleaner with an old toothbrush. Rinse with clean water. Dry the tiles with a microfiber cloth.
What to avoid
Grouting is critical to the freshness and safety of the tiles. Do not use wire brushes or steel wool. The same goes for abrasive cleaners such as borax or comet. These tools can damage the tiles, and the chemicals can damage the grout.
Pros and cons of bathroom tiles
Pros
- There are many types of bathroom tiles, including ceramic and porcelain tiles, which are durable, water-resistant, and scratch-resistant.
- Bathroom tiles are easy to clean and maintain if you adopt a regular care routine.
- They add elegance to the bathroom.
- They protect the walls and floors from water runoff, thus improving the durability of the construction.
- Most bathroom tiles are easy to install.
Cons
- Porous tiles can cause damage to the structure by allowing water to pass through the back of the bathroom tiles.
- Non-slip tiles can slip and fall in the bathroom, potentially causing injury.
- Improper cleaning methods can permanently damage bathroom tiles.
- Bathroom tiles come in a wide variety, but cannot be experimented with more because they require specific properties to be maintained over the long term.
Bathroom wall tiles vs. bathroom floor tiles
Tiles installed on bathroom walls and those installed on bathroom floors are functionally different. Bathroom floors usually require non-slip tiles that can withstand the load of foot traffic and bathroom equipment placed on the floor.
Non-slip tiles are a priority because bathrooms are wet areas and sudden slips and injuries must be avoided.
However, the appearance of bathroom wall tiles is more important than their performance and durability. Wall and backsplash tiles are generally thinner and more delicate than those used for floors. Therefore, it is best to choose the right tile for the application and never consider installing wall tiles as a flooring material.
Technical selection factors
Tiles used in bathrooms have technical characteristics that determine their durability and overall performance. Considering these factors when purchasing tiles will make your purchasing decisions informed and sensible. Purchasing tiles approved for these characteristics will ensure that the tiles will last for many years.
Water resistance
Most activities that take place in the bathroom do not require water, do they? Bathroom wall and floor tiles will therefore be constantly exposed to moisture, and we must prevent it from penetrating under the tiles. It is essential to install moisture-resistant floors throughout the bathroom. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are generally among the most moisture-resistant tiles for bathroom floors. These properties also help protect walls, especially around showers and sinks.
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Porcelain and ceramic tiles: ideal for the bathroom?
Flooring the bathroom with moisture-proof tiles increases the life of the home and provides peace of mind. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most water-resistant tiles. Due to the firing process, these tiles are dense and absorb a minimal amount of moisture, even when constantly exposed.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are not porous
The use of porous tiles for bathroom floors, walls, and showers is definitely to be avoided. To produce ceramic and porcelain tiles, manufacturers perform a firing process. After this firing process, the raw material of the tile is no longer porous, making it ideal for wet areas.
Friction and anti-slip effect
Bathroom tile floors must create just the right amount of friction between feet. Even when exposed to splashing water from sinks and showers, slip-resistant tiles can prevent falls and injuries. The tiles must also withstand moderate foot traffic, as all family members and some guests frequently enter and leave the bathroom.
Of course, it is virtually impossible to keep bathroom tile floors completely dry all the time. Splashes and spills are part of daily bathroom cleaning. Therefore, it is highly recommended to choose non-slip tiles for bathroom flooring. Porcelain or ceramic tiles with a suitable finish can effectively serve this purpose.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal for the bathroom because they are water and slip-resistant. Porcelain and ceramic are durable materials with high resistance to footfall. There are many other alternatives to porcelain and ceramics, but switching from these materials must be done with caution.
Relative hardness
The relative hardness of a tile is the hardness relative to other (mineral) materials, looking at their ability to scratch the tile. The reference is the Mohs hardness scale, which is based on ten different minerals.
Tile manufacturers perform several laboratory tests and obtain a rating from the Porcelain Enamel Association. The Porcelain Enamel Association is the body that created the standards for evaluating the hardness of tile glazes.
The higher the relative hardness, the better the scratch resistance of the tiles. It is therefore necessary to strike a balance between scratch resistance, water resistance, and aesthetic properties.
Maintenance
It is important that bathroom tiles be easy to clean and maintain. Porous surfaces can be difficult to clean, as water collects and dries in the microscopic crevices of the tile surface. Tile types that are too delicate can also compromise the durability of the installation.
Mosaic tiles should be easy to clean, like ceramic tiles, rather than porous materials like natural stone. If a material such as natural stone is chosen for the bathroom, it will look beautiful and withstand foot traffic, but the ease of cleaning will suffer compared to other materials.
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What beauty can natural stone bring to the bathroom?
Natural stone materials such as slate, granite, travertine, and river stone, these tiles capture the beauty of nature.
Natural stone tiles
If you want to feel closer to nature in your bathroom, choose stone tiles that are inspired by natural stone. We offer a wide range of stone tiles. Bringing natural elegance to your bathroom is a top priority, so you can choose the stone product that best suits the decorative theme of your bathroom.
Stone tiles can have a variety of visual impacts, including.
River rock
- Glazed ceramic tiles are similar to slate.
- Hexagonal stone tiles with an X pattern.
- Chevron tiles with wood grain.
- White glass and wood-like gray stone tiles.
- White hexagonal stone tiles.
Frosted stone tiles
- Stone tiles brick tile pattern.
- Beautifully colored stone tiles.
- Polished herringbone stone tiles for classic appeal.
- Pencil stone tiles for borders.
- Seamless stacked stone tiles and more.
Many beautiful stone tile options in a variety of colors, finishes, and patterns. By choosing the right stone tiles for your bathroom walls, you will achieve an elegant bathroom that combines traditional and modern looks. You can also install small stone tiles on the walls, such as behind showers and sinks, to create an accent wall in the bathroom and attract attention.
Travertine tiles
Travertine is a unique natural stone material. Travertine is a type of limestone that is produced around some mineral springs and has a unique and eye-catching appearance. In addition, the warm tones of travertine are well-suited for many bathroom walls and shower applications.
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How To Clean Tiles Of Bathroom | Video Explanation
How To Clean Tiles Of Bathroom | Infographic
Finally
There is no fixed time interval for cleaning bathroom tiles. Depending on how long the tiles last, it may be enough to clean them four times a year or once a month.
Keep an eye on your bathroom tiles and clean them as soon as you notice soap stains, yellow stains, or other layers of mold. If you do not have enough time to clean the tiles, hire a professional bathroom tile cleaner.