Bathroom wall tile is the hottest buzzword in the current world of interiors to enhance the decor of restrooms and luxurious bathrooms. These tiles are an excellent example of glamor and durability making them the preferred choice for every homeowner. However, for a consistent appeal bathroom wall tiles require routine cleaning and upkeep that too in a streamlined way. Without following the right steps, one can ruin the luxury feeling of these tiles.
Therefore we have brought a step-by-step guide for proper cleaning of bathroom wall tiles.
Materials Needed for Cleaning Tile
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Mild dish soap or tile cleaner
- White vinegar or baking soda (for natural cleaning)
- Soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Bucket of warm water
- Grout sealer (optional, for long-term protection)
Considerations Before Getting Started
- Tile type: Verify if your tiles are natural stone or porcelain. Each kind may also need a different set of cleaning agents.
- Grout Condition: Scrubbing the grout thoroughly may exacerbate any cracks or breaks. After cleaning, think about sealing it.
- Ventilation: To prevent inhaling fumes when using chemical cleaners, make sure there is appropriate ventilation.
8 Easy Steps To Clean Bathroom Wall Tiles
1. Gathering The Perfect Essentials
First of all, you need to gather all the cleaning essentials in one place such as warm water, cleanser, wiper, scrubber, etc. Harsh chemicals and detergents can damage the wall tiles' surface, therefore, you can use natural solutions like the mixture of warm water and vinegar for cleaning. Similarly choice of the perfect broom and scrubs also matters and you need to collect all these things before starting cleaning.
2. Remove Dust And Sweep
Layers of dust and debris can affect the natural shine and appeal of wall tiles used in bathrooms. Thus, we will begin removing dust from the tiles' surface and grout lines with a soft-bristled broom. For wall tiles used in the bathroom, you can wipe them with a soft cloth to remove debris.
3. Preparing The Cleansing Solution
It is one of the most important steps in bathroom wall tile cleaning. As we have discussed before, we need to prepare a mild mixture of cleansing agents that should have any harmful effects on the wall tile surface. You can use the following solutions as an Idea-cleansing mixture:
- Warm water and hydrogen peroxide
- Warm water and vinegar
- Mild detergent diluted with water
- Lime juice with warm water
4. Applying The Solution
Apply the solution over the tiles evenly. Focus on small sections when you are employing the solution over larger wall tiles in bathroom. Ensure to cover both wall tiles surface and grout lines for all-round cleaning. Take a systematic approach for all sections including bathroom accent wall tiles and bathroom shower wall tiles.
5. Scrubbing The Surface
Scrubbing is the second most important step after the application of the cleansing agent. Always remember to use a gentle scrubber to avoid harsh cleaning. Deep the scrubber in warm water and clean the tile surface with a cleansing solution. It will help you in removing stain marks and spills present over the bathroom wall tile surface.
6. Rinse With Clean Water
To remove the remaining solutions and for a final touch, rinse the tiles with warm & clean water. Rinse the tiles thoroughly two to three times to make sure that there is no dust and cleaning solution left on the tile surface. Keep the focus on grout lines as the accumulation of water in them can be a hotspot for bacteria.
7. Dry The Tiles
Drying up the tiles immediately is essential to avoid the accumulation of water and minimize the risk of accidents. Open the windows for proper ventilation and leave the wall tiles to dry. You can also use a dry cloth to remove water spots from the tiles.
8. Regular Upkeep
Bathroom wall tile cleaning is a routine process and needs to be maintained regularly to create a serene and hygienic atmosphere. Cleaning the bathroom wall tiles once a week is enough to maintain the original beauty and aesthetics.
Identifying the Type of Stain
- Soap Scum: White or cloudy film, best cleaned with vinegar or baking soda.
- Mold & Mildew: Black or green spots in grout. It can be cleaned with a vinegar solution.
- Hard Water Stains: Chalky residue, remove with vinegar-based solutions.
- Grease or Oil: Often from skincare products, clean with dish soap and warm water.
How Often to Clean Tile and Grout
Regular cleansing is vital to maintaining the smooth appearance of bathroom tiles. You should do a quick wipe-down with a microfiber fabric each day to restrict soap scum and water stains from amassing. Weekly use of tile cleanser or vinegar solution is recommended for a greater thorough cleaning on the way to get rid of dirt and slight stains.
To preserve grout strains, they must be thoroughly wiped clean at least once a month seeing that they're mainly susceptible to mould increase and discoloration. A yearly thorough cleaning or expert treatment may additionally help restore tiles and grout to their original appearance for long-term upkeep, especially if stains are continual.
How Long Will This Take to Clean?
- Quick Wipe-down: 5-10 minutes
- Regular Cleaning: 20-30 minutes
- Deep Cleaning (Including Grout): 45-60 minutes
When to Call a Professional
If mildew, stains, or other issues continue after routine cleaning, you might consider hiring an expert. To restore its distinctive look, severe grout damage or discoloration may also need professional restoration. Professional cleaners can provide proper upkeep without causing damage if you're handling fragile tile materials like marble or travertine. Additionally, employing a professional may save work while achieving long-lasting cleaning in spaces like vast bathrooms or spaces where deep cleaning takes much too long.
Bathroom Tile Do's and Don'ts
Start with the shower or tub: Begin your bathroom tile cleaning with the most-used areas such as the shower or tub surround. These areas require the most attention to detail. It is impossible to clean thoroughly every day as this area has most of the corner grooves. So it is necessary to clean it once a week with more attention and use the proper tools.
Next, move on to the accent tile: Once the shower or tub is done, focus on accent tiles. These tiles are mostly textured and patterned tiles in which it is normal for dust and other dirt to accumulate. Therefore, you will have to put in more effort and time. In this, you will have to apply tile cleaner and clean it by rubbing it with a brush. Later, clean it with clean water.
Consider opting for a steam cleaner: For maintaining your bathroom tiles, consider using a steam cleaner. These types of cleaners effectively sanitize and clean tiles without harsh chemicals, using bursts of superheated water to remove grime and bacteria. They're especially useful for deep cleaning and save time and effort.
Avoid harmful substances and tools: Steer clear of ammonia, bleach, oil-based cleaners, and abrasive tools when cleaning your bathroom tiles. These substances discolor your tiles, stain the grout, and damage sealed surfaces. Using the wrong tools or cleaners causes more harm than good, leading to potential repairs or replacements.
Use what’s in your bathroom: Utilize your shower head or tub faucet to create steam for cleaning. The steam helps lift mold, mildew, soap scum, and hard water spots from tiles and grout. This method is effective and makes use of resources already available in your bathroom.
Use DIY cleaning solutions: Common household ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and a non-abrasive sponge work wonders for cleaning bathroom tiles. These natural cleaners are safe, effective, and budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice for regular tile maintenance.
Remove moisture as quickly as possible after showering: Reducing moisture is important for preventing mold and mildew. Always turn on your bathroom fan during showers to ventilate the space and lower humidity levels. This practice extends the time between cleaning sessions and minimizes bacterial growth.
Use a squeegee after every shower: Like using the fan, employing a squeegee after each shower helps remove excess moisture. This simple tool reduces soap scum and watermarks, keeping your tiles cleaner for longer. Professional cleaners swear by squeegees, and incorporating one into your routine makes a significant difference.
Wrapping It Up
Undoubtedly, bathroom wall tiles are a magnificent idea to enhance the overall aesthetics of the space. But regular upkeep and cleaning are vital for maintaining a hygienic and disease-free environment. Following the above simple steps for bathroom wall tile cleaning will help you preserve the beauty of your bathroom wall for a long period of time.
Tile & Sanitaryware Manufacturer
Sunwin Ceramic is a renowned manufacturer of tiles and sanitaryware, recognized for its high-quality products & innovative designs. With a strong presence in the industry, we established ourselves as a leading brand, offering a wide range of ceramic & porcelain tiles and sanitaryware solutions.
