The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Tile and Grout

How To Clean Bathroom Tiles – Tile can transform your home, making spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways shine. However, tiles and their grout lines are magnets for dirt, grime, and mildew. Whether you’re dealing with soap scum in the bathroom or stains in the kitchen, keeping tile and grout clean is easier than you might think. This guide brings together all the best tips from professionals, written clearly and approachable.

How Often to Clean Bathroom Tile

The frequency of cleaning bathroom tiles depends on your schedule. Sara San Angelo, a professional cleaner and founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady in Charleston, South Carolina, suggests cleaning bathroom tile once a week if you can.

For most people, cleaning once a month is more manageable. For a guest bathroom that doesn’t get much use, cleaning it once a quarter or before guests arrive should be enough. “It’s also a good idea to clean the tile after guests leave so you don’t have to worry when unexpected visitors show up.”

A helpful tip for all bathroom tiles is to use a squeegee after each use. This reduces soap scum buildup and prevents excess moisture that can lead to mould growth.

Materials Needed for Clean Bathroom Tile

For Wall Tiles

• Gloves
• Sponge
• Rags
• A toothbrush or small soft brush
• Lemon juice, white vinegar, or mild soap
• Baking soda
• Warm Water
• Squeegee
• Spray bottle

For Floor Tiles

• Mop
• Gentle dish detergent
• Broom
• Swiffer and dry pads
• Bucket of water

How Often Should You Clean Tile and Grout?

The frequency of tile and grout cleaning depends on the area’s use. High-traffic spaces like kitchens and main bathrooms might need weekly cleaning, while less-used areas, like guest bathrooms, can go a few weeks between cleanings. The key is to monitor the dirt buildup and adjust your cleaning routine as needed.

What You’ll Need

For cleaning both tile and grout, gather these basic supplies:

• Microfiber cloths
• A scrub brush or sponge
• A spray bottle
• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Hydrogen peroxide (optional for tough stains)
• Warm water

Understanding Tile Types

Before you start cleaning, it’s crucial to know the type of tile you’re working with—whether it’s porcelain, stone, glass, or something else.

For example, you might have tile floors in your home to help reduce allergens, or perhaps you manage a space like a clinic or office where tiles are used for their easy-to-clean and sanitary properties. Understanding your tile type and its material is essential to choosing the safest and most effective cleaning method regardless of the setting.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Ceramic and Porcelain: These are tough and can handle most cleaning agents, making them great for busy areas.
• Natural Stone (like marble, slate, or travertine): These are beautiful but porous, so they need gentle, specialized cleaners.
• Glass: Glass tiles need a streak-free and scratch-free approach to keep them looking shiny and clear.
• Metal: Metallic tiles are stylish but require careful cleaning to avoid scratches or discolouration.

TIP: Not sure what type of tile you have? Refer to your installation guide or check with your tile supplier for details.

How to Clean Tile?

When cleaning tile, it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals like vinegar, even in diluted form. Vinegar is highly acidic and can weaken grout or damage stone tiles. A simple mix of warm water and dish soap works perfectly for most tile types, such as porcelain or ceramic.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill a spray bottle with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
2. Spray the solution onto the tile surface.
3. Wipe the tiles clean using a damp microfiber cloth or towel.

How to Clean Bathroom Tile

For Wall Tiles

1. Start by cleaning the grout. Apply a paste of baking soda, or for tougher stains, mix baking soda with white vinegar.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it with a toothbrush. (Be careful with very old grout, as it may crumble.)
3. Rinse the grout well.
4. For the tiles, start at the top where the tile meets the ceiling. You can use a homemade cleaner by mixing 50% dish soap and 50% water or a solution of 25% white vinegar, 25% lemon juice, and 50% water in a spray bottle and applying it to the tiles.
5. Let the solution sit for a few minutes to loosen dirt and buildup.
6. Using a soft brush or sponge, scrub in small circular motions, working your way across the wall and down each line of tiles. You may need to scrub a bit harder if there’s heavy buildup.
7. Rinse with warm water using a rag or sponge.
8. Dry with a squeegee and a clean rag. Remove all moisture to avoid streaks and prevent mould growth.

For Floor Tiles

1. Start by sweeping the floor with a broom or Swiffer to remove debris.
2. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of dish soap in a bucket of water.
3. Mop the floor with the soapy water.
4. Go over the floor again with a dry Swiffer pad to remove any remaining moisture and help prevent mould.

The Eco-Friendly Approach

Harsh cleaning chemicals can harm the environment, but plenty of sustainable alternatives let you clean your tiles effectively without damaging the planet. Many eco-friendly options can help you reduce or even eliminate the need for chemical cleaners. Here are a few options:

• Baking Soda: This gentle, effective cleaner can handle surface dirt and light stains. Just mix it with water to make a paste, apply it to the tile, and scrub with a sponge or microfiber cloth. Rinse well for clean, sparkling tiles!
• White Vinegar: The mild acidity of vinegar works well for removing mineral deposits and soap scum. Mix vinegar with water (1:1 ratio), spray it on the tiles, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Note: Don’t use vinegar on natural stone or marble, as the acidity can damage and dull the surface.
• Castile Soap: This plant-based soap is a natural degreaser and safe for most surfaces. Add a few drops of warm water to mop floors or clean walls. It’s gentle on both hands and surfaces, making it perfect for sensitive areas.
• Essential Oils: Oils like tea tree and lavender have natural antibacterial properties and can freshen up your tiles while keeping them clean. Add a few drops to your cleaning solution for a refreshing touch.

Switching to eco-friendly options like baking soda and vinegar can reduce your environmental impact and save you money on cleaning supplies.

TIP—Microfiber Magic: Using microfiber mops and cloths with just water can reduce the need for chemical cleaners and improve air quality. Investing in reusable microfiber products can also help reduce waste while boosting cleaning efficiency.

How to Remove Stains From Tile

If stubborn stains remain after cleaning with dish soap, a simple baking soda paste can help.

1. Mix baking soda and water in a bowl to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to the stained areas and let it sit for 15–20 minutes.
3. Gently scrub the stains with a brush or sponge.
4. Rinse the area thoroughly with warm water.
5. Dry the tile with a microfiber cloth for a clean finish.

Use the Right Tile Cleaner

To keep your tiles in the best condition, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for your specific tile and grout. These guidelines are tailored to ensure you clean and protect your tile properly.

The way a space is used also affects the cleaning approach. For example, a busy restaurant might need professional grout cleaning services for deep restoration, followed by regular vinegar-water mopping. Meanwhile, a homeowner with a lightly used marble bathroom floor could use a marble polish to buff out minor scratches and restore the shine.

Here are some tips for cleaning different types of tiles. Always test any cleaner on a small, hidden area of the tile first to make sure it won’t cause damage:

• Ceramic and Porcelain: For regular cleaning, a vinegar-and-water solution or mild dish soap in water works well. For tougher stains, try a paste made from water and baking soda or use a commercial grout cleaner.
• Natural Stone: Use pH-neutral cleaners designed for stone to avoid damaging surfaces like marble, travertine, or slate. Avoid acidic cleaners, like vinegar, and abrasive scrubbers that can scratch or dull the surface.
• Glass: A vinegar-water solution or regular glass cleaner will keep glass tiles shiny. Avoid strong chemicals that can cause streaks or haze.
• Metallic Tiles: A mild dish soap and water mix is usually enough to clean them. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for tiles with a special finish to ensure you’re using the right cleaner.

Preventative Measures

A few simple steps can help keep your tiles clean and look good for longer. Here are some easy ways to prevent dirt and damage:

• Place area rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce dirt and grime buildup on tile floors.
• Clean up spills quickly and sweep up debris to stop them from soaking into the grout or staining the tiles.
• After mopping, use a squeegee to remove excess water, especially on glass tiles, to avoid streaks.
• Ensure good ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould and mildew.

How to Clean Grout

The condition of your grout depends on its composition. Traditional grout is made of sand and cement, while newer types may contain latex or other materials to help resist stains. Baking soda is a great option for cleaning grout, regardless of the type.

1. Mix baking soda and water in a bowl to create a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the grout lines and scrub with a brush. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
3. Rinse the grout with warm water.
4. Dry the grout using a microfiber cloth.

Materials Needed for Cleaning Grout

Before you start cleaning and removing stains from grout, gather these items:

• A bowl
• A scrub brush
• A microfiber cloth
• Baking soda
• Water
• Hydrogen peroxide (optional for tough stains)

How to Remove Stains From Grout

Getting rid of stains from grout takes a little more effort, but it’s doable.

1. Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the stained grout and scrub with a brush. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
3. Rinse the grout with warm water.
4. Dry the grout with a microfiber cloth.

How to Maintain Tile and Grout

Regular cleaning will help keep tile and grout in good shape, but extra steps are needed to protect them and keep them looking great.

• Minimize Moisture Buildup: In bathrooms, use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to wipe down tiles after showering to prevent hard water stains and soap scum. Running the exhaust fan for 10 to 20 minutes after a shower will help remove humidity, reducing mould growth on grout.
• Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Skip strong chemical cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice, as they can damage grout. Instead, use gentler, pH-neutral cleaning products.
• Seal Your Grout: Sealing grout helps prevent mould, dirt, and moisture from getting in. Aim to seal your grout once or twice a year, depending on foot traffic. Be sure to wait 24 hours after deep cleaning before applying the sealer to ensure the grout is completely dry.

Tips for Cleaning Bathroom Tile

Here are some helpful tips for cleaning bathroom tiles. Try making a paste with hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a little dish soap for tougher stains. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for five minutes before gently scrubbing with a brush. Be sure to avoid using this method on stone tiles, and always do a spot check for colour safety on other materials.

Avoid using bleach, as it can be too harsh. Oxy Bleach powder is a gentler option for stubborn stains. Also, make sure to increase ventilation in the bathroom when cleaning.

Reseal grout every six months,” as sealant wears off over time and helps protect the grout from moisture and mould. Stone tiles should also be regularly sealed with a proper stone sealer to maintain their integrity.

Extra Tips for Bathroom Tiles

Use DIY solutions specific to your tile type.

• Ceramic and porcelain tiles: A mix of 50% water and 50% gentle soap or diluted vinegar works well.
• Stone or marble tiles: Avoid acidic cleaners and use a specially formulated stone cleaner instead.

Floor Tiles

• Sweep or vacuum first, then mop with a mix of dish soap and warm water. Dry with a microfiber mop or Swiffer to avoid streaks and mould.

When to Call a Professional

If your tiles and grout are deeply discoloured or show signs of mould, it might be time to consult a professional. Experts can tackle stubborn stains, reseal grout, and repair damage that could lead to water infiltration.

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Final Thoughts

Clean tile and grout can dramatically improve the look and feel of your home. By incorporating regular cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals, and sealing grout, you’ll keep your surfaces fresh and beautiful for years to come.

FAQs

Q: What is the best way to clean bathroom tiles?

A: Mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar (or cleaning vinegar) and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on your tiles. For an easier clean, you can buy a ready-made vinegar spray. Use a clean cloth to scrub the tiles and let them air dry.

Q: How do you make bathroom tiles look new?

A: If your tiles are really dirty, sprinkle some baking soda on them. Then, use a soft brush or sponge to scrub it off. This will give you a quick and easy clean.

Q: How do you clean bathroom tiles without scrubbing them?

A: Mix half a cup of baking soda with a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide to make a thick paste in a bowl. Using a spatula or spoon, spoon the paste on the dirty tiles and grout and let it sit for 30 minutes. After that, turn on the shower with warm water for a few minutes, then wipe everything clean with a microfiber cloth.

Q: Does lemon juice clean bathroom tiles?

A: This cleaner’s strong acidity makes it great for cleaning tiles and grout. While it might cost a bit more than vinegar, it’s very effective and has a nice citrus smell. Let it sit for a few minutes, then start scrubbing. Just remember not to use anything too rough, as it could damage your tiles.