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March 17, 2023
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Tips On Cleaning Shower Tiles

Taking care of shower tile is an important part of keeping bathrooms looking and functioning their best. Regular maintenance of shower tiling can help avoid the build-up of mold and bacteria, as well as reduce potential water damage to the walls and floor.

Maintenance typically involves scrubbing off soap scum, cleaning grout lines, replacing caulking when needed, and applying a protective coating to keep the tiles in top condition.

Follow these simple steps to help maintain clean shower tiles.

Scrub Off Any Soap Scum

Keeping shower tiles clean is an essential part of bathroom maintenance. An accumulation of soap scum not only looks unappealing, but can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. To prevent a buildup of soap scum, it’s important to scrub the tiles with the appropriate cleaning products on a regular basis.

But what are the best tools and techniques for getting rid of the soap scum buildup from shower tiles? Here are some tips for tile cleaning when it comes to removing soap scum:

  • Ceramic Tile: For ceramic tile, use an all-purpose cleaner or vinegar mixed with water to remove any residue. Apply this sparingly over the tiling and leave to soak in for a few minutes before scrubbing off with an abrasive pad or brush. Rinse off with clean water.
  • Porcelain Tile: Porcelain tile should be cleaned using a nonabrasive cleaner as these are more resistant to scratches and damage than ceramic tile. A mild detergent and soft cloth should suffice, but if you need more power then you could use an all-purpose cleaning powder. As with ceramic tile, apply your chosen cleaning product sparingly over the tiling, let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing off with an abrasive pad or brush, followed by rinsing off with clean water.
  • Natural Stone Tiles: Natural stone tiles require special care when it comes to cleaning as they can easily be scratched or damaged if not treated properly. Start by mixing warm water with pH-neutral liquid cleanser and apply it to the affected area before using an old toothbrush (or similar soft-bristled brush) to gently remove any build-up of soap scum before rinsing off thoroughly with clean water.

Clean Grout Lines Regularly

Regular cleaning of grout lines can be a bit of a chore, but it is an important maintenance step for keeping the tiling in your shower looking its best. Neglecting these areas can allow dirt, mold and bacteria to accumulate in dirty grout, making them difficult to remove.

A soft-bristled brush should be used for delicate tiles, such as ceramic or porcelain surfaces. For tougher stains, you may need to use a scouring pad or white vinegar and-water mixture on tougher grout lines.

When finished, rinse off all excess water with clean water and dry immediately. You may also try baking soda.

The same basic process applies for both most ceramic tiles and natural stone tiling. However, some types of tiles may require special care when it comes to cleaning, so make sure to read up on the instructions for your particular type of tile before proceeding.

Applying sealants after cleaning can also help protect bathroom tiles against further damage from moisture and soap scum build-up in the future.

By taking regular steps to keep your shower tiles clean and free from soap scum build-up, you will be able to enjoy clean shower surfaces that always look their best.

Replace Caulking

Replacing old and worn caulk is an important part of ensuring the longevity and health of your bathroom. Caulking helps to seal out moisture, preventing mold and mildew from forming, as well as preventing water damage to surfaces like tile, bathtubs and countertops.

But over time, caulking can start to wear down or crack due to changes in temperature or humidity.

Thankfully, replacing caulking isn’t too difficult — all you need is some new caulk, a razor blade scraper or putty knife to remove the old caulk, and some masking tape or painters’ tape for clean edges around the area that you’re working on. Once the old caulk has been removed, simply apply a thin layer of the new caulk following instructions on the package.

Remember to always replace your caulking at the first sign of wear or cracking — it’ll help keep your bathroom looking its best while saving you money in the long run!

Apply A Protective Sealant

Applying a sealant should be done at least once a year, with some experts recommending that it should be done more frequently if you have high moisture levels in hot water in your bathroom. The process is relatively simple — all you need to do is clean the tiles thoroughly with warm water and soap before drying them off completely.

Once dry, liberally apply the sealant over the grout lines and tile edges for added protection.

You can also use specialized products when it comes to applying sealants — look for those that are specifically designed for showers and bathrooms as they tend to be better adapted to cope with all the dirt and high moisture levels found in bathrooms.

By taking regular steps such as applying a protective sealant to shower spray to ensure all areas of shower walls are adequately protected, you can keep your shower tiles looking their best while helping reduce the amount of time you need to spend cleaning them.

Use Mild, Nonabrasive Cleaners

It is essential to use mild, nonabrasive cleaners when it comes to scrubbing your shower tiles. Abrasive cleaners can cause unnecessary damage to the tiles and grout, leaving them prone to wear and tear over time. Most commercially available tile cleaners are mild and non-abrasive, making them ideal for cleaning shower tiles without causing any harm.

When using these products, ensure that you follow the instructions closely —if you need to scrub the tiles, do so lightly and make sure that you rinse off any excess product thoroughly with warm water. Once finished, dry the area off immediately with a soft cloth or towel.

Regularly cleaning your shower tiles with a mild cleaner can help keep them looking their best while preventing dirt and bacteria from building up in hard-to-reach areas. By taking this simple precautionary step each week, you can help maintain the longevity of your tiling while enjoying clean surfaces all year round.

Rinse Off All Cleaning Products Fully

Keeping your shower tiles clean and free of any dirt particles and grime is essential for maintaining a hygienic and safe environment. However, it’s important to ensure that all cleaning products are rinsed off fully with clean water, and then dried off immediately afterward.

Leaving any excess cleaning product from a spray bottle on your shower tiles or the shower grout, can cause discoloration over time. Furthermore, if any traces of the product remain, you may be at risk of skin irritation or other allergic reactions when using the shower area.

Rinsing off all cleaning products thoroughly should become a regular part of your weekly maintenance routine — it only takes a few minutes, but can help prevent the build-up of bacteria and mold in areas that are difficult to reach.

If possible, use a soft cloth to dry the tiles after rinsing as this will help absorb any remaining moisture quickly, preventing potential damage caused by prolonged contact with liquid.

A Bathroom Remodel Contractor Near Me

If you are looking to upgrade your bathroom with a remodel, then consider using Eight Hour Shower! From shower remodeling to bathtub remodeling, to full bathroom remodeling, tub to shower conversion and shower doors, we can tackle any project you need help with. Our shower and tub materials are 400 percent thicker than any other company out there. But don’t just take our word for it, check out our client reviews.

If you are interested in getting an estimate, contact us today!