9 Hacks for Cleaning Bathroom Tiles

As we step into our bathrooms, we expect to be greeted by a clean, fresh space.

However, over time, bathroom tiles can become dull, discoloured and coated in grime, leaving the room feeling less than inviting.

Keeping your bathroom tiles looking their best requires regular cleaning, but the process doesn’t have to be a chore.

With the right hacks up your sleeve, you can make the task of cleaning your bathroom tiles more manageable and effective.

In this article, we’ve rounded up nine tried and tested cleaning hacks that will help you restore the sparkle to your bathroom tiles without breaking a sweat.

Why Do Bathroom Tiles Get Dirty?

Bathroom tiles are highly susceptible to dirt and grime due to their constant exposure to moisture, soap scum, and bacteria.

Over time, these elements can build up on the tiles, leaving them looking dull and unclean.

In addition, bathroom tiles can also become stained by hard water or coloured soaps and shampoos, making them even harder to clean.

The grout between the tiles is another area where dirt can accumulate. Grout is porous, which means it can trap dirt, soap scum, and bacteria, leading to discolouration and staining.

If left unchecked, grout can become a breeding ground for mould and mildew, which not only looks unsightly but can also pose a health risk.

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime on bathroom tiles.

By taking the time to clean your tiles regularly, you can help maintain their appearance and hygiene, keeping your bathroom looking and feeling fresh and inviting.

Hacks for Cleaning Bathroom Tiles

We’ve included 9 hacks for you to try out. If you feel one isn’t working effectively, try combining them for a deep cleanse.

Hack 1: Washing up liquid

We’ve included this one first, as you’re likely to have washing up liquid to hand. This might be all you need to use to clean your bathroom tiles, depending on how dirty they are.

Here’s what you’ll want to do:

Mix a few drops of washing up liquid with warm water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the tiles, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Let the solution sit on the tiles for a few minutes.
Scrub the tiles with a brush or sponge, making sure to get it into the grout as well.
Wash it away with warm water, making sure there’s no washing up liquid left.

Washing up liquid is a gentle cleaning agent that won’t damage the surface of your tiles, making it a great option for tiles that require regular cleaning.

It’s worth noting that washing up liquid may not be as effective as other cleaning agents on heavily stained or discoloured tiles. Additionally, it’s important to use a mild washing up liquid that is gentle on the skin and won’t leave a residue on your tiles.

It is an affordable and great way to clean your bathroom tiles and keep them looking their best. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits of this common household cleaning agent!

Hack 2: Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda

Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are two of the most versatile cleaning ingredients around, and they can be combined to create a powerful cleaning paste for your bathroom tiles.

Try it like this:

Mix equal parts vinegar and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl to create a paste.
Apply the paste to the tiles with a sponge or brush, focusing on the dirtiest areas.
Let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to penetrate the dirt and grime.
Scrub the tiles with a brush or sponge, using circular motions to work the paste into the grout.
Rinse the tiles thoroughly with warm water, making sure to remove all of the paste.

Vinegar is acidic, which makes it an effective cleaning agent for removing dirt, grime, and soap scum. Bicarbonate of soda is alkaline, which helps to neutralise odours and break down stains.

When combined, these two ingredients create a powerful cleaning paste that can tackle even the toughest bathroom tile grime.

It’s worth noting that vinegar can be harmful to certain types of tiles, such as natural stone, so be sure to test this method on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on the whole tile surface.

If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can add a few drops of essential oil, such as lemon or lavender, to the cleaning solution to mask the odour.

Hack 3: Lemon juice and salt

If you’re looking for a natural, cost-effective solution to clean your bathroom tiles, look no further than your kitchen cupboard.

Lemon juice and salt are two simple ingredients that, when combined, can work wonders on your tiles.

Here’s how to do it:

Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt on the cut surface.
Rub the lemon onto the tiles, applying pressure to the areas with the most grime.
Let the lemon juice and salt sit on the tiles for a few minutes.
Scrub the tiles with a brush or sponge.
Rinse the tiles with water.

Lemon juice is acidic, which makes it effective in breaking down dirt and grime. The salt acts as a mild abrasive, helping to scrub away stubborn stains.

Together, these ingredients create a superb cleaning solution that can leave your bathroom tiles looking clean and fresh.

Not only is this method effective, but it’s also eco-friendly and non-toxic.

Plus, the fresh scent of lemon can leave your bathroom smelling pleasant and inviting.

Hack 4: Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile cleaning solution that can be used to effectively remove stains and disinfect your bathroom tiles.

Try using it like this:

Combine equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the tiles, making sure to cover the whole tile.
Let the hydrogen peroxide solution sit on the tiles for a few minutes.
Using circular motions, scrub the tiles with a brush or sponge.
Rinse the tiles with warm water.

Hydrogen peroxide is effective in removing stains and disinfecting your bathroom tiles, as it can kill bacteria and other germs that may be lurking on the surface.

It’s also a mild bleaching agent that can help to brighten and whiten discoloured tiles.

It’s worth noting that hydrogen peroxide can cause discolouration on certain types of tiles, such as coloured or porous tiles.

Therefore, it’s important to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first before using it on the entire surface.

Give it a try and see the results for yourself!

Hack 5: Steam cleaning

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to clean your bathroom tiles, steam cleaning is the way to go. Not only is it effective, but it’s also eco-friendly and doesn’t require any harsh chemicals.

This is what we recommend:

Fill your steam cleaner with water and turn it on.
Hold the steam cleaner a few inches away from the tiles and move it slowly across the surface.
Pay extra attention to the areas with the most grime or discolouration, as the steam will help to loosen and dissolve the dirt.
Once you’ve steamed the entire surface, wipe away any excess moisture with a clean cloth.

Steam cleaning is an effective way to remove dirt, grime, and bacteria from your bathroom tiles, as the high temperature of the steam can kill germs and disinfect the surface.

The good thing about steam cleaning is that it’s safe to use on all types of tiles and won’t damage or scratch the surface.

However, it’s important to note that steam cleaning can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for heavily stained or discoloured tiles.

Be careful not to accidentally burn yourself with the hot steam, so make sure to wear gloves and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Hack 6: Toothpaste

Toothpaste is an unusual but effective cleaning agent that can work wonders on your bathroom tiles.

Try it like this:

Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a clean, damp cloth.
Rub the toothpaste onto the tiles, focusing on the areas with the most grime.
Let the toothpaste sit on the tiles for a few minutes.
Scrub the tiles with a brush or sponge, using circular motions to work the toothpaste into the grout.
Rinse the tiles thoroughly with warm water, making sure to remove all of the toothpaste.

Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that can help to remove dirt and grime from your bathroom tiles without damaging the surface. Additionally, the fluoride in toothpaste can help to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep your tiles looking clean and hygienic.

This method may not be as effective as the others, but it’s worth a try.

Hack 7: Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to effectively remove stains and disinfect your bathroom tiles.

Use the tea tree oil like this:

Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle.
Spray it onto the tiles.
Let the solution sit for a few minutes.
Scrub the tiles with a sponge.
Wash the tiles properly with warm water.

Tea tree oil is a natural alternative to chemical-based cleaning agents, and it has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help to kill germs and prevent the growth of mould and mildew on your bathroom tiles.

Using tea tree oil is also a great option for those who are sensitive to harsh chemicals, as it is non-toxic and gentle on the skin.

Not only is tea tree oil an effective cleaning agent, it also has a refreshing and invigorating scent that can help to make your bathroom smell great.

It’s worth noting that tea tree oil should be used in moderation, as it can be toxic if ingested or applied directly to the skin.

Hack 8: Bleach

Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that can help to remove tough stains and disinfect your bathroom tiles.

However, it’s important to use it carefully and in a well-ventilated area, as bleach can be hazardous if not handled properly.

Try this method:

Dilute bleach with water according to the instructions on the bottle.
Apply the bleach solution to the tiles with a sponge or cloth, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Let the solution sit on the tiles for a few minutes.
Scrub the tiles with a brush or sponge, making sure to get the bleach into the grout.
Rinse the tiles thoroughly with warm water.

Bleach is effective in removing tough stains and disinfecting your bathroom tiles, as it can kill bacteria and other germs that may be lurking on the surface.

Use it in moderation and avoid using it on coloured or porous tiles, as it can cause discolouration or damage.

Additionally, you’ll need to be careful not to inhale the fumes, as bleach can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.

If you’re sensitive to bleach or have respiratory issues, we recommend trying an alternative cleaning method.

If you’re unsure about using bleach, it’s always best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional advice.

Hack 9: Vinegar and water

Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to effectively clean your bathroom tiles.

Here’s how to do it:

Add equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the tiles onto the tiles and let it sit for a bit.
Scrub the tiles with a brush or sponge.
Rinse away the vinegar with clean water.

Vinegar is effective in breaking down mineral deposits, soap scum, and other stains that can accumulate on your bathroom tiles. It’s also a natural disinfectant, making it an excellent option for killing germs and preventing the growth of mould and mildew.

In addition, vinegar is a non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaning agent that won’t harm the environment or your family’s health.

And since it’s a natural ingredient, it’s also an affordable option for cleaning your bathroom tiles.

It’s worth noting that vinegar should not be used on natural stone tiles, as it can damage the surface.

The strong smell of vinegar may be unpleasant for some people, but you can get around this by adding a few drops of essential oil to the vinegar solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, keeping your bathroom tiles clean and free from dirt and stains is an important part of maintaining a healthy and hygienic home.

With these nine hacks for cleaning bathroom tiles, you can choose the method that works best for you and your household.

Whether you prefer natural cleaning agents like vinegar and lemon juice, or more powerful cleaning agents like bleach and hydrogen peroxide, there’s a method that will help you achieve a sparkling clean bathroom.

Remember to always read the instructions carefully and use protective gear like gloves and masks when working with chemical cleaning agents.

And if you’re not sure which method is best for your tiles, consult a professional or do a test patch before applying any cleaning solution to the entire surface.

By incorporating these cleaning hacks into your regular cleaning routine, you can keep your bathroom tiles looking their best and enjoy a healthy and clean living space.

So go ahead and give them a try!