How to Clean Bathroom Tiles: A Complete Maintenance Guide

I'm not going to lie to you, we're going to talk about cleaning your bathroom tiles and I know it's not the most glamorous thing in the world, but trust me, this post is worth the read. I learnt the hard way when we renovated our bathroom and spent a small fortune on the most gorgeous marble look porcelain tiles on the market that if you don't know how to clean bathroom tiles properly, your new bathroom will look tired within a year, when in fact, it should still look brand new after 5 years. Your bathroom tiles are one of the biggest investments you will make in your bathroom, and looking after them is easier than you think once you know how.

Why Tile Cleaning Matters More Than You Think

Something I learnt during our renovation process from our tiler is that most of the damage to tiles is not from wear and tear, but from cleaning them with the wrong products. The wrong cleaners can etch the surface of your tiles, strip away sealants and cause discolouration that no amount of cleaning will remove. Whilst porcelain and ceramic tiles are pretty forgiving, cleaning natural stone such as marble, travertine and limestone with anything acidic will damage them. If you have natural stone, you must use a pH neutral cleaner that is specifically designed for natural stone. This is not negotiable. Learning how to clean bathroom tiles effectively starts with knowing what they are made of, because what might be perfect for your porcelain tiles may wreak havoc on your marble.

The Deep Clean — Tackling Grout, Grime, and Build-Up

So if you're in the mood for a deep clean (and let's be real, if you've been putting it off for a while, no judgement here, we've all been there!) then this is where you start. The grout is always the worst part, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you why. Grout is porous which means it absorbs everything from soap scum to body oils to mould spores to moisture. So to give it a good deep clean, simply mix together some bicarb and water to create a paste and apply it to your grout lines before spraying them with white vinegar and letting it sit for about 10 minutes. Then simply scrub with a stiff brush. It's actually really satisfying! To clean the tiles, warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid is a really effective and inexpensive way to clean your average porcelain or ceramic tiles. And if you want to know how to deep clean bathroom surfaces on a budget, bicarb and vinegar is a great combination to use. For those tougher stains and build ups, be sure to always spot test a small area first, particularly if you have natural stone.

Dealing with Limescale and Hard Water Deposits

Limescale is the white chalky substance that builds up around your taps, shower heads and along the bottom of your glass screens. If you live in an area with hard water (hello much of Melbourne and parts of Brisbane!) then you will know that limescale is a constant battle. White vinegar is your friend again here. Simply soak a cloth in undiluted white vinegar and wrap it around the area for 30 minutes to an hour before wiping clean. For more stubborn limescale deposits, citric acid dissolved in warm water is also incredibly effective and you can buy it in bulk from the supermarket for a few dollars. And if you want to know how to remove limescale from toilet bowls and cisterns, simply pour a cup of undiluted white vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight before scrubbing it in the morning. The results are amazing! You can also purchase a descaler at Bunnings and Reece, if you don't have the time to make your own.

Mould — How to Remove It and Stop It Coming Back

This is the biggest concern of them all and for good reason. Bathroom mould is not just ugly, it is also a serious health risk, especially black mould, which can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions. Bathroom mould removal starts with treating the visible mould, but more importantly, you need to address the underlying cause. Mould grows in warm, humid environments with poor air circulation. To treat it, use one part bleach to ten parts water (or purchase a mould remover), apply to the mould, leave for fifteen minutes, scrub and rinse. The way to combat mould is ventilation. For every shower, you need to switch on your exhaust fan for at least 20 minutes. If you don't have an exhaust fan, invest in one, it is one of the best investments you can make for your bathroom. Squeegeeing your shower walls after each use will also save you time and money in the long run.

Keeping Your Whole Bathroom Looking Its Best

Cleaning your tiles is only one aspect of maintaining your bathroom. Fortunately, modern bathroom fixtures and fittings are designed to be low maintenance. Double vanities with stone or solid-surface benchtops, for example, are easier to clean than their laminate counterparts. Stone and solid surface benchtops are easier to clean and maintain as they are non-porous and don't retain bacteria like some other materials. The same applies to toilets, an electric toilet with a rimless bowl design is far easier to maintain than a traditional rimmed toilet. Bacteria and limescale can accumulate under the rim. For how to clean bathroom tiles on an ongoing basis, it's best to wipe them down with a microfibre cloth after each shower, spray and wipe them with a suitable cleaner once a week and give them a proper clean every one to two months. Stick to that routine and your bathroom will look just like the day you had it finished.