“How should I clean and maintain my tile?” As a contractor, I get asked this question at the end of just about every bathroom renovation I do.  So, I thought I would address this on my first blog post!

Below you will find everything you need to know to take on most tile cleaning challenges along with links to some products that can help.

Cleaning bathroom tile might seem like a tedious and time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right supplies, a little know how, and some elbow grease, you can make your old tile look as good as new or keep your new renovation looking like it did the day it was installed.

Here are a few of the basic supplies you will need to start: warm water, mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner, soft cloths for wiping, and a soft scrub brush for stubborn stains (old toothbrushes work great). If you’re dealing with particularly tough grime and stains on your tile, consider investing in a commercial tile cleaner specifically designed to tackle tough cleaning jobs. (More on that later)

Inspired by my wife’s business (all-natural house cleaning) whenever possible, I like to go the natural route first.

So, I suggest starting with a mix of some warm water and detergent into a shallow bowl or bucket. Dip your cloth into the solution and wring it out until it is only damp. Then simply wipe down each of your tiles in small sections. Take your time to remove all dirt deposits from the cracks between each tile. Repeat this process until all of the tiles are cleaned.

To tackle the grout between your tiles, use an old toothbrush dipped in baking soda mixed with water. Scrub gently until the grime is gone then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. For tough stains on ceramic tiles, mix half vinegar and half warm water in a spraying bottle then mist the vinegar solution in the tiles (focusing on the grout) and leave it for 10 minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth or sponge.

To deep clean tile floors and walls to rid them of soap scum residue, spritz tiled surfaces with equal parts white vinegar and warm water solution then scrub lightly with a soft brush or sponge before rinsing off with warm water.

Here’s a great way to naturally brighten up dull tiles. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda into a paste then spread over tiles before scrubbing gently with a soft brush or sponge then simply rinse off with warm water again.

Now moving away from all natural a bit, I would probably suggest OxiClean. This is also a good choice for cleaning tile, especially grout. It’s easy to use and can be found in most stores. To clean grout with OxiClean, first mix the powder with water according to the instructions on the package. Then apply it to the grout and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. After that, scrub the grout with an old toothbrush and rinse out the toothbrush often to avoid reapplying dirt. For tougher stains, you may need a more concentrated solution or paste. Additionally, OxiClean spray can be used as a tile cleaner and tub cleaner by spraying it directly onto surfaces and letting it sit for several minutes before scrubbing and rinsing off.

For a really tough cleaning job you might want to consider a commercial cleaning product like Black Diamond Stone Works Cleaner. It comes highly recommended as it is fairly cost-effective due to its high concentration and very easy to use (follow the product instructions).

Finally, remember it doesn’t hurt to seal your grout every few years to prevent dirt from getting trapped inside! Though most of the grout I install technically doesn’t require sealing, you can still use a product that will seal your grout as well as add an extra layer of protection specifically designed for ceramic tile or porcelain surfaces. This will help protect against future staining and make it easier to keep your bathroom looking sparkling clean over time. Aqua-X has great reviews on Amazon, no harsh odors and low VOCs!

With these simple tips and techniques in mind, you can easily get great results whenever you take on a bathroom tile cleaning project. It’s important to remember that taking care of this type of job every now and then can save money by extending the life of your bathroom renovation—so don’t overlook regular maintenance! Good luck and I would love to hear any useful tips you might have for cleaning your tile!