Chances are there are tiles somewhere in your bathroom. Whether your floor, shower, or even your vanity top is tiled, you need to learn how to care for it properly. Since your bathroom tile is not only exposed to dirt, but also soap scum and unusual spills, it never hurts to have a few extra tricks up your sleeve to deal with expected and unexpected buildup and stains.
Keep your bathroom tiles clean
Your tile can be glazed with glass for shine or unglazed. In most cases, you can clean both types with warm water and a soft cloth or mop daily. Mild detergent and water will clean the largest masses of tile in no time. Be sure to rinse the tiles well, as the detergent can leave a residue. Unglazed tiles can be cleaned with a mildly abrasive cleaner, but glazed tiles can scratch them. Stains on your bathroom tiles can be removed with a variety of methods:
*Sudsy Soap: Mix ½ cup water softener, 2T rotten stone (can be found at hardware stores) and 1 cup water OR 1-2 tablespoons trisodium phosphate (find anywhere that sells paint) and 1 gallon water . Use a sponge to clean and be sure to rinse well.
*Dark Stains: Apply liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain and leave it for a few hours. Rub if not completely removed and rinse thoroughly.
* Mildew – Use a soft bristle brush to apply a mixture of bleach and water.
*Hard stains, ie. Ink etc – apply chlorine bleach directly to the stain.
* Grease: mixture of 10% sodium carbonate (soda ash or washing soda) and water.
* Rust: only on unglazed tiles. 5% hydrochloric acid and water.
*Nail Polish: Apply a paper towel soaked in acetone nail polish remover to the area and let sit for a few minutes. You can then discard the polish.
* Cigarette burns: can be removed by lightly rubbing with steel wool.
When working with chemicals, be sure to wear rubber gloves and keep your bathroom well ventilated.
caring for your grout
Cleaning grout can be tricky. Whether it’s on your bathroom vanity or on the floor, it’s best to clean the grout around bathroom tiles with a mild detergent and water. You can use a solution of half water, half hydrogen peroxide on white grout to combat tough stains. Unfortunately, bleaches (hydrogen peroxide is a bleach) and acids can break down grout, so use this solution carefully, and be sure to reseal the grout when you’re done. Colored grout can be cleaned with shaving cream, but be sure to test a section of bathroom tile for discoloration before coating the entire bathroom with shaving cream.
By taking good care of your bathroom tiles regularly, you should be able to avoid big cleaning projects that involve a lot of messy chemicals. Just in case, you can use the tips above to get your mosaic in great shape.
