How To Clean Bathroom and Kitchen Tiles

It's vital to clean your bathroom and kitchen tiles not only to keep them looking their vibrant best but also to maintain good hygiene and tile health. As kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most used rooms in your house, dirt, grime and grease can quickly build up. However, we often choose tiles in these areas, not only for their characterful aesthetic but also because they are easier to clean and more hard-wearing than a painted wall. With the right methods, you'll soon have your bathroom and kitchen tiles looking good as new.  

 

For the perfect cleaning products for your Bert & May tiled kitchen and bathroom, see our tile protection products specially designed to preserve the look and structure of our tiles, ideal for cleaning and maintenance.

 

Considerations before cleaning your bathroom and kitchen tiles

The type of tile you have installed in your kitchen or bathroom can affect their cleaning requirements. More specifically, the material from which the tile is made can affect their hardiness to cleaning tools e.g. scouring pads and cleaning products such as acidic-based agents.

 

 

Natural stone, such as marble, whilst looking sublime is the most precious tile material, so it's important to avoid using acidic substances including vinegar and lemon juice on this material, and instead opt for pH neutral cleaners. This is because acid, over time, discolours the natural tile and may cause it to etch. Moreover, some traditional floor or wall cleaners contain chemicals that can damage the surface of natural stone therefore it's important to use non-abrasive cleaners made specifically for natural stone.

Tiles such as terracotta and porcelain are relatively hardier for cleaning. If you're unsure of what product to use, we recommend erring on the side of caution, using a pH-neutral cleaner and non-abrasive microfibre cloth.

 

How to clean bathroom and kitchen wall tiles

What you'll need

• 2 x Microfibre cloth
• pH-neutral cleaner
• Water
• Small bucket
• Dry cloth

 

Method

Remove any exterior dust with a microfibre cloth or soft-headed vacuum to avoid scratching when cleaning and dirt being transported and trapped in the grouting during wet cleaning.

Mix the pH-neutral cleaner with water to create a grease-removing solution.

Take the second microfibre cloth and apply the solution.

Scrub and rub the tiles thoroughly to remove all residual grease and grime.

Wipe with a dry cloth to buff and remove any remaining residue which may otherwise cause streaking.

 

How to clean bathroom and kitchen floor tiles

What you'll need

• Vacuum
• pH-neutral floor cleaner
• Microfibre mop and bucket
• Dry cloth

 

Method

Vacuum the tile floor to remove existing dust which may cause scratches during wet cleaning or pile up in the grout.

Combine the pH-neutral floor cleaner with warm water to create your cleaning solution.

Dip the microfibre mop into the cleaning solution and wring out excess water so that it is damp but not dripping.

Mop over the floor in an even pattern to ensure every inch of floor is cleaned.

Change the water and cleaning solution when the water becomes dirtied to avoid spreading a hazy layer of grime.

Dry with a clean cloth to avoid leaving water marks immediately after mopping.

 

How to clean bathroom and kitchen tile grout

Whilst you may have the squeakiest of clean tiles, discoloured, sullied and mildewed grout can turn a stunning tile display into something looking rather tired. Whilst cleaning tile grout is never high on everyone's favourite to-do list, it is an essential element of tile cleaning that makes a big difference to the look of your tiles.

Luckily however it is easily remedied. All you need is diluted white vinegar and an old toothbrush.

 

How to remove common bathroom and kitchen tile stains

If the above methodology hasn't worked and stains persist on your bathroom or kitchen tiles, first try to understand what type of stain it is and then apply the most appropriate solution. We break down the most common bathroom and kitchen stains below and how to remove them. However, these solutions are for non-natural stone tiles (e.g. cement, porcelain, terracotta) as these are more durable to cleaning techniques. For information on how to remove tough stains from natural stone tiles, get in touch or contact the manufacturer directly.

 

How to remove common bathroom tile stains

Mould and Mildew: Create a baking soda paste using 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Carefully pour or drip hydrogen peroxide over the paste until it begins to fizz. With a soft bristle brush, scrub away at the paste and then rinse away the paste and mould with water. This is not recommended for natural stone however, instead look to steam clean.

Efflorescence: Efflorescence is a white residue left on tiles when minerals in water crystallise on the tile's surface. Use a specific efflorescence cleaner but follow instructions and apply carefully to avoid leaving the surface looking splotchy.

Nail polish: If nail polish has been spilled on your bathroom tiles, simply dissolve the stain with nail polish remover. If it persists, however, you can use diluted hydrogen peroxide.

 

 

How to remove common kitchen tile stains

Liquid stains: A common floor stain in kitchens is the spilling of liquids like coffee and tea. Remove these stains by blotting the stain using highly diluted hydrogen peroxide after an initial warm water and mild cleaner clean. Rinse off thoroughly with water then dry the surface to finish.

Grease and fat-based stains: These stains can usually be removed using a commercial grease cleaner. To avoid any potential adverse effects, ensure it is pH-neutral.

 

How to keep bathroom and kitchen tiles clean

Do's

• Sweep and vacuum regularly to ensure dirt doesn't build up.
• Use walk off mats to trap dirt before they reach the surface or grout of your tiles.
• Regularly wipe tiles with disinfectant to avoid germ and grease build-up.

 

Don'ts

• Don't use harsh chemicals on natural stone tiles. Only use neutral cleaners.
• Don't leave spillages to stain. Clean up asap to reduce stain occurrence.
• Don't ignore the grout. Grout health is crucial to ensuring your tiles remain in good condition