How To Clean And Maintain Ceramic Shower Tile

Posted on: 7 August 2016

Not only will ceramic tile give your shower a fresh, clean appearance, it's affordable, durable and easy to maintain and clean as well. Ceramic tiles are also versatile as they come in a variety of colors, from neutral white and tan to vibrant blue and green, to coordinate with any bathroom decor style.

Even though the tiles are simple to care for, you'll still need to maintain them on both a daily and a weekly basis to keep them looking their best. If you're looking for tile that is the easiest to clean, pick a smooth, rather than heavily textured, style. Dirt and grime can settle into the groves of the textured tile, making it harder to sanitize. 

Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your ceramic shower tiles:

Daily Basis

Make sure to rinse the ceramic tiles after each shower to remove any dirt, grime and soap residue before it has a chance to settle onto the surface. Wipe the tiles dry with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots from forming, especially if you have hard, mineral-rich water.

You can also spritz the tiles down with a light mist of a leave-on shower tile cleanser, which will keep the more stubborn particles, such as body oil, from adhering. As with all cleaners, test a small area of the tile first to see how it reacts.

Weekly Basis

Give your ceramic shower tiles a once-a-week thorough cleaning to keep your shower fresh. One way to do it is by mixing a solution of warm water and a few drops of a PH-neutral cleanser, such as a gentle dishwashing liquid. 

Wipe the soapy solution over the tiles using a soft cloth, such as a chamois. Avoid using a stiff-bristled brush or steel wool, which could damage the glaze on the ceramic tile. Rinse the tiles with plain warm water and wipe them down with a dry cloth to avoid spotting.

Deep Cleaning

If you live in a hot and humid climate, you may need to clean the tiles with bleach to prevent or remove mold and mildew. Simple combine 1 cup of household bleach with one gallon of warm water, open a door or window for ventilation, put on protective gloves, and wipe the tiles down with a cloth. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the solution into any stubborn stains. If you prefer a more natural method, substitute the bleach with distilled white vinegar. 

Finish by rinsing the tiles with plain water and wiping them dry with a cloth. Call a professional, like Leo's Holland Floor Maintenance, for more help.

Share