Ceramic tiles are commonly used for backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms because of their durability and high water resistance. When glazed, ceramic tiles resist mould and mildew, which is crucial for bathroom hygiene. Their availability in a wide range of colours, patterns, and finishes, as well as their ease of cutting and contouring, support many versatile design options.
Ceramic is affordable among tile options, resulting in a cost-effective solution without compromising style. Ceramic tiles are easy to clean and maintain, essential in bathrooms where regular cleaning is required.
Overall, ceramic tiles combine practicality with aesthetic appeal, making them a popular and reliable choice for bathroom walls around the shower.
The Makeup of Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are made from clay, sand, feldspar, and quartz mined from natural deposits, then refined by grinding and mixing to produce a uniform composition. The refined mixture is then mixed with up to 30% water and colour pigments to give a solid or patterned appearance.
Forming is done by pressing into tile shapes or extruding into sheets, which are later cut into tile shapes and burnished to create smooth edges. After drying, a layer of glaze is applied (optional) by spraying, pouring, or dipping. The glaze is a glassy, waterproof finish designed to harden the tile and add water resilience. The formed tiles are fired in a kiln at around 1100°C to harden and make them more durable and water-resistant. Glazed tiles may be fired in two stages.
This process results in durable, versatile ceramic tiles that can be used for various applications, including bathroom and kitchen walls.
Cleaning Ceramic Tiles
Note: The easiest way to keep ceramic tiles clean is to wipe them immediately after use with a shower squeegee, which can be purchased from Amazon or most bathroom supply centers.
Regular Cleaning
Water splashes contain traces of the contaminants that were washed off, which will stain if left to dry. After every use, all water should be wiped from the surrounding glass and tiles.
Apart from splashing water contaminants, soap will become your next biggest issue. The longer it stands, the harder it gets and the harder it will be to clean. A regular cleaning with mild dish soap should be enough, but if soap scum or other buildup begins to accumulate, adding 10%-20% vinegar for acidity and allowing the mixture to soak in after application should help break down the soap scum.
Inevitably, even after regular cleaning, the soap scum on bathroom tiles, like the grease film on kitchen tiles, builds up to a point where the tiles require deep cleaning.
Deep Cleaning (for stubborn stains)
Add equal amounts of water and white vinegar to a spray bottle, along with a few drops of dish soap, and shake to combine.
Thoroughly spray the tiles and let them soak for 5-15 minutes to allow the vinegar’s acidity to break down the soap scum.
If tiles show stains, a gentle scrub with a soft brush will usually remove those.
Rinse with fresh water before drying the tiles with a clean cloth.
Cleaning Ceramic Tile Grout
Regular Cleaning
Grout will normally come clean following the regular cleaning methods for the ceramic tiles outlined above. When stains indicate that more abrasion may be necessary, a toothbrush works well for getting into the deep crevices.
When the grout begins to show clear signs of contamination, the following deep cleaning methods should be used.
Deep Cleaning (for mould, mildew, or deep stains)
Again, a toothbrush has proven to be an indispensable tool for cleaning grout, but when a simple soap mixture does not seem to be enough, try any of the following cleaning solutions:
- Baking soda: After dipping the toothbrush into a water/soap solution, dip the brush into baking soda to cover the bristles, then gently scrub the tiles.
- Vinegar: Spraying vinegar onto the baking soda-scrubbed tiles will cause a foaming action that may remove contaminants.>/li>
- Toothpaste: For abrasion and whitening, applying a little toothpaste to the grout with a toothbrush may help considerably.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: One of the milder bleaches, peroxide can be used to brighten your grout lines
- Bleach: As a last resort, apply bleach to the tile grout with caution and wearing gloves should remove most of the tougher stains.
Note: in all the deep cleaning solutions above, it is imperative to rinse any cleaning solutions completely from the tiles and grout to avoid similar issues to standing water.
WARNING: Limitations of Home Cleaners
- Water/Dish Soap (tile/grout):
- Effectiveness: It may not be strong enough for tough stains or heavy grime.
- Residue: This can leave a soapy residue if not rinsed thoroughly.
- Vinegar/Water (tile/grout):
- Acidity: The acidic nature of vinegar can damage certain types of tiles, such as natural stone (marble, travertine, granite).
- Odor: The pungent smell of vinegar can be unpleasant and linger in the bathroom.
- Toothpaste (grout):
- Limited Use: Effective only for minor, localized stains rather than large areas.
- Abrasiveness: Some toothpaste can be abrasive and may scratch certain types of tiles.
- Hydrogen Peroxide (grout):
- Effectiveness: Works well on grout but may not be as effective on tile surfaces.
- Discoloration: Prolonged use can sometimes cause discoloration of grout or tiles.
- Chlorine Bleach (grout):
- Harshness: Can be very harsh and potentially damaging to tiles and grout over time.
- Health Risks: Requires careful handling and proper ventilation due to strong fumes and potential health risks.
- Environmental Impact: Not eco-friendly and can contribute to environmental pollution.
Commercial Tile Cleaners
Cleaning tiles with common household products can be quite labour-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring substantial effort to achieve satisfactory results.
As safe and on-hand as these products are, they may be limited in effectiveness and not have disinfecting properties, leaving bacteria and germs behind. Commercial cleaners are generally faster and more powerful, providing a deeper cleaning, and may even disinfect – in a fraction of the time (following safety guidelines).
You may want to consider one of the tile cleaning products available at your local grocery store, home supply center, or online. Read online reviews to help you decide on the right cleaner for you.
Consider using safe products for regular cleaning in the manner described above. When build-up becomes a problem or your house needs absolute cleanliness, call in an expert like Pink’nClean. You’ll get a professional job done quickly, with no mess, at a reasonable price.
Preventative Tips:
- Seal the Grout: Sealing the grout lines once a year can help prevent staining and make cleaning easier.
- Ventilation: Ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated to reduce moisture and prevent mould and mildew growth by using an exhaust fan or opening windows.
- Drying: After showers, use a squeegee or towel to dry the tiles and grout to prevent water spots and mould.
Regular maintenance and prompt cleaning of spills and stains can keep your ceramic tiles and grout looking fresh and new.