Tiles are so far the most preferred choice for most homeowners. Be it your kitchen, bedrooms, garage, or bathrooms: most homeowners rely on tiled floors for a clean sweep and its pristine appearance. But, after some time, tiles start to show signs of wear and lose their glossy surface with regular use. The same is the case with shower tiles. They tend to grow grime and show dirt on their tiled surface. Often, routine cleaning does not make much of a difference.
You must be wondering why! Well, water itself leaves stains on the surface where it stays and uses regularly. So, what are the best ways to clean shower tiles? Are they any different from other cleaning tasks? Honestly, tile cleaning can be exhausting, leading to scrubbing that then results in arm soars. Although, you may get notable results for only a few days.
Furthermore, cleaning can be time-consuming based on the condition of your shower tiles. If not attended well for weeks, you are in a deep health and cleaning hazard. That is why you need to realize what’s causing dirt and grime on your shower tiles.
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What are the causes of dirty shower tiles?
Well, it is pertinent to think about why a place gets dirt when washed daily. Indeed, your shower area gets water regularly, but that is wastewater. After using the shower, that wastewater stays on the shower tiles and starts to grow grime and dirt that shows clearly on it. So, the main reasons behind dirty shower tiles are:
- Dirt- taking a shower leaves residue on the tiles that can be hard to clean.
- Hard water- the minerals in hard water stick to the shower tiles, resulting in hazy tile texture.
- Soap- yes, detergents and soap also leave a dirty residue on the tiles, called soap-scum that builds up more grime.
- Dirty grout- the grout lines get the most dirt even after scrubbing the shower tiles.
Let’s move on to the cleaning subject. This guide will help you make it easier and quicker to clean shower tiles.
How to clean shower tiles without scrubbing?
A dirty bathroom today can be a problem in the future. So as the wise people say, start dealing with it today. If you think cleaning drains your energy, take a day off from your busy schedule and wind up your cleaning tasks.
Remember, your shower tiles can accumulate dirt and grime over time. But, it is the bacteria and other hazardous germs that you should be worried about. Therefore, consider applying the following helpful tips to clean the shower tiles:
1. Steam clean the shower area first:
If you do not want to use aggressive methods and abrasive cleaners, go for steam cleaning. Running hot water can solve half of the problem here. For that, keep the shower running for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Moreover, keep some distance from the running hot water. Likewise, let the steam build in the bathroom or shower area. It will result in opening the pores and loosening the dirt/grime particles.
2. Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide:
Using products that are easily accessible is the key point here. In this case, both baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are easy to access. So, mix water and hydrogen peroxide in a 2:1 ratio. Now pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray on the shower tiles. Leave it on for 30 minutes and relax. Clean the shower tiles with a small towel or scouring pad and rinse them. It will not only clean the stains but also leave a polished shine on the surface.
3. Clean with vinegar and detergent:
Prepare a homemade cleaner by using vinegar and any dishwashing detergent. Indeed, vinegar is the best acidic content that works effectively on dirt, grime, and foul odor. For shower tiles, mix vinegar and a detergent in equal quantities. Moreover, it is better if the solution is a bit warm. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray on the shower tiles. Then leave it on the tiles for an hour and see the magic. Now say goodbye to stains and dirt particles.
4. Vinegar and baking soda paste:
For sure, you have baking soda and vinegar at home. It is time to use these magical agents for cleaning purposes. So, make a baking soda and vinegar paste and apply to the stained tiled. Spray more vinegar on the tiles and let it stay for one hour. When the paste starts bubbling, the dirt leaves its ground, rinse the shower tiles with water. Hopefully, mildew and grime will not grow again.
5. Apply borax and hydrogen peroxide:
When nothing works on your dirty shower tiles, hydrogen peroxide is the lifesaver. Both borax and hydrogen peroxide are cleaning agents. First of all, pour borax on the tiles for 5 hours and then gently pour hydrogen peroxide for an additional two hours. Finally, use warm water to rinse all the tiles and enjoy the lush shower tiles.
6. Use bleach and baking soda solution:
Another magical cleaning solution is the mixture of baking soda and liquid bleach. When the solution is ready, it is a powerful agent that will clean shower tiles in one go. Furthermore, you will not find any dirt or stain on the tiles. But, make sure to use the right amount of liquid bleach as it may damage the shine of tiles.
7. Try Clorox bleach in hot water:
If nothing works for your bathroom tiles, try Clorox bleach in hot water. Although, experts do not recommend bleaching tiles regularly. That is why you can use this solution when nothing else works on your dirty shower tiles. So, mix the bleach in hot water in a 1:4 ratio. Also, hot water is a compulsion. Otherwise, it will damage the tiles permanently.
8. Use oxygen bleach:
Before jumping on borax or Clorox bleach, always go for oxygen bleach. You can use oxygen bleach for cleaning tiles and grout lines without scrubbing them. However, it is a bit milder than other bleaches. For that, mix three tablespoons of oxygen bleach in two buckets of warm water. Then allow this mixture to settle on the shower tiles for at least 15 minutes. Finally, rinse the tiles and use a toothbrush for deep cleaning the grout lines.
9. Alkaline cleaners for the grout lines:
You will get these alkaline cleaners from any store nearby. In general, these alkaline-based cleaners are mild on bathroom tiles. However, make sure to follow the instructions when you buy these products straight from the store.
10. Unclog the drain to keep the shower area dry:
A clogged shower drain also leads to foul odor and dirty tiles. So, make sure you unclog the drain by removing extra stuck hair. Use a wire hanger to unclog the drain and clear the human hair from it. Keep in mind that a smooth drain prevents wastewater from staying on the shower tiles. In addition, keep the shower area dry after taking a bath.
What not to use on shower tiles?
In addition to these homemade cleaning solutions, you must know what not to use on the shower tiles.
- Try not to use abrasives as they may leave stains and damage the natural texture of the tiles.
- Also, you should not use bleach or other acids directly on the tiles, as they may discolor them.
- Avoid using powdered acids because they may result in clogging the drain.
- Overusing water also leads to dull shower tiles.
- Avoid using harsh acidic cleaners more than twice a week as it will cause permanent damage.