A shower is one of the most used fixtures in a home, making regular cleaning of shower tiles critically important. Without proper maintenance, tiles and grout lines quickly accumulate grime, soap scum, mildew and even mold. These deposits aren't just unsightly, they create a haven for bacteria and microbes which can threaten health.
Additionally, neglected buildup eats away at grout lines, eventually causing leakage and more extensive tile repairs. On the other hand, staying on top of shower tile cleaning helps maintain the grout, extend the life of tile surfaces and prevent lasting discoloration or etching. Making shower cleaning a regular habit also ensures guests never encounter dirty, smelly spaces.
An Overview of Shower Cleaning Tools
Luckily, shower tile cleaning doesn't require complicated routines or products. Daily wipe downs paired with weekly scrub sessions tackle most soap scum and mildew spread. Then monthly or quarterly application of scrubbing cleaners or steam treatment for deeper cleaning keep tiles looking fresh in between professional grooming services. Along with a few key supplies like a grout brush, squeegee, microfiber cloth and non-abrasive scrubbing cleaners, even heavily used showers stay sparkling clean and free of grime buildup or mold growth.
Follow these shower tile cleaning tips and you’ll prevent lasting damage, bad odors and discoloration. Let’s start by looking at the unique characteristics and care requirements of different shower tile materials.
Understanding Shower Tile Types and How to Clean Them
Knowing your exact shower tile type is key for understanding proper care and cleaning methods. Using the wrong products can damage certain materials. Here is a guide to cleaning needs by tile type:
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
The most common shower tile options, ceramic and porcelain are very durable, water-resistant and easy to clean. However, the grout between tiles is porous.
Cleaning Tips:
- Use a non-abrasive cleaner and soft cloth/sponge
- Avoid acidic cleaners on grout
- Re-seal grout every 6-12 months
Natural Stone Tile
Elegant options like marble, granite, slate and travertine add luxury, but require special care given their porous, acidic-sensitive surfaces.
Cleaning Tips:
- Use pH-neutral stone cleaners
- Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar that damage protective sealants
- Re-seal natural stone every 3-6 months
Glass Tile
Glass shower tiles don’t absorb water or easily support soap scum. However, they can become dull over time.
Cleaning Tips:
- Use a squeegee after each shower to prevent water spots
- Use a non-abrasive cleaner and extremely soft cloth
- Avoid harsh scrubbing.
Now let’s look at must-have cleaning tools and accessories for shower tiles. You should be careful to use the right tool for cleaning shower tiles to avoid damage.
Essential Tools for Cleaning Shower Tile
Having the right cleaning tools makes a difficult job much easier. Always stock these supplies:
- Grout Brush – This thin brush fits easily in the grout lines to remove grime. Choose a brush with sturdy but flexible bristles set at different angles.
- Squeegee – Wiping down wet tile walls with a squeegee prevents pooling water and mineral deposit build up. It speeds drying.
- Microfiber Cloths – Softer and more absorbent than sponges, microfiber cloths easily capture dirt without scratching.
- Steam Cleaner – For periodic deep cleaning, a steam cleaner blasts away grime inside porous grout. Use caution not to damage grout or crack tile.
- Power Scrubber – Where extra muscle is needed, a battery-powered spinning scrub brush easily removes stubborn stains in crevices and along grout.
Now let’s look step-by-step at techniques for cleaning shower tiles.
Step by Step Guide to Cleaning Shower Tile
You need to follow the right steps when cleaning shower tile with shower tile cleaner. Let’s take a look at the steps you should follow for it.
Daily Shower Tile Cleaning
The easiest way to prevent soap scum buildup, mildew and hard water stains is quick daily maintenance. Just follow this simple routine:
After Every Shower
Give walls a quick wipe with a squeegee to eliminate pooling water and allow surfaces to fully dry. This simple step prevents mineral deposits and soap residue adhesion.
Apply Daily Shower Spray
To prevent soap scum, mildew and bacteria growth between deeper cleanings, spritz your entire shower with an antimicrobial daily shower spray after people bathe. Look for bleach-free and toxic chemical-free formulas. Allow the cleaner to penetrate and do its job, then rinse briefly before the next use.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Set aside 30 minutes each week for a deeper scrub to keep corners and grout grime-free between heavier periodic cleaning.
Preparation for Deep Cleaning
First, dry shower surfaces with a towel and ventilate the space by running your bathroom fan or opening windows. Remove all detachable parts and supplies before getting started.
Apply Cleaner
Spray down surfaces liberally with your choice of cleaner. Foams, gels and liquid sprays all work well. For regular maintenance, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil and other homemade mixes also clean and disinfect effectively. Let the cleaner soak for 5-10 minutes.
Scrub
Use the appropriate brush, sponge or powered scrubber to gently agitate and dissolve built-up gunk. Concentrate efforts along grout lines and corner joints where grime hides.
Rinse
Thoroughly rinse walls using hot water and moderate pressure. Soak and wipe away any remaining residue.
Squeegee & Dry
Wipe down the entire surface with your shower squeegee. Leave the door open with fan running to circulate air and allow faster drying.
Monthly/Quarterly Disinfection & Deep Cleaning
For seasonal deep cleaning and disinfection, use these steps:
Apply Stronger Cleaner
Tackle stubborn mold or neglected mildew, soap scum and hard water buildup with an oxygen bleach, hydrogen peroxide cleaner or other powerful formula. The best shower tile cleaner can make your life easy when cleaning. Check product instructions based on your tile type. Apply the cleaner and let it soak for up to one hour if possible.
Steam Clean
Use a steam cleaner attachment for the best possible sanitization and cleaning power. Carefully glide it across surfaces to force grime out of porous grout lines. Wipe away loose residue with microfiber cloths. This is the best way to clean shower tile as well.
Re-seal Grout
Protect fresh grout lines and make them easier to clean by applying a clear grout sealer every 6-12 months based on usage. Use a small paintbrush to carefully apply along joints, wiping any excess sealer from tile.
By thoroughly yet gently cleaning shower tiles weekly, scrubbing deeper monthly and re-sealing grout every 6-12 months your shower will stay fresh, sanitary and looking like new. Next we’ll tackle removing mold and other common shower tile cleaning challenges.
Dealing with Specific Shower Tile Issues
Now you have a clear idea of how to clean shower tiles. Along with that, you should also figure out how to deal with specific issues that could arise. It will help you create a healthier living space at home.
Removing Mold & Mildew
If black or dark green specks appear along corners, let mold development go too far and removing it requires special steps:
First, prepare the area by spraying tiles, cracks and crevices with bleach cleaner. Wait 10 minutes but don’t let it dry. Use a small nylon brush dipped in baking soda and scrub stained areas aggressively. Wipe clean then spray again with hydrogen peroxide. Let it bubble for a few minutes to kill embedded spores. Rinse thoroughly.
Help prevent recurrence by running a bathroom vent fan during and after showering and leaving the door open for moisture to escape. Keep surfaces clean and dry using a daily shower spray. Also consider installing mold-resistant shower tiles when remodeling.
Tackling Soap Scum Buildup
To prevent traction-limiting residue buildup on tile, daily use of a shower spray works wonders. But treating existing soap scum requires scrubbing with warm water and an abrasive sponge or brush. An all-purpose cleaner also cuts through gunk effectively. Use a grout brush to force cleaner into caulk lines. It is a perfect way to clean shower tile effortlessly
Rinse thoroughly after soaking for 5-10 minutes. For glass doors and surfaces, wipe sideways with newspaper or coffee filters to avoid streaks. Using a squeegee after every shower keeps new soap scum at bay.
Battling Hard Water Stains
When mineral-rich water evaporates on tile surfaces it leaves white scale buildup you’ll need to dissolve with an acidic cleaner. Spray vinegar, lemon juice or another acid-based hard water remover over deposits. Allow it to penetrate for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. An oxygen bleach cleaner boosts cleaning power.
For prevention, wiping down the entire shower with a squeegee after use keeps water from pooling and evaporating. Having a water softener system also combats hard water staining.
Best Shower Tile Cleaners Reviewed
Now that we’ve covered shower tile cleaning methods and tips let’s review top daily, deep cleaning and eco-friendly products:
Best Daily Shower Cleaners
- Clean Shower Daily Shower Spray – cleans without bleach, ammonia or dye
- Method Daily Shower Cleaner Spray – naturally derived formula cuts soap scum
Best for Deep Cleaning
- Clorox Plus Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover – cuts through grime in crevices
- SoftScrub All-Purpose Gel – tough on soap scum and gentler than sprays
Eco-Friendly Options
- Puracy Natural Bathroom Cleaner – plant-based ingredients with mint scent
- Better Life Natural Tub & Tile Cleaner – non-toxic earth-friendly formula
Bathroom Solutions for you to clean shower tiles
Regular shower tile cleaning prevents lasting damage, mold and odors while refreshing the space after each use. Adjust techniques by tile type and tackle problem areas early. Investing a few minutes daily, weekly and monthly pays off for long-lasting sparkling clean, mildew-free shower tile surfaces.
When cleaning the shower tiles, you may come across the need to go for a bathroom remodeling project as well. This is where Sunny Showers can help. Visit the website and see what options are available to remodel your bathroom today.
