How to Clean Shower Tiles Like a Pro
Nura
To maintain a pristine, clean, healthy home, you need to know how to clean shower tiles. And it’s not just about knowing which products to use — it’s about knowing when and how often to clean, the specific tools to use to remove stubborn stains and buildup, and the methods to take to preserve the tile’s finish. From how to clean a walk-in tiled shower floor to the best way to clean tile shower walls, these are the pro tips and tricks you need to know to keep your shower tiles sparkling like new.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Shower Tiles Properly
Cleaning bathroom tile involves a four-step process that’s so simple it might surprise you. Forget the mold and mildew sprays, forget the sponges, and forget about getting on your hands and knees to scrub in the corners. Here’s how to clean shower tiles without scrubbing at all:
- Mix one teaspoon of dish soap with one quart of warm water
- Spray the solution directly on the tile and let it sit for five to ten minutes
- Rinse the solution off with clean water
- Dry thoroughly using a microfiber cloth or a squeegee
If you have mildew, soap scum buildup, or stains on grout, a little scrubbing will be necessary. Here’s how to clean shower tile floor and wall installations that need a little extra TLC:
- Mix one teaspoon of dish soap with one quart of warm water
- Spray the solution directly on the tile and let it sit for five to ten minutes
- Use a non-abrasive sponge or a soft brush to scrub areas that show buildup or stains
- Rinse the solution off with clean water
- Dry thoroughly using a microfiber cloth or a squeegee
What You Need to Clean Shower Tiles Safely
Knowing how to clean tile shower walls means learning which products to use and which products to avoid. For safe cleaning that won’t damage your tiles or dull their finish, use:
- Gentle cleaning solutions, such as a mix of water and mild dish soap or a pH-neutral tile cleaner
- Spray bottle to apply the cleaning solution
- Non-abrasive materials for scrubbing, such as a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge
- Non-abrasive materials for drying, such as a microfiber cloth or a squeegee
Never use harsh chemicals, acidic cleaning agents, vinegar, bleach, or ammonia on tile. To avoid damaging the surface and finish, avoid hard bristle brushes, scouring pads, and melamine foam pads.
Cleaning Methods by Tile Type
All tile types can benefit from the same cleaning method of spraying a solution on the tile, letting it sit for five to ten minutes, rinsing it with clean water, and drying it thoroughly. However, certain types of tile can be cleaned with different products.
To clean ceramic, porcelain, or marble tile, use dish soap and water or a pH-neutral cleaner. For glass tile, use an ammonia-free glass cleaner. For natural stone tiles, use a stone-specific cleaner that’s designed for that type of stone.
How to Clean Shower Tile Grout
No one enjoys scrubbing stains and mildew off grout lines, but from time to time, it’s inevitable. The porous nature of grout attracts grime, and in bathrooms and wet areas, mold and mildew can build up with ease. Even with routine rinsing and wiping, shower grout lines can benefit from an occasional deep cleaning.
If you’re seeing visible stains or want to do a deep clean as preventative maintenance, here’s how to clean bathroom shower tile grout like a professional:
- Mix a paste of baking soda and a little bit of warm water
- Apply the paste to your grout lines and let it sit for five to ten minutes
- Use a grout brush or a soft bristled brush, like an old toothbrush, to gently scrub the grout
- Rinse with clean water
- Dry with a squeegee or a microfiber cloth
For deeper stains, mix a paste of baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide for a bit of extra cleaning power.
Best Ways to Clean Shower Tiles Without Damaging the Finish
To protect the finish of your tiles, never use abrasive products or harsh cleaning agents on the tile’s surface. Even melamine foam pads, which appear quite soft, have a grit that can scratch and dull your finish.
With a zellige-look tile like our Blue 4x4 Glossy Ceramic Subway Deco Tile, it can be tempting to want to use a melamine foam sponge to wipe down all the subtle crevices in the tile’s texture. But over time, this can cause significant damage to the tile’s texture and finish. To preserve your shower, stick to soft microfiber cloths for scrubbing and squeegees for wiping the tile dry.
Natural and Everyday Cleaning Solutions for Shower Tiles
Not sure what to use to clean tile shower walls? The best and most natural cleaner for tile shower stalls is a combination of mild dish soap and water. However, pH-neutral cleaners are also safe and effective. When selecting cleaning products, always avoid solutions that contain bleach, ammonia, acid, oil, or wax.
Removing Soap Scum, Mold, and Hard Water Stains
When cleaning shower tiles with tough soap scum, mold, and hard water stains, it’s better to use some elbow grease than a chemical agent that could damage the tile’s finish. While many homeowners use a solution of diluted white vinegar and water, vinegar is highly acidic and can permanently etch the tiles, especially with prolonged use. With ceramic tile, vinegar can even dull the color.
How to Make Shower Tile Shine Again
If your glossy or glass tiles have a dull look, it’s probably because they’re covered in a layer of soap scum or hard water buildup. To make them shine, let the cleaning solution sit for at least ten minutes and then scrub, rinse, and buff with a dry cloth. After buffing, dry them thoroughly so the hard water doesn’t build up again.
Common Mistakes That Damage Shower Tiles and Grout
Some of the most common mistakes that people make when cleaning bathroom tile include not knowing how to clean a tile shower, not knowing what to clean shower tile with, using harsh chemicals and rough sponges, and not cleaning tile shower walls frequently enough.
Another big mistake that people make is not drying the tile after it’s been cleaned. Drying reduces streaks and spots, prevents mold and mildew buildup, and protects your grout.
How to Maintain Clean Shower Tiles Longer
With routine shower tile cleaning and drying, your bathroom walls can look brand new every day for decades. At the first sign of any buildup, tackle the spot directly. Use gentle cleaning agents and soft cloths for scrubbing and drying, and always dry the tile thoroughly to remove all excess water.
How Often Should You Clean Shower Tiles?
Now that you know how to clean shower tile walls, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. For the best-looking tile, you need to establish a cleaning routine and stick to it, week in and week out.
Whether you have matte tiles or glossy tiles, like our Cobalt Blue 11x13 Glossy Glass Mosaic Tile, daily wipe downs with a squeegee and a full weekly cleaning are ideal. However, matte tiles are more prone to limescale buildup, so a monthly deep cleaning is also recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best thing to clean shower tile with?
2. What is the best way to clean shower tile?
3. How do professionals clean tiles?
4. What do professionals clean grout with?
5. What should you not clean shower tile with?
Nura
Nura has always been drawn to design and the way our eyes and senses experience a space. She’s fascinated by the stories that interiors and architecture quietly tell. Traveling across countries and seeing architecture in its natural setting helped her notice how materials, patterns, and textures quietly shape emotion and personality in a space.
Before joining Tiletopia, Nura spent over a decade in brand management, market research, and consumer behavior across different industries, working in brand storytelling and crafting content that brings ideas to life. At the intersection of storytelling and design, Nura has found her creative home at Tiletopia, where she brings both passions to life.
Share This Post
Enjoyed this article? Share it with someone who’ll love it too.