Quickly and easily clean bathroom tiles
To keep your bathroom hygienically clean and inviting, it is important to clean it regularly. As well as the washbasin, bathroom mirror, bath and shower, this also applies to tiles on the floor and walls. Cleaning is essential for well-being, but it can also prevent the formation of mould. Find out here how to clean bathroom tiles – quickly, easily and effectively!
These everyday products are ideal for cleaning tiles
We usually mop tiles on the bathroom floor with water – but tiles and joints on the walls are often overlooked. However, closer inspection reveals staining here too: Splashes of water, limescale and residue from shampoo and soap accumulate. This is more than a cosmetic problem: Fungal spores can settle on tiles and in joints and over time lead to the development of mould.
Regular cleaning of tiles and joints is therefore important for a hygienic bathroom. But don’t worry: Cleaning tiles takes less effort than many people imagine. And you don’t need to buy any special products to clean your bathroom tiles. In most cases, simple everyday household products and cleaners are all you will need. We present a few tried-and-tested products below.
Washing-up liquid, rinse aid
Regular cleaning of tiles and joints is therefore important for a hygienic bathroom. But don’t worry: Cleaning tiles takes less effort than many people imagine. And you don’t need to buy any special products to clean your bathroom tiles. In most cases, simple everyday household products and cleaners are all you will need. We present a few tried-and-tested products below. Two of which can be found in your kitchen: Washing-up liquid cleans crockery and glasses, while rinse aid speeds up drying in the dishwasher. They both contain detergent surfactants, and this also makes them ideal for cleaning tiles. They work particularly well for removing oily marks. Dilute the washing-up liquid or rinse aid with water. To tackle heavy soiling, you can also apply it directly. Use a soft sponge or a lint-free cloth. Then rinse with clean water. Important: Don’t forget to dry surfaces thoroughly to prevent any new limescale stains.
Curd soap, laundry detergent or dishwasher tabs
Curd soap and liquid laundry detergents also contain surfactants. Both products should be applied with a little water, left to work for a short time and then rinsed off thoroughly. Dishwasher tabs are a top tip for clean tiles: Put a dishwasher tab in a spray bottle, fill the bottle with water and wait until the tab has dissolved. You can then use the mixture in the same way as a glass cleaner; spray directly onto tiles and joints, rub with a sponge and rinse off.
Vinegar, citric acid or orange peel
Vinegar and citric acid are effective in tackling limescale and minor mould infestation. As well as for the shower, washbasin and bath, you can also use acids to clean tiles. Dilute the vinegar or citric acid with water, wipe the mixture over the tiles and then rinse with clean water. Avoid tile joints as these often react sensitively to acids. A combination of natron and vinegar is also very effective: The mixture acts on limescale and oily marks. What’s more: For a very environmentally friendly solution, choose orange peel. It also contains acid which works on limescale, and has a beautifully fresh scent.
Baking powder, natron and toothpaste
Baking powder contains natron When natron comes into contact with fatty acids, commonly present on dirty tiles and joints, detergent surfactants are created. It is therefore very effective against grease spots, but only has a limited action on limescale. To remove limescale too, you can mix natron with citric acid – this is also ideal for cleaning the shower or bath. Toothpaste contains tiny cleansing particles often consisting of chalk, marble powder or silicates. These have a gentle abrasive effect. However, don’t rub toothpaste too vigorously over surfaces to avoid damaging tiles and joints.
Steam cleaner
A steam cleaner cleans tiles using just water with no cleaning additives. The steam quickly breaks down stains and limescale and can also be used on tile joints. It removes up to 99.99 per cent of bacteria. Simply move the brush with the steam cleaner spray nozzle over the tiles and then wipe with a cloth to remove any residue.
What’s more: A microfibre cloth and a little ammonia solution will quickly make your tiles gleam again.
Take care with very aggressive cleaners and sensitive tiles
Ceramics or stoneware tiles are very robust and acidic products can be applied to these surfaces with peace of mind. However, as a precaution, wet the tiles first and dilute acids with water. Sensitive tiles made from natural stone, on the other hand, can be damaged by acids and aggressive cleaners. Opt for gentle cleaning agents such as curd soap or washing-up liquid instead.
How often should you clean the bathroom floor and tiles?
If possible, clean tiles on the bathroom floor and walls once a week. It is a good idea to work to a schedule and plan bathroom cleaning – it will then soon become a routine task that is quickly completed. As well as tiles, remember to clean the shower tray or bath, including the drain, toilet and bathroom furniture, and also change the towels. Every two to three weeks, we recommend descaling taps and fittings. This will ensure your bathroom stays clean and feels like a real well-being haven.