As always, The Maids loves getting feedback from our fans and followers. Recently we got the question, “How do you clean a tile shower?” What an excellent question! There are all sorts of different cleaning products out there, but they don’t always get the job done how we would like. Here are some tile cleaning tips and a look at how The Maids gets the job done. Read on to find out how to clean shower floor tile and more.
How to Clean Tile Showers
Best cleaning supplies to use:
- Plastic mesh non-scratch scrubbers
- Your favorite tub and tile cleaner
- Plastic all-purpose scouring pad
- Towel for thorough drying
Steps for cleaning your tile shower:
Step 1: Pre-Scrub to Remove Soap Scum from Shower Doors and Tiles
Plastic mesh non-scratch scrubbers are great for removing soap scum from shower doors and tile in the bathroom. Use a dry scrubber to loosen soap scum build-up before you use your cleaning product.
Step 2: Spray & Soak to Clean Mold and Mildew in Tile Grout
Pre-treat the entire shower surface with your favorite tub and tile cleaner, especially on areas of heavy buildup. Let it soak for five minutes to penetrate the soap scum, mold and mildew lurking in the tile grout and on the shower tiles. For more in-depth info about cleaning mold and mildew, check out this infographic from the Center for Disease Control.
Step 3: Scrub, Scrub, Scrub!
Now that gunk on your shower doors, ceramic tile and walls is nice and loose, put those cleaning supplies to good use! Use the plastic all-purpose scouring pad to scrub the shower until the surface is clean. Reapply additional cleaner as needed for areas with stubborn mold and mildew.
Request An Estimate
Step 4: Rinse Off Excess Soap and Cleaning Products
Use hot, clean water to wash off the excess soap from shower doors and tiles. Letting the water run to a hotter temperature helps loosen leftover buildup.
Step 5: Dry it Up
You just cleaned off the water spots, so why would you allow more water spots to form? Drying off the door and tiles is an essential step in cleaning your shower and should be something you do regularly to slow down the growth of mold, mildew and soap scum.
How to Clean Tile Floors
Mom was right, the best way to clean tile floors is to keep them from getting too dirty in the first place. Whatever you do, don’t layer that dirt. Daily sweeping or vacuuming gets up dirt and debris before it can work its way into tile or grout and cause buildup. Be sure to clean up liquid spills immediately to prevent staining. Hot water and a mop or cloth will usually do the trick for most spills. If you’re facing stuck-on grime and dried stains, you can add a little dish soap to the mix, but perform a spot test first. Remove any soapy residue with a damp cloth and buff your tile dry.
When you keep your floors from getting too dirty with regular maintenance, water may be all you need to give them a good cleaning. However, when your ceramic tile does start looking dull and dingy, you can use a commercial tile cleaner or make your own. Mix a cup of distilled white vinegar with a gallon of warm water for a natural tile cleaner that disinfects while eliminating odors.
When cleaning natural stone tile floors like granite, marble or slate, be sure to only use formulas that are made specifically for natural stone, as chemicals in many cleaners can damage natural surfaces.
How to Clean That Pesky Tile Grout
Now that you know the best way to clean tile floors and showers, it’s time to clean that grout. Ceramic tiles are held in place by grout, which is typically a darker or lighter shade than the tile. The grout between your tiles is part of your floor’s beautiful appearance, so dirty grout can make your entire floor look dirty. Your tiles and grout were likely sealed when the floor was installed, but resealing the floor a couple of times a year is recommended. Be sure to check your tile manufacturer’s recommendations for keeping the dirt and grime away from your tile and grout.
To efficiently clean dirty grout, mix hydrogen peroxide and water in equal parts. Then use an old toothbrush to apply the grout cleaner and scrub the grout. Once done, rinse your tile and grout using a clean mop and hot water. If you’re cleaning grout in the shower, use your shower sprayer or a bucket to rinse the tile and grout. For regular cleaning and sanitizing, a home steamer can keep your grout fresh and clean.
Tile showers and floors can be easy to care for when you take the time for regular cleaning and maintenance. Need some help getting your tile floors and showers back in shape? Let The Maids give your home a professional cleaning and we’ll make your tile shine like new. Find out more when you get your free estimate online.
