Cleaning bathroom tiles: one of those chores you keep putting off. Limescale, soap residue, mold, and dirt build up — especially in the grout. Fortunately, there is good news: with the right approach and a bit of regularity, you can get your bathroom tiles sparkling clean again, without having to scrub endlessly.
Why do bathroom tiles get dirty so quickly?
Tiles in the bathroom are exposed to moisture, heat and dirt on a daily basis. And you may already feel it coming... that is exactly the ideal environment for mould and limescale. The joints are particularly susceptible to this. If you do not clean regularly, dirt and bacteria can become deeply embedded.
Cleaning bathroom tiles: a handy step-by-step plan
Follow these simple steps to thoroughly clean your tiles:
Step 1: Remove dust and dirt
Start by removing dust, loose hairs and dirt. Use a soft brush or - if the tiles are dry - the vacuum cleaner with attachment. This will prevent you from spreading the dirt while cleaning.
Step 2: Choose your cleaning agent
Depending on your preference and the material of the tiles, you can choose from different options:
- Natural vinegar + dishwashing liquid: Mix equal parts natural vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. If necessary, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid — this will enhance the degreasing effect and help even better against soap residue and limescale. Shake well before use!
- Soda: Make a paste of soda and water. This works well against grease and soap residue.
- Marcel's Green Soap Bathroom Cleaner: A powerful, ready-to-use solution specially developed for removing limescale and soap residue.
- Lemon: A natural alternative that descales and smells fresh.
The following applies to all these products: spray or apply the product generously to the tiles and allow it to work for 10-15 minutes .
Step 3: Scrub the tiles and the grout
Use a soft brush or a scouring pad (not too rough on glazed tiles!) to loosen the dirt. Pay extra attention to the grout — this is where the most dirt is often found. For grout, you can also use an old toothbrush.
Step 4: Rinse with warm water
Use clean, warm water to rinse the surface thoroughly. This will remove all residues of cleaning agents and loosened dirt.
Step 5: Drying and ventilating
Use a dry cloth or microfiber cloth to dry the tiles. This prevents new limescale. Then open a window or use the extractor to remove moisture.
Extra tips for long-lasting clean bathroom tiles
- Clean weekly to prevent limescale and dirt build-up.
- After showering, use a squeegee to remove excess water from the tiles.
- Protecting joints? Apply a special joint protector once a year.
- Remove mold? Use a solution of soda and water. Make a paste of this and spread it on the mold. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes and then rinse well. Tip: always ensure good ventilation. This prevents mold in your bathroom.
The magic word: keeping up
Cleaning the bathroom tiles doesn't have to be a chore. By regularly maintaining it and using the right products, you can keep your bathroom fresh, clean and free of mold. And let's be honest: showering in a sparkling clean bathroom just feels so much better.
More cleaning tips? Also check out our blogs about cleaning the shower drain, cleaning the bathroom mirror and tips for a sustainable bathroom.
