Tile showers are a beautiful and functional addition to any bathroom, but keeping them looking fresh and clean can be a bit of a challenge. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent grime buildup, mold, and mildew. Whether you just installed a new shower or want to refresh your existing one, a consistent cleaning routine can make all the difference. At Get Floored in Myrtle Beach, SC, we want to help you keep your tile showers looking their best with some simple but effective tips.
Daily and Weekly Cleaning Routine
A good way to keep your tile shower looking fresh is to stay ahead of grime, soap scum, and mildew with regular upkeep. You don’t need harsh cleaning products to do this either—most of what you need for cleaning shower tile is probably already in your home.
Daily Tip: Quick Rinse After each shower, rinse the tile and grout with warm water. This simple step helps prevent soap scum and water stains from forming. Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to wipe down the walls to reduce water spots and help dry the tiles faster, cutting down the chance of mold and mildew growth.
Weekly Tip: Light Scrubbing Set aside 15 minutes each week to give your tile shower a more thorough clean. You don’t need anything fancy for this—mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and great for cutting through grime without damaging your tiles or grout lines. Spray the solution on the tile and grout, let it sit for about 5 minutes, and use a scrub brush to gently scrub the surface. Focus especially on grout lines and areas that tend to get more buildup.
Tackling Grout Lines
The grout in your tile shower is the most vulnerable part to stains and dirt because it’s porous and can absorb grime and moisture. Grout cleaning doesn’t have to be difficult if you address the problem regularly.
Quick Grout Refresh For a simple clean, mix a paste of water and baking soda and apply it to the grout lines. Let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing it with a scrub brush. The slightly abrasive texture of the baking soda helps lift dirt and grime without damaging the grout.
Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Grout Stains If you notice that your grout lines are still looking dingy after regular cleaning, you might need a deeper clean. Hydrogen peroxide is a great option for lifting stains from grout lines without using bleach. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the grout, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub it with a brush. Be sure to test this in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any discoloration.
Managing Soap Scum and Stubborn Buildup
Soap scum is the bane of tile showers, especially when it gets stuck in the tiny crevices of tiles or grout. If you let it build up for too long, it can be tough to remove.
DIY Soap Scum Remover For an easy and effective way to get rid of soap scum, mix equal parts of white vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture on the tiles, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then scrub it away using a scrub brush or sponge. The dish soap cuts through grease while the vinegar works on breaking down minerals from the soap scum. Rinse with warm water and wipe the tiles dry.
Mold and Mildew Prevention
Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, making your tile shower a prime target if you’re not vigilant. The key to controlling mold and mildew is proper ventilation and regular cleaning.
Prevent Mold with Good Airflow After using the shower, make sure to leave the bathroom door open or run the exhaust fan for at least 15 minutes to help remove excess moisture. If you can, keep a window open to circulate fresh air and dry out the shower tile and grout more quickly.
Treating Mold and Mildew If you spot mold or mildew in your shower, you’ll need to act quickly to prevent it from spreading. One of the best cleaning products for mold is hydrogen peroxide. Spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a brush. Rinse the area thoroughly and dry it well.
General Tips for Tile Shower Maintenance
In addition to your regular cleaning routine, there are a few extra steps you can take to ensure your tile shower stays clean and in great condition for the long term.
1. Use a Grout Sealer Grout is porous, so it can absorb dirt and grime easily. Applying a grout sealer every six months can help protect your grout from stains and make cleaning easier. Just make sure to apply the sealer to clean, dry grout for the best results.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals While it may be tempting to use strong chemical cleaners for a deep clean, they can damage your shower tile and grout over time. Stick to natural cleaners like white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda when possible. If you must use a commercial cleaner, make sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first.
3. Keep Shower Doors and Curtains Clean Your shower doors and curtains can also trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew. For glass doors, spray them with a white vinegar and water solution after each use and wipe them down to prevent hard water spots. For curtains, toss them in the washing machine every month or so to keep them fresh.
4. Regular Deep Clean Every few months, it’s a good idea to do a deep clean of your tile shower. This means going beyond your weekly scrubbing and really focusing on grout lines, tile crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas. You can use a stronger solution of water and baking soda, or opt for hydrogen peroxide if you’re dealing with stubborn stains. Let your cleaning solution sit for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing to give it time to break down grime.
By following these simple tile shower maintenance tips, you’ll keep your shower looking as good as the day it was installed. At Get Floored, we know how important it is to maintain the beauty of your tile showers, so we encourage you to stick to a regular cleaning routine to avoid bigger problems down the line. Whether you’re dealing with grout lines, soap scum, or mold and mildew, a little care and attention can go a long way in keeping your shower spotless.
