Tiles in a bathroom accumulate soap residue, hard water stains, moisture, and dirt, which makes regular cleaning of tiles inevitable. Commercially available cleaning products are usually effective, but some contain chemical compounds, which can produce irritating fumes or skin irritants. Some household products will help you maintain your bathroom tiles clean and fresh without using any chemicals. The listed methods will help to avoid accumulation of grime over time. Here are five natural cleaning techniques that will help you keep your tiles clean.
White vinegar for soap scum and mineral deposits
White vinegar is considered a universal natural cleaning agent due to its acidity. White vinegar can dissolve soap scum and mineral deposits. Dilute white vinegar with water in a proportion of one to one and spray the resulting solution on the tiles made of ceramic or porcelain. Let it stand for about 10-15 minutes and then scrub with a soft sponge. Rinse the tiles with clean water. Do not use white vinegar on natural stones such as marble, granite or limestone since acidity can damage their surface.
Baking soda paste for tough dirt
It is possible to use a mixture of water and baking soda as an abrasive in order to remove grime and dirt from tiles. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply this paste to the stain or grout line. Let it stay there for several minutes and scrub it carefully with a soft brush. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water. This technique is suitable to get rid of daily accumulated dirt and is safe for daily cleaning.
Lemon juice for a fresh look
Fresh lemon juice is an efficient cleaning product due to its natural citric acid content. Lemon juice can eliminate light stains from tiles and leave a fresh smell. Just apply lemon juice to the stained area or dilute it with warm water and wipe the tiles with a soft cloth. Let it stay there for several minutes and rinse with water. Lemon juice should not be used on natural stones because of its high acidity.
Warm water and microfiber cloths for daily cleaning
Sometimes it is unnecessary to use any cleaning solution. Wiping the tiles with warm water and microfiber cloths daily will help to get rid of soap scum, dirt and moisture before these substances become difficult to eliminate. Microfiber cloths have properties to effectively trap dirt from tiles without any use of chemical products. Wiping tiles after a shower or regularly every other day will help you to avoid the accumulation of dirt.
Minimise moisture accumulation to keep tiles cleaner
Some simple tips will help you to minimise the amount of accumulated dirt on your tiles. First of all, use a squeegee to remove water from the walls and floor tiles in order to avoid soap residue, water spots, and mildew. Also, improve ventilation of the room by opening windows or turning on the exhaust fan.
Disclaimer:
The cleaning methods shared in this article are intended for general household use. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface. Avoid using acidic ingredients such as vinegar or lemon on natural stone tiles, including marble, granite, and limestone, as they may damage the finish. Follow the tile manufacturer’s care instructions for the best results.
