How to Clean Bathroom Tiles and Grout | Tips by Tile Experts

Do your bathroom tiles look stained or grimy?

Nothing beats the feeling of stepping onto a sparkling clean floor after a fresh shower. Yet many Perth homeowners struggle with cleaning bathroom tiles and grout, battling soap scum, mould, and mineral deposits from the hard WA’s water.

In this guide, we’ll explore easy, proven methods to clean bathroom tiles, walls and grout, without hours of scrubbing. We’ll help you leave your bathroom fresh, hygienic and shining. You’ll learn step-by-step techniques, the best tools, and local tips for Perth conditions.

Keep reading to say goodbye to slippery, stain-ridden tiles. And say hello to a spotless bathroom that looks as good as new.

Tools and Products You’ll Need to Clean Bathroom Tiles

Before you start cleaning your bathroom, gather a few essential tools. It’s worth investing in the right supplies to make cleaning quick, easy and safe.

• Gloves and safety – Always wear rubber gloves. Ensure good ventilation or open a window when using cleaning solutions.
• Broom or Vacuum – Remove loose dust, hair and grit from bathroom tiles first. Even a quick vacuum is better than scrubbing dirt into the grout.
• Bucket and Mop – For rinsing and mopping after scrubbing.
• Soft-bristled Brush – A gentle brush or old toothbrush is ideal for grout and corners. Avoid metal brushes that can scratch tiles.
• Sponge or Microfiber Cloths – Soft, non-abrasive sponges or cloths for wiping surfaces.
• Commercial Cleaner – A pH-neutral bathroom tile cleaner available at hardware stores. Look for labels stating “for tile” or “non-acidic.” Avoid acidic cleaners that can dull tile glazes.
• DIY Cleaning Solutions – Common household cleaners work wonders, too (see table below). For example, a mix of vinegar and water is a cheap shower tile cleaner for limescale. But don’t use vinegar on natural stone.
• Grout Sealer – (Optional) After cleaning, sealing grout lines can protect them from future staining.

Here’s a handy table of the most effective tile and grout cleaners. From simple DIY mixes to commercial options. So, you can choose what works best for your bathroom cleaning needs.

How to Clean Bathroom Tiles and Grout | Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps for a systematic, grime-free bathroom:

1. Dust and Dry Clean

Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor tiles and walls to remove hair and debris. Even a dry mop can pick up loose dirt. This prevents scratching during wet cleaning.

2. Apply Cleaner

Wet the tiles with warm water. Then apply your chosen tile cleaner. You can use a store-bought bathroom tile cleaner or a homemade mix.

For example, a simple spray of diluted vinegar (half water, half white vinegar) loosens hard water spots. Another DIY option is baking soda scrub. Sprinkle baking soda on tiles or grout and spritz with vinegar to make a fizzy cleaner. Let the solution sit for a few minutes to break down soap scum and dirt.

3. Scrub Grout and Tiles

Using a soft brush, scrub the grout lines and tile surfaces. Concentrate on areas that touch water. Like around the tub, shower base, or sink.

For shower tiles, scrub in circular motions to remove soap residue. Use an old toothbrush or grout brush for the grout, as it traps grime and mould.

4. Tackle Tough Stains

For stubborn stains, reapply cleaning paste directly on the spot. Now, mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda into a paste and let it sit on grout for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing.

Bleach can whiten tough mildew stains in white grout. But always use it diluted and rinse well. Never mix bleach with other cleaners. Rinse this off quickly after scrubbing.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

After scrubbing, rinse the tiles and grout with clean water. Use a wet cloth, sponge, or simply shower head to wash away leftover cleaner and grime. This step is important as any remaining cleaner can attract dirt or leave a residue. On floors, mop with clean water to flush out residue.

6. Dry and Inspect

Wipe down tiles with a dry cloth or towel to prevent water spots. Let the area air-dry fully. Once dry, check for missed spots or any lingering dull grout lines and repeat the spot-treatment if needed.

7. Seal Grout (Optional but Recommended)

When grout is clean and dry, applying a grout sealer can protect it from future stains and mould. This is especially useful in humid bathrooms. A quality sealer fills the porous grout, making future cleanings easier.

Bonus Tip: Always read tile manufacturer guidance. Some natural stone tiles (like marble or travertine) have special needs. Like no vinegar or acidic cleaners. For ceramic and porcelain, pH-neutral and mild DIY cleaners are safe.

Cleaning Specific Bathroom Areas: Shower, Bath & Toilet Tiles

Different surfaces in your bathroom have their own challenges:

1. Shower Walls and Tile

Shower tiles mostly have soap scum and hard water spots. Use an everyday shower tile cleaner or a mix of one part vinegar to one part dish soap. Spray generously. Let it sit 10 minutes. Then scrub and rinse.

For glass shower screens, a diluted vinegar spray and squeegee can keep them clear.

After showering, consider use a squeegee on tiles to remove water. This prevents mineral spots and mould.

2. Bath Tub Tiles

Tiles around the bathtub or bath screen collect body oils and soap. Follow the same procedure:

1. soak in cleaner (soapy water or diluted tile cleaner)
2. scrub the grout and tile edges
3. a paste of baking soda + dish soap on the tub base can remove grime.
4. rinse well.
5. if the tub itself (porcelain) has rings, use a bathroom cleaner or an old-fashioned paste of baking soda + vinegar.

3. Toilet Area & Floor

The floor around the toilet needs occasional disinfection. A bleach-based toilet tiles cleaner works well here (protecting your gloves and eyes, of course).

Use a diluted bleach solution (1:10 bleach to water) on floor tiles and grout. Let it bubble for a few minutes. Then scrub and rinse. For the floor itself, ensure grout lines are cleaned to remove any spills or mildew. Always mop with plain water afterwards.

4. Sinks and Vanity Splashbacks

Wipe down the tile splashbacks and sink area daily with a mild cleaner to prevent limescale. If you have ceramic sink, a citrus-based cleaner is great to remove water spots without scratching.

Grout Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Grout is porous and loves to trap dirt and mould. Here’s how to keep it bright:

• Weekly Quick Clean – Wipe grout lines with a mix of vinegar and water weekly. This prevents buildup. Even a quick spray and rinse helps.
• Tough Grout Stains – For deep stains on grout, apply a baking soda + hydrogen peroxide paste. Let it sit 10-15 minutes, then scrub. You can also use a bleach solution on white grout for stubborn mildew – just don’t overuse it.
• Preventing Mould – Ensure good ventilation (run the exhaust fan or open a window) after each shower to reduce humidity. A dry bathroom is less mold-friendly.
• Seal New Grout – Always seal grout lines when tiles are installed or after a thorough cleaning. Reseal annually to lock out moisture.

Bonus Tip: Grout in the bathroom mostly discolours over time. A grout pen or bleach can whiten it temporarily. But the best long-term fix is sealing and regular cleaning. If grout is severely cracked or missing, re-grouting may be needed.

Maintenance Tips for a Sparkling Bathroom Tiles

Keeping bathroom tiles clean is easier than re-cleaning after months of neglect. Adopt these habits:

• Daily Preventive Care – After showering, give walls a quick swipe with a squeegee or microfiber towel. This prevents water spots and mildew.
• Ventilate After Shower – Run the exhaust fan during/after showers. Open windows, when possible, to reduce humidity as mould hates sunshine and breeze.
• Gentle weekly wipe-down – Once a week, use a mild tile and bathroom cleaner or diluted vinegar to give surfaces a quick wash. This prevents grease and grime from hardening.
• Use the Right Soap – Bar soaps leave more residue than liquid body washes. If possible, switch to gels that rinse cleaner, or use a gentle all-surface bath and tile cleaner in a spray bottle to quickly wipe.
• Clean spills immediately – Don’t let soap, toothpaste, or bath oils sit. A quick wipe each day stops stains before they start.
• Use bath mats and rugs – On bathroom floor tiles, mats trap dirt and water from feet. Clean the mats regularly to avoid transferring grime.
• Routine Cleaning Schedule – Even 10 minutes a week spent scrubbing grout or washing tiles can prevent big jobs later.
• Furniture Protection – Use rubber pads on metal stands (like shower chairs or ladders leaning on tiles) to avoid scratches.
• Avoid Harsh Agents – NEVER mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. And skip abrasive powders as they can etch tiles. Stick to non-acidic solutions.
• Re-seal grout annually – Sealing grout every year and 6 months in showers to preserve the grout’s water resistance. This small step saves you from big scrubs later.

Frustrated with tough tile stains and dingy grout? Let’s get ready for a bathroom that looks brand-new again!

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Read more of our related blogs:

• How to Choose the Right Bathroom Tiles
• Tips for Choosing Tiles for Small Bathroom