How to Clean Shower Tiles without Scrubbing

By
Deborah Beams
Deborah Beams
Research Writer
Deborah is an incredibly talented journalist who's been working for numerous online magazines for over 8 years now. She's also our main research writer who can turn any bori read more
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Charles Eggleston
Charles Eggleston
Expert Consultant
Charles's been a plumber his entire life. Thanks to his vast experience we can always rely on Charles' expert opinion when creating any of our articles. He's also a fantasti read more
Last updated: August 22, 2023
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Have you ever had days when you just wanted to relax in a warm bubble bath, but the grimy bathroom tiles made you take a quick shower and rush out? Well, this is probably a sign that your weary bathroom tiles require cleaning. Sometimes dirt can grow in the gaps and crevices of your shower tiles, slowly multiplying to the point where it becomes a health hazard.

According to the  tile cleaning experts Trusted Source Simply Business logo icon Nobody likes a dirty shower – and that’s particularly true of prospective tenants looking round your property. Follow these step-by-step tips for cleaning a shower head, tiles, and grouts to get your bathroom sparkling like new. www.simplybusiness.co.uk , the bacteria developing in shower tiles can cause allergic reactions and other ailments. So the question is, how to clean shower tiles without scrubbing?

After all, scrubbing off the dirt can take hours, and it generally requires exerting force, making it a tasking job. A lot of people are simply too lazy to commit to such a long task. If you are one of those people, you are in luck. We have compiled this detailed and easy guide for those who are curious to learn about cleaning their shower tiles without scrubbing.

What types of tiles are the easiest to clean?

When it comes to bathroom tiles, you can get them in a variety of different styles, designs, and most importantly, materials. It also depends on the types of bathroom tiles you have and how frequently you should clean them. The probability and duration of the development of grout can also depend on the usage frequency of your bathroom and the type of tiles.

Experts suggest that industrial-style bathrooms reduce the surface for bacteria breeding, but dirt and germs can still grow within the grout lines. There are three major types that shower tiles can be classified into:

Ceramic and porcelain

How to Clean Shower Tiles without ScrubbingThe most commonly used tiles in bathrooms and shower walls are those made from porcelain and ceramic. They are the most widely used and budget-friendly option. A reason why they’re so widely used in bathrooms is that they are available in a wide range of shades, design patterns and sizes. You can also pick from a variety of textures, and it is this versatility that makes them a go-to option.

People with different style preferences can find ceramic tiles of their liking, from categories that range from modern, simplistic, rustic, extravagant, and vintage. The best part is that these tiles require minimal maintenance as their texture is resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture – a major element in the promotion of bacterial build-up. The smooth texture also allows easy cleaning without requiring you to scrub them until your arms give out!

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the second easiest to clean, but they tend to absorb water and grime that calls for maintenance.

Glass

How to Clean Shower Tiles without ScrubbingGlass tiles are traditional and timeless, with their beautiful and extravagant aesthetic. Glass tiles, just like ceramic and porcelain ones, come in many different colors, designs, and shapes. They can add a luxurious look to your shower walls with all transparent, opaque, and translucent options to pick from.

Glass tiles are known to be classy looking but can be bought at affordable prices. They’re the easiest to clean due to their slippery and smooth texture that is nonporous and fights bacteria producing moisture, humidity, and stains.

Since glass tiles don’t absorb water or soap, they are the easiest to clean without scrubbing. However, maintenance can be challenging when it comes to prevention against scratches.

Natural stone

How to Clean Shower Tiles without ScrubbingNatural stone tiles are versatile, durable and come in several options of marble, granite, limestone, and quartz. Natural stone bathroom and shower walls look gorgeous, but the aesthetic comes at a price.

Natural stones tend to be more porous to synthetic materials like porcelain and glass, therefore, more prone to retaining moisture. You can opt for some considerably less porous natural stones like soapstone, travertine, or granite. Before you make a commitment like getting natural stone tiles for your shower, be informed that they are the hardest to clean, and every different natural stone has its  specific cleaning requirements Trusted Source How to Clean a Natural Stone Shower - Wet & Forget Blog A natural stone shower is a beautiful investment in your home. We cover the natural stone available, and how to clean and seal a natural stone shower. www.wetandforget.com  and frequencies.

The shower base is also an area that tends to get dirty quite frequently, and sometimes it requires downright replacement. However, you can find some excellent quality shower bases that are easy to install.

Budget-friendly ingredients

Most people know the pain of endlessly scrubbing your shower tiles only to end up with a partially clean bathroom. There is no need to exert your energy into scrubbing anymore because we bring you some excellent and budget-friendly ways to clean your shower tiles without scrubbing.

Vinegar and baking soda

How to Clean Shower Tiles without ScrubbingBaking soda is an excellent bleaching agent, while vinegar has acidic properties that are great for destroying bacteria. Together they make an unbeatable combo.

Apply a solution of baking soda and vinegar on top of the tiles and into the crevices of the tiles as well as between tile joints. Leave the mixture for an hour to work its magic. Then take a washcloth to wipe down the tiles. Make sure to leave it overnight before washing your shower tiles.

Dishwashing soap and white vinegar

Vinegar alone is also an excellent cleansing agent, especially acetic acid or white vinegar that has sanitizing and disinfecting properties. Mix it with a dishwashing detergent to combat the smell and provide extra soapy cleaning. This is a tough cleaning solution that is perfect for cleaning the most stubborn stains on shower floors and walls.

Pour the white vinegar and dishwashing soap mixture into a spray bottle. Give it a nice shake, and then proceed to spritz the solution onto your shower tiles. Leave it for an hour before wiping it off and giving the tiles a wash.

Natural ingredients (lemon juice and salt)

How to Clean Shower Tiles without ScrubbingLemon juice also contains bleaching properties similar to baking soda. It can effectively break down build-up and remove stains. Salt can dehydrate unicellular organisms like bacteria efficiently, making it an excellent disinfectant and anti-bacterial cleaning tool. These together serve the purpose of cleaning and disinfecting your bathroom tiles.

You can apply a mixture of salt and lemon on stubborn stains and dirty joints of your shower tiles. Leave this preferably overnight, or for at least two hours minimum, and then use a damp cloth to wipe it off. The stains will come right off without any scrubbing!

Other cleaning solutions that you can try

If you are not a huge fan of DIY concoctions, there is no need to worry. There are some other products that you can use to break the build-up and clean your shower tiles.

You can buy the Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover Spray that works wonders on shower tiles and brings out the gleaming original look in just one use! You can also try out the hot water and Clorox trick to get rid of nasty stains and dirt.

However, sometimes you are just never satisfied without physically scrubbing down your shower walls, no matter how efficient your bleaching agents are. Well, in that case, you can use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Pads with Durafoam, which has a tough surface that requires less pressure to remove even the most stubborn stains and dirt build-up.

Final thoughts

Now that you know how to clean shower tiles without scrubbing, you can keep your bathroom gleaming and free of harmful bacteria easily!

It is noteworthy that some people who want to get rid of their shower tiles altogether can open their minds to an upgrade and invest in a bathtub that is way more fun than a shower. Alcove tubs are a popular user-friendly option. You can find some great alcove tubs that are a perfect fit in your bathroom space!

Sometimes we resort to hacks that allow us to evade tiresome maintenance jobs. Getting an enclosure for a shower is one such hack that leaves only two walls of tiles to take care of while adding style to your bathroom.

We are always open to suggestions and enjoy learning about new tips, so feel free to tell us your favorite ways on how to clean shower tiles without scrubbing!

References

1.
Simply Business logo icon
Nobody likes a dirty shower – and that’s particularly true of prospective tenants looking round your property. Follow these step-by-step tips for cleaning a shower head, tiles, and grouts to get your bathroom sparkling like new.
2.
How to Clean a Natural Stone Shower - Wet & Forget Blog
A natural stone shower is a beautiful investment in your home. We cover the natural stone available, and how to clean and seal a natural stone shower.
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