Tile Shower Maintenance
June 7, 2023
Tile showers are a great way to add style and elegance to your bathroom, but they also require a significant amount of maintenance. If you don't keep up with regular cleaning and upkeep, the grout lines in your tile shower can become discolored and damaged over time. Here are some tips for keeping your tiles looking like new:
Sweep and mop regularly.
Sweeping and mopping your shower regularly is essential to good tile care. The best way to do this is with a microfiber mop and squeegee. For sweeping, you want something that will catch all of the dust particles but won’t scratch the surface of your tiles. A microfiber broom or dustpan does this perfectly well, but if you prefer something more traditional, just make sure it has soft bristles and won’t scratch up your tiles. If you want to use a damp-mopping system for cleaning up after yourself in the bathroom, get yourself a microfiber mop—it'll pick up dirt from hard floors easily without leaving behind any residue or ruining those beautiful tiled walls!
Once everything is clean and dry, it's time to tackle those glass doors! These tend to get dirty very quickly due to their lack of easy access when compared with other surfaces around the house so make sure that every six months or so you wash them down with warm water mixed with mild detergent (make sure not too much because it could damage or discolor). Once done scrubbing them clean then rinse off thoroughly before allowing them air dry completely before proceeding next step. This is supplemental to regular squeegee cleanings immediately following a hot shower.
Keep the drain clear.
Use a rip snake to remove hair and other debris.
Use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean grout.
It is a good idea to clean your grout with a mixture of vinegar and water. Use a sponge or rag, and apply the solution to the grout. Make sure you are wearing gloves when doing this, as the vinegar can irritate your skin. Rinse off any excess solution with cold water and wipe dry with a towel once you have finished cleaning it.
Reseal the grout every few years.
The grout in your tile shower is porous, so it can absorb water. As time goes on, the sealant will deteriorate and may need to be resealed. If you don't know whether or not your grout has been sealed already, consult a professional for advice.
If you choose to reseal the grout yourself, first remove any loose pieces of old sealant with a chisel tool. Then clean all surfaces thoroughly with soap and water before applying the new sealant according to its instructions (typically using brushes).
Repairing broken or chipped tiles, grout, or caulk promptly.
If you have cracked, chipped, or broken tiles, it's important to repair them as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less likely it is that they will be repaired properly. Broken tiles can be repaired by using a non-toxic grout sealer and then smoothing the area with a grout brush. It's important to thoroughly clean all surfaces before applying the grout sealer; this will help ensure that no dirt or other materials get trapped in your tile joints later on.
Apply the product by dipping a toothbrush into it and brushing small amounts onto each joint. If necessary (and if your budget allows), hire an expert to do this for you so that things are done correctly from start to finish!
Avoiding harsh cleaners and scrub pads when cleaning your tile shower.
To prevent damaging your tile, avoid using harsh cleaners and scrub pads. Instead, use soft cloths and a sponge mop to clean your tile shower. If you must use a cleaner, try one that is specifically made for tile floors. A microfiber cloth can also be used if you have one available in your home.
We hope that this article has given you some ideas for how to keep your tile shower looking its best. Subscribe to be notified of all new content coming from Amato•Elmore Construction!