How to Clean Shower Tile and Cut Through Soap Scum
Soap scum, a common problem in showers, can make tile look dirty and dull. Fortunately, removing soap scum is simple if you use the right cleaning products and techniques. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to clean both ceramic and stone shower tile, as well as tips to keep your tile clean longer.
How Often to Clean Shower Tile
Ideally, you should wipe down the shower tile after every use with a squeegee or towel to remove water and residue. This will prevent soap scum from building up. A more thorough cleaning should be done weekly or every other week.
What to Consider Before Cleaning Shower Tile
Ceramic Tile: Most ceramic tile has a hard surface, but it can be scratched by harsh abrasives and cleaning tools like steel wool, pumice stone, or wire scrubbing brushes. Use more gentle cleaners and give them time to work so you can use safer tools to remove the soap scum.
Stone Tile: Stone tiles require different cleaning products than ceramic tile. Most commercial soap scum removers or acid-based cleaners like vinegar should not be used on natural stone, as they can be abrasive, damage finishes, and leave the stone looking dull and chalky.
How to Clean Ceramic Shower Tile
Materials:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Table salt
- Dishwashing liquid
- Sponge or plastic mesh scrubber
- Squeegee
- Microfiber towels
- Soft toothbrush
- Pumice stone (optional)
Instructions:
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Steam the Shower: Turn on the hot water and allow it to run until the shower stall is covered with a steamy mist. This will help soften the soap scum.
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Make and Apply a Cleaning Paste: In a small bowl, mix one cup of baking soda and one-fourth cup of distilled white vinegar. When the fizzing stops, dip a sponge into the paste and apply it to the tile. Allow the paste to work for at least 15 minutes.
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Scrub Away the Soap Scum: Use a damp sponge to wipe away the paste and soap scum. If the soap scum is particularly heavy, dip your sponge into a small bowl of table salt and scrub away the paste and scum with some extra abrasive action.
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Rinse and Dry: Rinse the tile well with warm water. Use a squeegee or microfiber towel to dry the tile to prevent water spots.
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Cut Through Heavy Layers of Soap Scum: If the soap scum is heavy, you can use a pumice stone to remove it. Wet the pumice stone and the ceramic tile and gently rub over the soap scum. Work in a small area and rinse the stone in plain water as needed. Finish by spraying the tile with distilled white vinegar to remove the final traces of soap scum.
How to Clean Stone Shower Tile
Materials:
- Dishwashing liquid
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Squeegee or towel
Instructions:
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Steam the Shower and Mix a Cleaning Solution: Run the hot water until the stone tiles are covered with a warm mist. In a bucket, mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and one quart of warm water.
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Remove the Soap Scum: Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge in the soapy water and gently scrub all of the stone surfaces, starting at the top of the tile and working in circles. Rinse with warm water and dry the tile with a squeegee or towel.
Tips to Keep Shower Tile Clean Longer
- Dry the shower after every use with a squeegee or towel.
- Change from bar soap to liquid soap to reduce the amount of fatty ingredients that cling to the tile.
- Clean the shower weekly to prevent soap scum from building up.
- Use the bathroom vent fan, open a window, or add a dehumidifier to reduce moisture that causes mold and mildew spores to thrive on the soap scum.
- If you use a rubber bath mat, remove and clean it every week and replace it every two years to prevent mold.
- Clean shower caddies or shower nooks regularly to prevent soap scum, mold, and mildew buildup.