One of the most satisfying feelings for a South Houston homeowner is a sparkling clean home. The bathroom tends to become particularly messy from everyday use, and having it professionally cleaned can bring ultimate satisfaction.
While there are many reasons to have your shower tile professionally cleaned, the reality is that it’s not plausible or possible to have a professional cleaning on a daily or even weekly basis. So how can you keep that fresh, clean feeling in your bathroom in between professional cleanings?
The key is to implement a routine and follow the proper cleaning processes specific to grout and tile cleaning.
Perform Daily Cleaning
If you desire to keep your shower tile and grout looking its best, you should implement a daily cleaning routine. It does not have to be difficult, just something that quickly cleans your shower and dries the excess moisture.
For a daily routine, you will want a few products on hand:
- Squeegee
- Microfiber cloth
- Mild cleaning agent
Step 1:
After your shower, squeegee all surfaces from top to bottom: tiled walls, seats, and glass doors. Make sure you have removed as much moisture as possible.
Step 2:
Apply the cleaning agent to your grout and tile. Allow the cleaning agent to sit for a few minutes while you perform your after-shower routine.
Step 3:
Once the cleaning agent has set in, wipe your shower with a microfiber cloth to remove all moisture. You don’t need to apply major elbow grease during this cleaning. Allowing the cleaner to sit and repeating this process daily will prove sufficient help come time for a deeper clean.
As a side note, be sure to run your vent fan during your showers to help remove excess moisture, and allow it to run after your shower until the air in the bathroom is no longer humid. Ensure that all family members at least squeegee the moisture from the shower.
Don’t Let Products Sit in the Shower
Remove products from your shower. This is a tip that world-renowned tidying expert Marie Kondo promotes, and as a professional grout and tile cleaning company, we could not recommend it more.
Soaps left in your shower creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, not to mention that it can create a scum buildup. After you have showered and used your products (shampoos, conditioners, body soaps, shaving creams, etc.), remove them and dry them off before placing them in a cupboard.
Provide a Weekly Deep Cleaning
Your shower could use a deep clean at least once a week. It’s a great idea to schedule a pre-set day each week to set aside half an hour to an hour to scrub out your shower. This routine cleaning really will make the difference in the overall cleanliness of your tile.
For your deep clean routine, you will need:
- Tile/grout cleaner(s) (You can use store-bought cleaners or DIY recipes.)
- Scrub Brush (Do not use metal bristles on tile or grout.)
- Toothbrush
- Baking soda (as needed for gentle abrasion)
- Microfiber cloth
Step 1:
Begin by applying your cleaner to the shower tiles and grout. Spray on your mixture or apply a paste containing baking soda to the tiles and grout. A baking soda paste should always be applied to grout to help lift dirt and brighten stains. Allow the tile cleaner to sit for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Step 2:
Apply a mold killing agent to areas sprouting noticeable mold. Always use adequate ventilation and a mask when scrubbing mold as spore can get into the air. Be careful when using agents containing bleach. Allow the mold cleaner to sit for even longer than your normal tile cleaner before completing the following steps on the affected areas.
Step 3:
Use your scrub brush and ample elbow grease to thoroughly clean the tile. For even deeper cleanings with your grout, use a toothbrush to concentrate on the grout lines.
Step 4:
Rinse the shower thoroughly. Then dry all moisture using the microfiber cloth. Keep your vent fan running for twenty minutes after the cleaning to remove excess moisture and prevent mold growth.
Use Only Approved Products
Different tiles and grout will require different cleaning products or will need certain cleaning agents omitted from their ingredients. (For example: Avoid acids like lemon and vinegar on stone tile.) Make sure you utilize only products that are approved for your specific tile type.
If you have questions about correct product usage, our team of South Houston grout and tile cleaning professionals has the answers.
Work from Top to Bottom
Start from the top of your shower and work your way down. Your floor tile should be the last portion of your tile cleaned.
Gravity works while you are cleaning, so if you clean lower portions of your shower first, as you rinse off the dirty, higher portions, all that dirt and grime will run over the surfaces of your clean tile and can get trapped in the clean grout.
This cleaning pattern should be used on all forms of tile and grout including kitchen backsplashes, fireplaces, and any other vertical surfaces.
Make Professional Cleanings and Sealing Part of Your Home Routine
Getting into a pattern of cleaning your tiled surfaces will help to extend their life and prevent the need for excessive professional cleanings.
However, calling in a professional to clean beyond the reach of your home cleanings will eventually be needed, and we can help. See our grout and tile cleaning services to learn how our team can provide the ultimate satisfaction of a clean shower and bathroom for your South Houston home.
For even further prevention and help with DIY cleanings, have your tile and grout professionally sealed. This service helps prevent stains and the excessive buildup of dirt and bacteria. Contact us to receive a free estimate on any of our professional services.