How to Clean Bathroom Tiles for a Sparkling Transformation

Tiles are a popular choice for bathroom walls and floors thanks to their durability, water resistance, easy maintenance, and timeless design versatility that fits any aesthetic.

But while tiles enhance your bathroom’s look, it’s essential to clean them regularly—not just to keep them looking fresh, but to disinfect as well. Bathrooms are high-moisture environments where germs, soap scum, mineral deposits, mold, and mildew can easily build up on tile surfaces.

Using reliable, high-quality cleaners like Lysol^® bathroom cleaners, which disinfect and kill 99.99% of viruses and bacteria when used as directed, helps ensure your bathroom isn’t just clean—but truly hygienic and germ-free.

To make tile cleaning less of a chore and more of a breeze, we’ve gathered the best tips to help you keep your bathroom sparkling, safe, and inviting.

What you need

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning bathroom tiles and grout:

• Lysol^® Mold & Mildew Bathroom Bleach Cleaner Spray
• Gloves
• Scrub brush
• Toothbrush
• Squeegee
• Microfiber towels
• Mop & Mop Bucket

Bathroom tile and grout cleaning

Follow the steps below and use only the trusted bathroom cleaners to effectively remove dirt, dust, grime, soap scum, mineral deposits, stains, mold, and mildew from tile and grout. 

To wash bathroom tile along the walls:

1. Put on gloves to protect your hands before starting the cleaning process.
2. Spray Lysol^® Mold & Mildew Bathroom Bleach Cleaner Spray on the grout, focusing more on stained or discoloured areas.
3. Let the solution sit for 3 to 5 minutes to break down dirt, dust, grime, or stains.
4. Gently scrub the grout using a toothbrush, being careful with older grout that may be fragile.
5. Rinse the grout thoroughly with water, repeating as needed to remove all residue.
6. Move on to the tiles.  Start at the top where the tiles meet the ceiling. Spray Lysol^® Mold & Mildew Bathroom Bleach Cleaner Spray along the wall, working your way down to the floor.
7. Allow the solution to sit on the tile surface for another 3 to 5 minutes.
8. Scrub the tiles using a scrub brush in circular motions. Work across one section at a time, moving side to side and then down row by row. Rinse the wall thoroughly with warm water and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth.
9. Dry the tiles completely using a squeegee, followed by a dry towel to prevent streaks, water spots, and mold growth.

To clean bathroom tile on the floor:

1. Sweep the floor using a broom to remove dust, hair, and loose debris.
2. Spray Lysol^® Mold & Mildew Bathroom Bleach Cleaner Spray directly onto the tiles, concentrating on stained or discoloured areas.
3. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes to break down buildup, mold and mildew.
4. Scrub the tiles with a brush, making sure to reach into corners and grout lines.
5. Wipe the surface with a mop to lift away loosened dirt and residue.
6. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaner.
7. Dry the floor with a clean towel or cloth to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.

FAQs

How often should bathroom tiles be cleaned?

Bathroom tiles should be cleaned weekly. Although it feels overwhelming, it is necessary to prevent buildup and significantly minimize wear over time.

Can bathroom wall tiles harbour germs even if they look clean?

Yes, wall tiles in bathrooms are constantly exposed to moisture, steam, and residue from soaps and shampoos, creating the perfect environment for germs, bacteria, and mold to grow, especially in the grout lines. That’s why it’s important not just to clean but to disinfect your tiles.

How can you prevent bathroom tiles from getting dirty?

You can prevent bathroom tiles from getting dirty by wiping them down with a squeegee or microfiber cloth after each to keep them free of water stains and soap scum.

Additionally, clean the tiles at least once a week using cleaning products from a highly trusted brand, such as Lysol^®.

What should you not clean tiles with?

Avoid cleaning bathroom tiles with hard or abrasive cleaning tools such as steel wool, magic erasers, and scouring sponges. Additionally, you should not use lemon, vinegar, or other acidic substances as they can damage or discolour the tile surface.

How can I keep my bathroom tiles smelling clean and fresh?

To maintain a fresh-smelling bathroom, make cleaning and disinfecting a regular habit. Proper ventilation, drying surfaces after use, and using Lysol^® products with pleasant scents like classic lemon or the Brand New Day^™ range can help leave your bathroom tiles smelling inviting and clean.