Bath Areas | Bath Area Grout | General Areas | Stain Removal

Ceramic Tile — Bath Areas:

Glazed tile in the bath area is subjected to more use than other areas and the simplest long-term maintenance is not to let surface soil build up. The easiest way to keep your tiled shower wall clean is to simply wipe it down with a towel after use. Soap scum or hard water film will not accumulate and mildew will not develop. Simply damp mop the floor.

When routine cleaning is required, use a good all-purpose cleaner and allow it to stand for about five minutes before lightly scrubbing with a sponge. Rinse well. If you have hard water, a good commercial tile cleaner will do the best job.

Ceramic Tile — Bath Area Grout:

Mildewed grout joints may occur in tile installations in the bath area, especially the shower. Most times, a good mildew remover and cleaner or a vigorous scrubbing with a stiff brush and a good household cleaner will remove the discoloration. For stubborn stains, apply a paste of scouring powder with bleach, and leave it on for five or six hours. Then scrub, making sure to rinse thoroughly.

Ceramic Tile — General Areas:

When cleaning glazed tile in general areas (kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, foyers and hallways, fireplace facings and hearths) use a good all-purpose cleaner and allow it to stand for about five minutes before lightly scrubbing with a sponge. Rinse well. Heavy-duty cleaning is accomplished with any good household scouring powder and a sponge. (Important: When scouring with any powder, test a small inconspicuous area first to assure scouring action does not scratch or dull the glaze.)You can also use a good commercial tile cleaner or a good all-purpose cleaner with a nylon scrubbing pad. Rinse and wipe dry.

Routine cleaning of quarry tile requires mopping occasionally with any good popular household cleaner. Rinse thoroughly to keep dull detergent film from drying on the tile surface. Heavy-duty cleaning calls for a thorough scrubbing with a good all-purpose cleaner. Scrub vigorously using a more concentrated solution of this cleaner. Rinse completely. Use scouring powder for any stubborn spots which remain. Quarry tile needs less maintenance as it ages. [top]

Ceramic Tile and Grout — Stain Removal

Type of Stain	Stain Removal Agent
Blood	Hydrogen peroxide or household bleach.
Coffee, tea, food, fruit juices and lipstick	Popular household cleanser in hot water followed by hydrogen peroxide or household bleach. Rinse and dry.
Fingernail Polish	Dissolve with polish remover. If stains remain, apply liquid household bleach. Rinse and dry.
Grease and fats	Spic & Span and warm water.
Inks and colored dyes	Apply household bleach. Let stand until stain disappears, keeping surface wet continuously. Rinse and dry.
Iodine	Scrub with ammonia. Rinse and dry.
Mercurochrome	Liquid household bleach.
Mildew	Use a good mildew remover and cleaner for tile and grout. Or scrub tile with ammonia, scrub grout with scouring powder; wash with a bleach if needed. Rinse and dry.
Chewing gum, wax, tar	Using a wood blade, scrape away bulk of material. Chilling material first, with an ice cube, will reduce smears and spreading. Remove remaining light residue with non-flammable paint stripper, following precautions on label. Rinse and dry. [top]

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