Because showers are high-humidity spaces, they're the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Porous materials, including the grout that holds your bathroom tiles in place, are particularly susceptible to mold growth.
Today, we're going to talk about the best way to clean shower tile—and the types of shower tiles that are easiest to keep clean in the first place. Just like choosing tiles for your bathroom floor, the tiles you choose for your shower will make a big difference in aesthetic, maintenance, and durability.
Read on to discover the best shower tile options and how to keep them clean the right way.
Best Shower Tile Options for Cleanliness
When you're looking for the right bathroom tile option for your shower, there are three factors you should consider:
- size
- texture
- absorption rate
The easiest tiles to keep clean are large in size to limit the amount of exposed grout, as grout is extremely porous and difficult to clean once mold sets in. You're also looking for a smooth texture with a sealant or glaze that is easy to wipe down and dry. Finally, you want something with a low absorption rate, which is why you don't typically see wood or exposed cement used inside showers.
With these three factors in mind, let's take a look at the best shower tile options that fit the bill.
Porcelain
Porcelain is one of the most popular choices for tiling shares due to its versatility and affordability. You can find glazed, unpolished, and textured porcelain tiles. For easy cleaning, we recommend a large glazed tile that makes this already durable material stronger and less porous.
Ceramic
While porcelain is in the ceramic family, it's important to differentiate between the two. Ceramic is by far one of the cheapest shower tile options, but it is harder to keep clean than porcelain because it's more textured and porous. If ceramic tiles are better suited to your budget, commit to more frequent cleaning and air out your shower often to prevent mold growth.
Glass
Glass tile is rising in popularity, in large part because it's such a beautiful material that comes in a wide range of colors and finishes. Glass tiles are a great choice for the shower because they're durable, stain-resistant, and non-porous even without a sealant or glaze. The only challenge with keeping a glass-tiled shower clean is that the glass can easily smudge and you'll need to buff out fingerprints and residue from soaps and cleaners.
Best Way to Clean Shower Tile
Picking the easiest tile options to keep clean is an important first step. However, it's still going to take some elbow grease and the best cleaner for shower tile to keep that tile spotless and bacteria-free.
Please keep in mind that certain cleaning supplies should never be mixed. Always use one type of tile cleaner at a time and follow the instructions to avoid creating harmful or dangerous gases.
DIY Shower Cleaners
If you're the type of homeowner that likes to take the DIY route, there are a few home staples that come in handy when cleaning shower tiles and grout. All you'll need is white vinegar, baking soda, and ammonia as well as clean cloths and a scrubbing brush.
First, create a paste using three parts baking soda for one part water. Use your scrubbing brush to apply the paste to the grout lines in your shower, as well as any other areas that are dirty or visibly stained.
Then, mix 1/3 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 5-7 cups of water in a large spray bottle. Spray down your shower and allow the mixture to sit for several minutes. When the mixture hits the baking soda paste, it creates a fizzing or bubbling reaction that will lift away grime and kill any existing mold spores.
Scrub any moldy areas or stuck-on stains before rinsing and drying the towel with your clean cloths.
Store-Bought Shower Cleaners
If you don't want to take the DIY route, there are plenty of commercially formulated shower cleaners that you can pick up at your local grocery or home goods store. Popular brands include Clorox, Method, and S.C. Johnson.
When you're purchasing a shower cleaner, make sure that what you're buying is formulated for your specific needs. For example, while sprays that can prevent soap scum are great to use on a clean shower, they aren't going to get rid of soap scum (or mold) that's already there.
If you are dealing with serious mold growth, you'll probably want to use a bleach-based cleaner. Please keep in mind that bleach is not safe for kids or pets and must be used with caution. Always open a window or turn on your bathroom vent when using bleach and never mix it with vinegar, ammonia, or rubbing alcohol.
Ready for a Full Bathroom Makeover? National Floors Direct Can Help
If you're looking for the best way to clean shower tile, start with the best shower tile for cleanliness. Porcelain, ceramic, and glass tiles are all great choices for the shower, but make sure that you stay on top of a regular tile cleaning schedule for the best results.
Are you ready for a bathroom makeover from top to bottom? National Floors Direct has premium flooring materials for every room in the house, including your high-humidity bathroom. To get started, take a look at our inventory and request a free estimate to start planning your renovation.
