Which Type of Bathroom Tile Is Easiest to Clean? Advice to Make You Space as Low Maintenance as Possible
Learn which tiles to pick keep your bathroom looking its best without hours of scrubbing
Where once the basic subway tile ruled supreme, we're seeing some great innovation in the types of tile used in a bathroom. However, many of the ideas coming through leave a little to be desired when it comes to practicality.
For many, how easy they are to clean is a top priority choosing between bathroom tile ideas. Yes, they completely transform the look and feel of a room, but for a space that's got to deal with a lot, functionality is key.
It's easy to use how easy a tile is to clean to inform your decision, but you'll need to consider factors such as the finish, color, and type of tile. The right bathroom tile will make all the difference in keeping your bathroom clean and low-maintenance.
Which tile finish is easiest to clean?
“If you're looking for tiles that are easy to clean, glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles are your best bet,” says Vanessa Terra Bossart, professional home cleaner and owner of Green Terra Cleaning. “The glaze on these tiles acts like a protective shield, so dirt and stains don’t stick to them. Polished tiles, like those shiny marble or granite ones, are also easy to clean, but they can show smudges more visibly, so you might find yourself wiping them down a bit more often.”
On the other hand, tiles with a textured or matte finish might look cool, but they can be a bit more work to clean since dirt tends to cling to those rough surfaces, so it's best to avoid these if you want to keep the cleaning as painless as possible.
What types of tile are difficult to clean?
Some tiles, such as terracotta tiles, natural stone, and raw concrete tiles, can be relatively difficult to keep clean as they are very porous and have to be sealed on a regular basis. This characteristic means that the tiles can soak in water and soap scum, which can lead to the stains forming and potentially mold.
Textured tiles are another culprit; their grooves and ridges love to hold onto grime, making cleaning them a bit of a chore. Also remember to clean the grout between the tiles. If you’ve got oversized grouting lines, a bathroom trend we've spotted emerging, they can be tricky to keep looking clean, especially if the grout is light-colored or hasn’t been sealed properly.
What color tile will look cleaner for longer?
When it comes to keeping that clean look, medium to dark shades are good tile and grout color combinations. Colors like charcoal, dark gray, or even deep browns can hide dirt and dust pretty well. Tiles with patterns or speckles are also great at camouflaging messes, so you won’t be scrubbing them as often.
Neutral tones like beige or light gray are good middle-ground options, but be aware that really light tiles, like white, will show every speck of dirt.
What’s the best method to clean tricky bathroom tiles?
When it comes to how often you should clean your bathroom, the tiles could use daily maintenance. If you can get into the habit of wiping down the tiles after showers, it’ll help prevent soap scum and water spots from building up. Keeping the bathroom well-ventilated also helps reduce moisture, which can lead to mold or mildew.
“For routine cleaning, a simple mix of warm water and a bit of dish soap works great. Just spray it on, let it sit for a minute, and wipe it off with a cloth or sponge,” says Shawn Grant, owner of Clear Facility Services. “If you prefer something natural, a mix of water and white vinegar is good too, but avoid using it on natural stone tiles as it can damage them.”
On tougher spots, you can make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and scrub gently with a soft brush. If you’ve got a lot of stubborn grime or mildew, a steam cleaner can be a lifesaver.
And don’t forget about the grout. Sealing the grout will help keep it from staining, and for any discoloration, a grout cleaner or a mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can work wonders. Just scrub it with a toothbrush or a grout brush such as the Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber with Multi-Purpose & Grout Head from Amazon, and rinse it well afterward.
What tile grout doesn't get dirty?
Epoxy grout such as Starlike EVO Epoxy Grout from Walmart is stain resistant and water resistant because it isn't porous like cement grout, meaning it lasts a lot longer. Being so resistant, epoxy grout is the number one choice for both indoor and outdoor settings.
When cleaning any type of bathroom tile, it’s important to stay away from abrasive cleaners as they can seriously scratch your tiles and grout. Once you have finished cleaning your tiles, always rinse them well to remove any residue cleaner, this can tend to be quite sticky and can in fact attract more dirt and grime to your bathroom floor. By picking the right tiles and keeping up with some simple cleaning habits, your bathroom will stay looking fresh and clean without too much hassle.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Seraphina is a contributing editor at Livingetc, writing Advice features on organizing and storage. She loves to decorate and also grow her own produce from her home in London. Her previous experience includes working for Homes & Gardens, Women's Health and Fabulous Magazine.Seraphina is also a graduate, who completed her MA degree in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London.
-
After Trading in their Bachelor Pad, This Homeowner Now Embraces Calm and Collected Energy on the Upper West Side
GACHOT used deep colors, modernist sensibilities, and calm vibes in a serene home for a growing family with a penchant for get-togethers
By Keith Flanagan Published
-
The Best Carry-On Luggage for the Design-Conscious Traveler — So You Can Roll into the Holidays in Style
Whether you're looking for minimalist or instantly recognizable suitcases, we've rounded up our favorite hand luggage options for a stylish and comfortable trip
By Gilda Bruno Published
-
How I Keep Moisture and Damp At Bay in My Small Apartment — 4 Simple Things I Do Routinely in My Home
These easy yet effective tips will help remove condensation and minimize mold, even in the smallest of spaces
By Faiza Saqib Published
-
How Do You Clean an Artificial Christmas Tree? Bring a Merry Glow Back Into Your Festive Foliage in 6 Easy Steps
Get ready to bring your festive tree out of storage...but, before you put it up, you'll need to give it a refresh and here's how
By Lilith Hudson Published
-
How to Polish Silverware — Seek to Impress Guests With Shiny Flatware That Even They'll Be Jealous Of
Polishing your fine dining sets is a quick, inexpensive task that promises to brighten your home so that it's set for hosting
By Lilith Hudson Published
-
How to Clean a Doormat — Bring a Fresh Feel to Your Home's Exterior By Following 3 Easy Steps
Since a welcome mat's primary role is to help dust off your guest's shoes before they enter, they're likely due for a cleanup of their own. Here's how to get them dirt-free
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
Stress Cleaning — Why It Happens and How to Make It Work for You
Stress and cleaning have an intrinsic relationship, but with a healthier approach, you can get a grip on this everyday household chore
By Lilith Hudson Published
-
How to Clean a Table Runner — Even if Yours Isn't Fabric, There's Always a Way
If your decorative furnishing happens to find itself in stains, this guide is exactly what you need to bring it back to its pristine appearance
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
How to Remove Ice From a Driveway — 6 Simple Tricks You Should Try Before Guests Arrive for the Holidays
Icy driveways are accident-prone and holiday persistent it seems, so here's how to make sure your home is free from frost and any potential mishaps
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
How to Clean a Wool Rug — You Can Now Tackle This Cleaning Task in 5 Effortless Steps
Take the same effort you do with all your home furnishing and follow this in-depth guide to ensure your rugs get the tidy treatment they deserve
By Amiya Baratan Published