How to Clean Bathroom Tiles with Baking Soda

Bathroom tiles are one of the most essential features of your bathroom. They add beauty, style, and functionality to your space. However, they get dirty and stained over time, especially in high-humidity and moisture areas.

You don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive products to keep your bathroom tiles sparkling and fresh. You can use a simple and natural ingredient that you probably already have in your kitchen: baking soda.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile and effective cleaning agent that can help remove dirt, grime, soap scum, mold, mildew, and stains from bathroom tiles. It is also safe, eco-friendly, and inexpensive.

This article will show you how to clean bathroom tiles with baking soda using different methods and tips. You will also learn how to combine baking soda with other ingredients such as vinegar, lemon, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap to enhance its cleaning power and create homemade solutions.

Why Use Baking Soda for Cleaning Bathroom Tiles?

Baking soda has several properties that make it an ideal cleaner for bathroom tiles. Here are some of the benefits of using baking soda for cleaning bathroom tiles:

• It is mildly abrasive, which can scrub away dirt and stains without scratching or damaging the tile surface.
• It is alkaline, which can neutralize acidic substances that cause stains and odors on bathroom tiles, such as urine, vinegar, lemon juice, and wine.
• It is deodorizing, which means it can absorb and eliminate unpleasant smells from bathroom tiles, such as moldy or musty odors.
• It is antibacterial and antifungal, which means it can kill germs and prevent the growth of mold and mildew on bathroom tiles.
• It is gentle and non-toxic, which means it is safe for your health and the environment.

How to Use Baking Soda for Cleaning Bathroom Tiles?

There are different ways to use baking soda for cleaning bathroom tiles depending on the type and condition of the tiles, the level of dirtiness, and your preference. Here are some of the most common methods to use baking soda for cleaning bathroom tiles:

Method 1: Use Baking Soda Alone

You can use baking soda alone without mixing it with other compounds to clean bathroom tiles. This method works well for ceramic and porcelain tiles that are easy to clean with most cleaning products and solutions.

However, you must avoid using baking soda alone on marble tiles or other natural stone tiles that acids or abrasives can damage.

To use baking soda alone for cleaning bathroom tiles, follow these steps:

1. Sprinkle some baking soda on the dry bathroom tiles you want to clean. You can also make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it on the tiles.
2. Scrub the baking soda into the tiles using an old toothbrush or a sponge. Pay special attention to the grout lines and any stained or discolored areas.
3. Let the baking soda sit on the tiles for about 10 minutes to allow it to react with the dirt and stains.
4. Rinse off the baking soda with warm water using a spray bottle or a bucket. Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth or sponge.
5. Dry the tiles with a clean towel or let them air dry.

Method 2: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

You can use baking soda and vinegar to create a powerful cleaning solution that removes tough stains and grime from bathroom tiles. This method works well for ceramic and porcelain tiles resistant to acids.

However, you must avoid using baking soda and vinegar on marble tiles or other natural stone tiles that can damage acids.

To use baking soda and vinegar for cleaning bathroom tiles, follow these steps:

1. Mix ½ cup (90 grams) of baking soda, one teaspoon of liquid dish soap, and ¼ cup (63 milliliters) of hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle1. Shake well to combine.
2. Spray the mixture on the bathroom tiles you want to clean. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to let it fizz and bubble.
3. Scrub the mixture into the tiles using an old toothbrush or a sponge. Pay special attention to the grout lines and any stained or discolored areas.
4. Rinse off the mixture with warm water using a spray bottle or a bucket. Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth or sponge.
5. Dry the tiles with a clean towel or let them air dry.

Method 3: Use Baking Soda and Lemon

You can use baking soda and lemon together to create a refreshing and natural cleaning solution that can brighten and sanitize your bathroom tiles. This method works well for ceramic and porcelain tiles resistant to acids.

Avoid using baking soda and lemon on marble tiles or other natural stone tiles that acids can damage.

To use baking soda and lemon for cleaning bathroom tiles, follow these steps:

1. Mix ½ cup (90 grams) of baking soda and ½ cup (120 milliliters) of lemon juice in a small bowl. You can also add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.
2. Apply the mixture on the bathroom tiles you want to clean using a sponge or a cloth. You can also spray the mixture on the tiles with a spray bottle.
3. Let the mixture sit on the tiles for about 15 minutes to allow it to dissolve the dirt and stains.
4. Scrub the mixture into the tiles using an old toothbrush or a sponge. Pay special attention to the grout lines and any stained or discolored areas.
5. Rinse off the mixture with warm water using a spray bottle or a bucket. Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth or sponge.
6. Dry the tiles with a clean towel or let them air dry.

Method 4: Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

You can use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a powerful bleaching cleaning solution that removes stubborn stains and mold from your bathroom tiles. This method works well for ceramic and porcelain tiles, not prone to fading or discoloration. However, avoid using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide on marble tiles or other natural stone tiles that bleaching agents can damage.

To use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning bathroom tiles, follow these steps:

1. Mix ½ cup (90 grams) of baking soda and ¼ cup (63 milliliters) of hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. Add a teaspoon of liquid dish soap for extra cleaning power.
2. Apply the mixture on the bathroom tiles you want to clean using a sponge or a cloth. You can also spray the mixture on the tiles with a spray bottle.
3. Let the mixture sit on the tiles for about 20 minutes to allow it to bleach and disinfect the tiles.
4. Scrub the mixture into the tiles using an old toothbrush or a sponge. Pay special attention to the grout lines and any stained or discolored areas.
5. Rinse off the mixture with warm water using a spray bottle or a bucket. Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth or sponge.
6. Dry the tiles with a clean towel or let them air dry.

Method 5: Use Baking Soda and Bleach

You can use baking soda and bleach to create a strong, whitening cleaning solution that removes mold, mildew, and stains from your bathroom tiles. This method works well for white or light-colored tiles needing a deep cleaning.

You should avoid using baking soda and bleach on colored tiles or other surfaces that can be faded or discolored by bleach.

To use baking soda and bleach for cleaning bathroom tiles, follow these steps:

1. Mix ½ cup (90 grams) of baking soda and ¼ cup (63 milliliters) of bleach in a small bowl. Add a teaspoon of liquid dish soap for extra cleaning power.
2. Apply the mixture on the bathroom tiles you want to clean using a sponge or a cloth. You can also spray the mixture on the tiles with a spray bottle.
3. Let the mixture sit on the tiles for about 20 minutes to allow it to bleach and disinfect the tiles.
4. Scrub the mixture into the tiles using an old toothbrush or a sponge. Pay special attention to the grout lines and any stained or discolored areas.
5. Rinse off the mixture with warm water using a spray bottle or a bucket. Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth or sponge.
6. Dry the tiles with a clean towel or let them air dry.

Tips for Cleaning Bathroom Tiles with Baking Soda

Here are some tips to help you clean your bathroom tiles with baking soda more effectively and safely:

• Always test a small inconspicuous area of your tile before applying any cleaning solution to ensure it won’t cause any damage or discoloration.
• Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with bleach or other harsh chemicals to avoid skin irritation or eye injury.
• Always open windows or turn on fans when working with bleach or other strong-smelling chemicals to avoid inhaling fumes or causing respiratory problems.
• Always rinse off any cleaning solution thoroughly with water after cleaning to prevent leaving any residue that could attract more dirt or cause damage to your tile.
• Always dry your tile after cleaning to prevent mold and mildew growth or water stains.

How to Prevent Tile Stains

Cleaning your bathroom tiles with baking soda can help you remove dirt and stains, but it’s better to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some ways to prevent tile stains:

• Wipe off any spills or splashes on your tile as soon as possible to avoid them setting in and staining your tile.
• Use a squeegee or a towel to wipe off excess water from your tile after showering or bathing to prevent hard water stains or mineral deposits.
• Use a mildew-resistant shower curtain and liner to prevent mold and mildew growth on your tile.
• Use a fan or open windows to ventilate your bathroom and reduce humidity and moisture that can cause mold and mildew growth on your tile.
• Use a mild cleaner regularly to keep your tile free from dirt and grime.

Conclusion

Baking soda is a great natural ingredient that can help you clean your bathroom tiles effectively and safely. You can use it alone or combine it with other ingredients like vinegar, lemon, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach to create homemade solutions that tackle dirt and stains. Follow our methods and tips to clean your bathroom tiles with baking soda and make them shine like new.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about cleaning bathroom tiles with baking soda:

How often should I clean my bathroom tiles with baking soda?

The frequency of cleaning your bathroom tiles with baking soda depends on several factors, such as how often you use your bathroom, how dirty your tiles get, what type of tile you have etc. Generally speaking, you should clean your bathroom tiles at least once weekly to prevent dirt buildup and bacteria growth. You may need to clean them more often if they get stained or moldy.

Can I use baking soda on other surfaces in my bathroom?

Yes, you can use baking soda on other surfaces in your bathroom, such as sinks, bathtubs, showers, faucets, mirrors etc. Baking soda is safe for most materials except metals that may corrode or rust when exposed to acidic substances. Just make sure to test it on a small area first before applying it to the whole surface.

Can I mix baking soda with other ingredients besides water?

Yes, you can mix baking soda with other ingredients besides water, depending on what type of cleaning effect you want. For example, you can mix baking soda with vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide bleach etc. These ingredients can help boost the cleaning power of baking soda by creating chemical reactions that produce bubbles, foam heat etc. However, be careful when mixing these ingredients as they may cause fumes, irritation, explosions etc. Always wear gloves and goggles ventilation when mixing these ingredients. And never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other acids, as this may produce toxic chlorine gas.

How do I store baking soda for future use?

You can store baking soda in an airtight, cool, dry container. You can also label the container with the date of purchase and expiration date. Baking soda usually lasts for about two years if stored properly. However, you can test its freshness by adding a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice to a teaspoon of baking soda. If it fizzes, it is still good to use. If not, you may need to replace it.

What are some other uses of baking soda in the bathroom?

Baking soda has many other uses in the bathroom besides cleaning tiles. For example, you can use it to:

• Deodorize your toilet by sprinkling some baking soda into the bowl and flushing it.
• Unclog your drain by pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain. Wait for 15 minutes and then flush with hot water.
• Whiten your teeth by brushing them with baking soda and water once a week.
• Exfoliate your skin by making a scrub with baking soda and water or oil.
• Soothe your sunburn by adding half a cup of baking soda to a lukewarm bath and soaking it for 20 minutes.