How to Clean Bathroom Floor Tiles

To maintain a fresh and healthy bathroom, it's important to clean its tiles regularly. Due to the high moisture levels in bathrooms, bathroom and shower floor tiles are susceptible to mold and mildew growth. The most common bathroom tile types include vinyl, ceramic, natural stone and linoleum, and they each require slightly different cleaning methods. Be sure to use the type of cleaner and cleaning tool that's recommended for your particular tile material to keep it looking its best.

Vinyl tiles are low-cost, comfortable and durable. To clean them, first sweep away any dirt and debris, such as hair. Deep-clean the tiles and remove grime by mixing 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 gallon of hot water. If you want to disinfect the tiles as well, use distilled white vinegar instead of cider vinegar. You can also add a few drops of a mild dish-washing soap to the mixture if the floor is especially dirty. Use a mop to reach all of the tiles, and then go over the flooring with plain, hot water to rinse. Remove any scuffs by buffing them away with a towel moistened with a few drops of baby oil. You can use rubbing alcohol and a soft scrub brush to remove any lipstick and hair dye stains.

Not only do ceramic tiles come in a wide array of colors to match any bathroom decor style, but they are durable and easy to maintain. If the ceramic tiles have a high-grade glaze, they will also resist scratches. To clean ceramic floor or shower tiles, add a few drops of a mild dish-washing soap to a bucket of hot water and mix to combine. Clean floor tiles with a chamois-type mop and shower tiles with a soft towel or sponge. To clean dirty grout between the tiles, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the grout, and allow it to sit overnight. Work the mixture into the grout using a stiff nylon-bristled brush, and rinse clean with warm water the next day.

Natural stone tile options include travertine, granite, slate, marble and limestone and come in a wide variety of textures and colors. Although stone tiles require a bit more maintenance than ceramic tiles, they can give a bathroom a rustic look. Never use vinegar or other acids on natural stone tile, as it can ruin it. Instead, clean stone floor or shower tile using a heavy-duty commercial stone tile cleaner. Mix it with water as directed on the label, and clean floor tiles with a microfiber mop and the shower tiles with a soft cloth or sponge. Natural stone is porous, so it's important to allow it to thoroughly dry after cleaning.

Constructed of linseed oil, cork powder, wood flour, ground limestone and other materials, linoleum tiles are used in the bathroom due to their durability and water resistance. To clean the linoleum, first sweep the tiles to remove any dirt and debris. Then, mix a few drops of a mild dish-washing soap in a bucket of hot water and clean the floors with a mop. Go over the flooring with plain water and allow the tiles to thoroughly dry before walking on them. To shine the tiles, apply a thin layer of paste wax or liquid wax, and buff the floor with a microfiber cloth until it sparkles.