You know how, after a long day, a warm shower feels so relaxing? But then one day, you look around and notice the shower tiles don’t shine like they used to. There’s soap film on the walls, white water marks, and maybe even dark spots near the corners. That’s when you start wondering how to clean shower tiles properly so they look fresh again without wasting hours scrubbing.

In short, to clean shower tiles, you need simple things like vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide to remove stains, soap scum, and mould. It’s not hard. You just need to follow a few easy steps, and your tiles will shine like new again.

Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through exactly how to do it the easy way, step by step, using things you already have at home.

Why Shower Tiles Get Dirty

Even though we clean ourselves in the shower, the shower itself collects dirt. Sounds funny, right? But it’s true. Every time you take a shower, a few things stick to the tiles.

Here’s what really happens:

• Soap and shampoo leave behind a sticky layer called soap scum. It looks cloudy or chalky.
• Hard water has minerals that dry on tiles, forming white spots.
• Body oils and dirt from your skin mix with soap and build up slowly.
• Mould and mildew love warm, wet places, and the grout lines are perfect for them.

So, even if your shower looks clean, it might not be. The best thing is to clean it regularly before it builds up too much. So, how do you clean a tile shower? 

Here’s How to Clean Shower Tiles: 6 Key Steps

Before we start cleaning shower tiles, keep these simple things ready. You probably already have most of them at home:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dishwashing liquid
• Hydrogen peroxide (you’ll find it in any pharmacy)
• A spray bottle
• A sponge or soft cloth
• An old toothbrush for grout lines
• Warm water

You don’t need to buy expensive cleaners. These common items work perfectly.

Let’s clean it properly now. Follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Make a Natural Cleaner

Mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and shake it gently. This mix works great for removing soap scum and water spots.

Spray it all over the tiles and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. It gives the solution time to break down the dirt. Then take a sponge or soft cloth and gently wipe the tiles. You’ll see the shine coming back. Rinse it with warm water afterwards.

Step 2: Tackle Hard Water Stains

If your tiles have hard water marks that don’t go away easily, try this. Make a paste using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Mix them in equal amounts until the mix looks thick like toothpaste. 

Apply the paste to the stained areas using a sponge. Let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Then rinse it off with warm water. You’ll be surprised how clean it looks afterwards.

(One note: don’t store this mixture. It can build pressure in the container.)

Step 3: Clean the Grout (That’s the Space Between Tiles)

Now comes the part everyone hates: cleaning the grout. But don’t worry, we’ll make it easy. Mix half a cup of baking soda with one-fourth cup of hydrogen peroxide. Stir until it becomes a paste.

Spread the paste on the grout lines using an old toothbrush. Leave it for 10 minutes. Then scrub lightly in small circles. Rinse with warm water and dry it with a cloth. The difference will amaze you.

If the grout is really black or mouldy, you can add a few drops of vinegar to the paste before applying. It gives extra power.

Step 4: Remove Mould and Mildew Smell

Sometimes the shower smells damp or musty. That’s usually mould or mildew hiding in corners. To fix this, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it all over the tiles, especially in corners and near the floor. Let it sit for about an hour. The vinegar kills bacteria and removes bad smells. After that, rinse with warm water and keep the door open to let it dry.

Step 5: Deep Clean Once a Month

Once a month, do a deeper clean. Use oxygen bleach for this. Mix three tablespoons of oxygen bleach with a big bucket (about 9 litres) of warm water.

Wipe this mix over the tiles with a sponge and leave it for 15 minutes. Then rinse with cold water. This removes deep stains and sanitises the surface without hurting the tiles.

Step 6: Steam Clean for a Fresh Look

If you have a steam cleaner, use it once in a while. Steam helps loosen grime that normal cleaning misses. If you don’t have one, you can still use hot shower steam. Just run the hot water for 10 minutes until the bathroom fills with steam. Then wipe the tiles immediately with a towel. The heat makes the dirt soft and easy to remove.

How to Clean Shower Tiles Without Scrubbing

If you want to clean shower tiles without scrubbing, mix vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray it on the tiles and leave it for one hour. Then rinse with warm water and dry. The dirt and soap marks will wash away easily.

Can You Use a Pressure Washer for Shower Tile Cleaning?

People sometimes ask if a pressure washer is safe for shower tiles. It can clean quickly, yes, but it’s risky. The strong water pressure can damage grout and push water behind the tiles, which causes hidden mould. So, it’s better to skip it. Regular cleaning with vinegar or baking soda is safer and works fine.

How Often Should You Clean Tile Showers

You don’t have to scrub your shower every day. But cleaning it once a week is a good habit. If you wipe it down after every shower, it stays cleaner for longer. Just take a few minutes to dry the tiles with a towel or a squeegee. This simple step helps a lot. It stops water spots, soap marks, and mould from growing.

Daily Habits to Keep Shower Tiles Clean

Here are a few easy habits that make a big difference:

• Wipe down the tiles after every shower with a dry towel.
• Keep your bathroom door or window open to let air flow.
• Use a bathroom fan if you have one. It keeps the air dry.
• Avoid bar soaps if possible; they leave more residue than liquid soap.
• Seal the grout once or twice a year to prevent mould and stains.

If you follow these small steps, you’ll hardly need deep cleaning again.

When to Call a Professional Tile Cleaning Service

If your shower tiles are very old or have black mould that keeps coming back, it’s time to call a professional Tile cleaner. They use special cleaning machines and safe chemicals that go deeper than normal home cleaning. It’s also a good idea if your grout is broken or cracked. Experienced professionals, like Melbourne Tile Cleaners, can re-seal and repair it properly.

Do’s and Don’ts: Best Way to Clean Shower Tiles

Do’s	Don’ts
Clean your shower tiles once a week to stop buildup	Don’t wait until tiles look dull or mould appears
Use natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide	Don’t use strong acid cleaners that can damage grout
Rinse tiles with warm water after cleaning	Don’t leave cleaning products sitting too long on tiles
Dry the tiles with a towel or squeegee after each shower	Don’t let water stay on tiles
Scrub gently with a soft sponge or brush	Don’t use metal scrubbers
Keep your bathroom aired out after every shower	Don’t close the door right after showering
Seal grout once or twice a year to prevent mould	Don’t ignore cracked grout
Wear gloves when using cleaning products	Don’t mix bleach with vinegar: it creates harmful gas

Wrapping Up

So, coming to this point, you now know how to clean shower tiles. Keep your shower clean regularly. Don’t wait for the tiles to turn dull or the grout to go black. A few minutes each week can save you hours later.

Clean tiles don’t just look nice; they also make your bathroom feel fresh and hygienic. So next time you finish a shower, give your tiles a quick wipe and enjoy that shine every day.