Nothing is unappealing to the eye as stained tiles. They make visits to the toilet or bathroom uncomfortable. You have probably experienced this problem and it can be annoying and can cause you great embarrassment if you have visitors around. You probably never noticed the stains forming. This is because tiles stain slowly over a period of time and before you notice it, they have changed their color. You try to salvage them by scrubbing them but the results are not impressive. Then finally you have toilet tiles that have changed color and are stained. Staining will obviously cause an expected reaction from you- scrubbing, scrubbing and more scrubbing. If this does not work then the next thing that may cross your mind is to replace the tiles. Replacing them is not a bad idea but you should keep in mind that the procedure is quite costly.
You do not have to scrub hard in order to get rid of the stains. There are products available that can help you get rid of the stains with minimal effort. Good news is that some of the products are available right in your home. All you need to do is mix these products and have your toilet tiles looking all new again.
Before you learn of the ways to remove the stains, it is important to know how the stains come into existence. This is important because it will help you understand what causes the stains to form and how to prevent the stains from forming. Tile stains form because people let wet bathroom floors dry by themselves. Water and lime scale mix with dirt particles that are available in the air and perhaps some soap too that may be available in the water. When this combination is left to dry off by itself over time, the tiles become stained. The most common problems which affect tiles are:
– Hard Water Spots
– Discoloration
– Mold and Mildew
– Soap Residue
With the knowledge of how the stains are formed, the next thing is to look at how you can solve the issue of stained tiles. The first and most obvious solution is to always make sure you wipe the tiles often. This is a solution that is meant to prevent the tiles from staining. Make it a habit of wiping or cleaning the tiles every now and then to prevent staining. Regular wiping helps remove any traces of water which plays a big role in the staining process. You can begin by wiping the tile with a rag. If this does not give satisfying results, try using a brush.
As mentioned before, there are different products you can use to remove stubborn stains that have formed on the tiles. It is always advisable to first test any product you intend to use on the tiles. You can test in on a small inconspicuous area of a tile. This is done to protect the surface of the tiles. There are products that can be harsh on the tiles and affect them. Testing the product on a small area will help you know if the product is safe to use on the tiles.
Products that are used in removal of stubborn stains from toilet tiles can be categorized into two. Those readily available at home and those that are purchased for the purpose of stain removal. The ones that are available in our homes include; Vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and chlorine bleach. These are used to create do-it-yourself solutions that help in tiles stain removal.
The different ways one can use to remove stains from tiles are:
1. Steam cleaning the bathroom
Steam cleaning is also an effective way of cleaning tiles. It works by heating the tiles with a steam cleaner. This helps in opening up the pores in the tiles surface and releases the tightly held muck. Apply steam to the surface of the tiles and using a clean cloth, wipe off the dirt.
2. Do-it-Yourself solutions
Vinegar
Vinegar has for long been used in homes for a wide range of solutions. It should not come as a surprise when you learn that it can be used for toilet stain removal.
For a solution to clean tiles, mix:
– 2 cups plain white vinegar
– 2 cups warm water
– 1 tsp. liquid dish detergent
Start by loosening dirt in the area you want to clean. Use a soft brush and rinse the area with some clean warm water. Spray the area with the cleaning solution and leave it for 15 minutes. Use a clean soft brush or a tooth brush to clean the surface. This solution cuts through grease, scum, soap and other stains and leaves no residue.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Baking soda is a very effective way to clean different surfaces in the home. It has extra cleaning power that will help in tile stains.
Make a paste using:
– ¼ cup household strength (3%) hydrogen peroxide
– cup of baking soda
– 1 tbs. liquid shampoo or dish soap.
Take note to make just enough of the solution because it loses its effectiveness quickly. Use a soft brush to apply the solution on the stained tiles. For the cracks and crevasses in the grout, use an old toothbrush to apply. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes and then rinse the area with warm or hot water. Use a clean rag to pick up any residue that may have been left on the tiles.
Chlorine Bleach
Bleach generally is a great stain remover. It leaves things white and bright. When using bleach, make sure to air the area to avoid breathing any vapors.
For this solution, you will need:
– 3 cups of water
– 1 cup of bleach
– 1 tbs. shampoo
Spray the solution on the tiles surface and let it sit for 15 minutes. This allows the solution to remove deep stains. Wipe down the tiles with a clean cloth. Next, rinse the area well to remove all traces of bleach.
3. Off the shelf cleaning products
At times, making your own cleaning solution may seem too complicated. This is where specialist products come in handy. They are readily available and make your work much easier. They serve the same purpose as the do-it-yourself solutions and are equally effective. When using these products, always remember to follow the instructions provided and to use the product in a well ventilated area.
Some key things to consider when using these products include:
– Always have some rubber gloves on when using the products
– Open up the tiles pores by running the shower on a high temperature before applying the product.
– Always test the product on a small area before starting to use it.
