Hi ladies,
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get tile and grout in a shower clean? I think the tiles are ceramic. I have scrubbed and scrubbed and tried a few different products - the tile and grout will both look clean when they are still wet, but then once they dry, a white residue remains (I am assuming this is soap scum or hard water deposits). Thank you!
Thank you so much for all of the ideas! You ladies are awesome! I tried a number of the ideas on different parts of my shower. Here is what I found:
-clorox clean up gel (wipe on with damp sponge, then rinse): Did not seem to get the tiles or grout clean, but worked great on the shower door!
-ovencleaner (spray on, let sit for no more than 5 minutes, wipe, and rinse): Worked great on the tiles. I tried in a small area first because I was nervous about using such a strong product - it did a great job. I then applied it to all of one wall in the shower and it didn't seem to work as well, but I think that is because I didn't use as much as I did when I applied it in the small area first. The fumes from this were pretty strong so I decided to switch to another idea!
-oxiclean made into a (foamy) paste (I actually used oxyclean foam because that is what I had): This worked okay getting the tiles clean - still some white residue left.
-vinegar (warmed up, but not boiling, and sprayed on, let sit for 15 minutes, wipe with more vinegar and sponge and rinse): This worked okay getting the tiles clean - still some white residue left.
Also, for grout only, I tried making a paste of chlorine bleach and baking soda and rubbing it on the grout. Let it dry and then rinse off. I can tell that this improved the look of the grout, but I think I would have to do another application to get it where I want it to be.
I want to try the mr clean magic eraser and some of the other ideas but I will need to go to the store to pick up some of the items. I think I'm going to try one idea per shower cleaning until I find the one that gives me the results I am looking for with the least amount of work! Thanks so much for all of your ideas - I really appreciate it!!
Update: I have since tried the original mr. clean magic eraser - it worked awesome!! The best of all the things I tried. I also tried scraping the white junk off the tiles with a plastic scraper. That worked well and the progress was obvious since I could see the white stuff coming off, but it got to a point where I could get no more of the residue off with the scraper. The magic eraser took care of it with no problem.
use a Mr Clean eraser while cleaning. It works great on my fiberglass mildew/white film and a cleaning lady told me that it is all in the Mr Clean sponge. Try white vinegar too.
Hi C., I had the same problem when I moved into my home 3 years ago. I used some Lime Away on the Mr Clean magic eraser (the original is the best)and it looks like new. Hope this helps, J.
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work like a charm! :)
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers work great for this -- it was the only thing that we found that cleaned our 45 year old tiles and grout. It takes a while to do all of the grout, but it stays clean for a while. They also get the residue off the tile.
To help the grout stay clean, you can get grout coatings at the hardware store. It keeps them clean for longer.
Good luck!
I cleaned houses while I was in college so I am very familiar with the white film on tile. I have found the only way to get that off is with a plastic scraper. After yoe scrap it follow up with a tile cleaner.
Can't say that I've ever used the oven cleaner method. Certainly worth looking into. I have found scouring powders to be too abrasive. After a few uses, they create tiny pits in the tile tub enclosure and the tub itself. This makes it easier for body oils and other dirt to cling.
My personal favorite for almost all cleaning in the kitchen and the bathroom and many other points as well, is Soft Scrub Gel. Just squirt it on the tile. Let it set for a while. Wipe it off. It also works GREAT on glass top stoves and it's much cheaper than the products sold for that purpose.
For the filmy residue after cleaning, try some Windex type window cleaner and a clean cloth. If it is any kind of oily or soap-based residue, the window cleaner should clear up your problem. If it does not, chances are you have already got a pitted tub enclosure and you may be doomed to a dull finish.
The Queen of Clean has great books. You can buy them or check them out at the library.
J.
I need some help in that area too, can't wait to read the responses.
Try using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. 1 part HP to 2 parts water. The neat thing about this is you can hear the peroxide fizz which lets you know that is working. I use this to get soapscum off of my tile shower. If unsuccessful the first go round, make the solution stronger. GODD LUCK!
You should really use Lysol bathroom cleaner (Wal-mart) $3.00 it is the greatest. I too had tried everything I keep stock of this stuff!
Good Luck!
Hi! We have used clorox clean-up on our tile shower, and my husband just bought a special tile and grout cleaner from Lowes made by Tile Guard. We have only used the new cleaner once, since we just had our shower floor completely resloped and retiled! (It was holding water and not drying properly.) My neighbor used to clean houses and says clorox clean-up is the best for tile showers. Best of luck, and don't let it stress you out! :)
I have found some great products. The new store i shop at has cleaning products and so much more that work, don't cost as much , and are made with natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals so I know they are safe for my family. If you would like more info on this company or store. go to my website www.workathomeunited.com/myfoursons or call me at ###-###-####. I hope this helps you out.
I use some awesome natural cleaning supplies. If you would like to know how you can get them you can visit. workathomeunited.com/Heather1307 or livetotalwellness.com/Heather1307 or you can email me and I get you the details.
When you find out email me. I have white tile in both bathrooms and my kitchen counter. I feel as if I have tried everything!
What works best for me is The Works, which I buy at dollar store. It takes a whole bottle and is very toxic.
I love the scrubbing bubbles automatic shower cleaner. We have a tile shower with a double wide glass door. The soap scum and residue was awful on in when we moved in and I could never make any headway with it. I got the automatic cleaner and pretty soon in had it under control. It takes a little while to get it clean but if you use it like you're suppose to it does the job.
Try oxyclean powder and water... make a paste like substance and scrub... I used it on my kitchen and it works on my bathroom vanity as well.
C.,
I can say that I have had the best results from Tilex products and I have tried a few different products. They have a few new and really great products for mildew and soap scum. I have been sticking with Tilex as a result. Hope that helps.
A.
i used to clean for appartment and I used ovencleaner spray it on and give it a few min no more than 5 min and wipe it off and rinse .
For Soap Scum or Mildew problems, I whole-heartly recommend Tilex Soap Scum Remover or Tilex for Mildew. As for the grout they make special grout cleaning cleanser, however, I have never used any of it.
Comet (the powdered kind) works miracles.
