How to Protect Shower Tiles

Cleaning the bathroom is an unenviable necessity of life. Without proper care, germs, mold and mildew will overrun your bathroom and form a breeding ground for all types of unpleasant smells and illness. Tile showers have the advantage of being relatively easy to keep clean and sanitary when properly cared for. Protecting your shower from germs takes a little time, but it is well worth the effort because your bathroom will look good, smell better and be healthier.

• 1

  Sweep or vacuum the bathroom, including the shower, at least once a week. Keeping the rest of the bathroom clean will help keep the tiles clean and thus protect them.

• 2

  Keep soap scum from building up on the tiles by using a simple cleaning solution that you can make at home. Mix 1 cup each of vinegar, baking soda and salt.

• 3

  Make a paste and rub the mixture on the tiles using a sponge that is as soft and nonabrasive as possible. Use a cotton swab to get into difficult corners. Do this once a month.

• 4

  Soak a sponge in lemon juice and use it to wash down the tiles for a nice smell and as a mild disinfectant. It will also reduce the build up of body oil and soap scum.

• 5

  Replace tile grout every two years. This prevents water from getting behind the tiles.

• 6

  Reduce the humidity in the bathroom by opening windows as often as possible, leaving the door open and keeping the bathroom light. Circulating air will retard mold and mildew and other attackers of tile.