Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500191
06/24/03
Cleaning Ceramic Tile Walls
Regular cleaning can be done with detergent and
water, and rinsed; or commercial household cleaners or
bathroom cleaners used according to label directions.
Do not use scouring powders or other abrasives which can
scratch the finish.
Special cleaning may be needed for ceramic tile in
bathrooms if there is a buildup of: soap scum, a rough
white coating, or mildew.
Remove soap scum by sponging with a mixture of 1/2
cup packaged water softener, plus 2 tablespoons
rottenstone plus 1 cup hot water; or use a solution of
1-2 tablespoons trisodium phosphate in 1 gallon hot
water. Rinse.
Remove mildew by cleaning with a dilute solution of
chlorine bleach in water, following label directions on
bleach. Rinse. Or use a mildew-retardant household spray.
The rough white coating is a buildup of mineral from
hard water (like you get in a teakettle). Dissolve it
with a commercial tile cleaner and wipe off.
Occasionally a dark varnish-like stain may build up
in a tile shower that has not been cleaned regularly.
It is a build-up of body oils and soap scum and very
hard to remove. Cover the spot with full-strength liquid
laundry detergent and let stand for a couple of hours.
Then sponge with water. If it still doesn't all come off,
leave detergent on longer and scrub with a brush. Don't
use on porcelain enamel tubs or fiberglass or plastic
surfaces as it may damage them.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references the Ceramic Tile
Institute.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .