Home renovations, no matter the size and type, are always challenging endeavours. One of the most challenging parts is cleaning up afterwards.
If you are planning a bathroom renovation, you are probably wondering how you will clean everything after the job is done. One of the most nerve-wracking moments in the final big cleaning is finally getting to scrub those new and beautiful tiles you chose for the bathroom.
In this blog post, you will read valuable, real-world tips and tricks on cleaning tiles from experts in the field of home renovation projects.
What’s the right cleaning time after the renovation?
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One of the most important aspects of cleaning after a home renovation is when to do it. Most homeowners think that it’s best to clean everything after the job is finally done, but that is not always the case.
If you are planning a full bathroom remodel, you should consider cleaning in stages. What does that mean – divide the different types of cleaning during the renovation.
If the remodel includes tearing down walls or adding new ones, garbage and residue will accumulate everywhere. It’s crucial to clean that up before the tiling process; otherwise, you risk damaging the tiles or compromising the whole process.
Construction dust and garbage can get in the way of the perfect bathroom renovation, so it’s best to keep the whole place clean during every stage of the process.
Make sure that all construction materials are dry and set. Most tile glues, paints, and other materials have a set time on the label. Don’t try to clean them before that time has passed.
The final cleaning should be planned only after every construction job in the bathroom is completely finished. This means that you have shaken hands with the construction professional, you have gotten rid of the big piles of garbage and construction materials, and the space is essentially empty, with no traces of construction.
Only then can you do a final and thorough cleaning of the space and make it ready for use.
Preparing your cleaning kit
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Having the right tools for the cleaning job is crucial for the end result.
First, you need a cleaning kit that includes the essential cleaning instruments and those for the finishing touches. Your bathroom will probably need a preliminary cleaning of residue and dust from the construction job and floor or wall tiling before you start the process of fine-cleaning everything.
For this first part, you will need the following:
- Scrub brush – essential for scrubbing tiles and unnecessary grout haze.
- Vacuum cleaner – this will help remove the dust left on floor tiles before washing all the surfaces.
- A knife or a plastic scraper – this will come in handy when you remove paint or grout spills.
- Tile cleaner – specialised tile cleaner is more heavy-duty than homemade options.
- Degreaser – it will help with stubborn stains.
- Mop and bucket – best for tile floors.
Once you have managed to remove all traces of the renovation, then you can start the final deep clean and sanitation of the bathroom.
For that stage, you will need the following:
- Microfiber mop or cloths – best for whipping surfaces in the bathroom
- A sponge
- Non-abrasive scrubber
- Bleach
- Disinfectant
- Glass cleaner.
Make sure you are wearing proper protective gear. Find comfortable rubber gloves so you don’t have to use chemicals with your bare hands. Put on a mask to prevent inhaling all of the loose dust and chemical fumes. Use goggles to ensure no cleaning solution gets into your eyes.
Home remedies
There are different options for cleaning the bathroom if you wish to use home recipes instead of harsh chemicals.
One of the most commonly used household solutions for cleaning the bathroom is vinegar. Vinegar’s acidity helps with stubborn stains. The downside of vinegar is the smell.
The most effective recipe is 50% vinegar in 50% fresh water. So, if you want 2 litres of cleaning detergent, then you should mix 1 litre of vinegar and 1 litre of warm water.
The other very common household solution for cleaning is baking soda. It’s often mixed with vinegar to make the solution more abrasive. That can be a double-edged sword, but we will get to that later.
Test your cleaning solutions first
Make sure that you test your cleaning solutions and gear on tiles in the bathroom that are not easily visible. Otherwise, you risk damaging the new tiles and bathroom.
Pick a space for testing behind a door, for example, or in a corner. This way, you will make sure that if damage occurs, it’s not easily visible.
Assess the tile material
Assessing the tile material is crucial in deciding what type of tools and cleaning solutions you will use. Some tiles are not as durable as others and may get scratches on the tile surface if you clean them more aggressively.
For example, it is a very bad idea to use baking powder or other abrasive cleaners on glass or ceramic tiles. Scrubbing violently or using abrasive cleaning solutions will damage the tiles’ sheen.
The tile type can influence the choice of cleaning solution. Some acidic cleaners can damage tiles, so make sure to use a pH-neutral cleaner in those cases.
Cleaning up: Where and how to start?
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Making an action plan before the cleaning has started is very important. One of the best ways to organise the different stages is to clean your bathroom is starting from the inside and moving outwards to the door.
That way, you will make sure not to leave any new stains and residue.
Another tip is to start from the tile spaces around the main kitchen or bathroom appliances, such as the toilet, the sink, and the shower. Cleaning those spaces is the most challenging, and it’s good to tackle them first.
1. Remove the grout
The first and very important stage is to remove the grout haze.
When construction professionals grout tiles, they smear the whole tile with the material to ensure that the grout is evenly distributed.
Removing the grout is best done with a fine sponge and the vinegar-water solution. Rub gently the excess grout in a round motion. Gently scrub the grout lines so you don’t damage them.
Once the excess grout is cleaned, you can rinse the tiles with clean water.
2. Target the tough spots
There will be tough spots on the tiles, like paint splashes or dried construction materials. This is where the knife and plastic scraper come in handy.
Gently chip away at the dried materials. Don’t use too much force or risk damaging the tiles underneath. You can use the soft brush to remove any leftover residue. Again, do this gently.
Make sure to vacuum the dust that’s left after this step. You can use a damp cloth to remove dust.
3. Scrub, rinse, repeat.
After these first steps, it’s time for the most time-consuming job of the whole cleaning – the scrub and rinse phase.
Scrub your tile with the chosen cleaning solution using a sponge. Make sure to get to every nook and cranny, especially in the corners of the bathroom.
After thoroughly scrubbing the tiles, rinse the cleaning solution. Repeat this process two or three times to ensure that everything is cleaned.
4. Seal the tiles
If you have chosen tiles made of more porous materials, such as natural stone tiles, unglazed porcelain, and cement tiles, you have to seal them after cleaning.
Different types of sealers are on the market, and the choice depends on the tiles you have.
Follow these steps to seal your tiles:
- Dry the tiles completely – use a clean cloth for the finishing touches. The microfiber cloth is ideal for this.
- Apply the sealer – use a sponge or a brush for this process. Apply evenly and in small sections.
- Wipe off the excess amount – do this step 10-15 minutes after the application process.
You have to let the sealer cure. This stage typically requires between 24 to 48 hours, depending on the sealer. Make sure you read the instructions for the exact cure time.
Establish a tile maintenance routine
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The best way to care for your new tiles is to establish a good maintenance routine. Depending on the type of tiles you have, you can use home recipes or over-the-counter cleaning solutions.
Make sure that you clean the tiles regularly. This way, it will be easier to clean them.
Periodically check the grout lines in the most used spaces in the bathroom. This way, you will prevent any damage and tackle problems before they become serious.
Make sure to seal the tiles from time to time in order to keep them waterproof. That way you will considerably prolong their life and your bathroom won’t need another remodel for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
When can I clean the tiles in my bathroom after a remodel?
The best time to clean your tiles after renovation is after all the construction materials have dried and are finished.
Can I use baking powder on porcelain and glass tiles?
No, you can’t use baking powder or any abrasive cleaning solution on those types of tiles. They will get scratched from the particles.
How do I prepare a vinegar-cleaning solution for tiles?
The best proportion for vinegar cleaning solution is 50/50.
