Don't Throw Out Bathroom Tile Without Trying This HGTV Cleaning Hack

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There's something about bathroom tiles that makes a space seem a bit more polished than plain walls or drab wallpaper. With the many bathroom tile design options available, it's no wonder that people often choose them for their bathroom floor and/or walls. However, it's common for these tiles to start appearing dingy, dull, or darker as they age. But this doesn't always mean that it's time to pitch them. Sometimes, all you need is a good shower hack to clean dirty bathroom tile.

Those old or dirty tiles may be salvageable, simply needing a thorough cleaning with lots of elbow grease. According to HGTV's Nicole Curtis, an effective way to clean these tiles is by using old pot scrubbers. A post on Curtis' X account with the caption, "Get cleaning instead of demoing old tile #elbowgrease," highlighted her preference for restoration over replacement. These hand-sized scrubbers, also called "palm brushes," can be purchased online or at a local store, like this Full Circle Brush on Amazon or the Btomtd Bamboo Brush from Walmart. 

Palm brushes work great because they have stiff, short bristles made for lifting tough grime and hardened food from pots and pans. Most of them also come with an ergonomic design that makes it easy to apply pressure to stubborn stains while minimizing wrist fatigue. Some new styles even have dispensers that allow you to apply soap mid-scrub. Combining the pot scrubbers with tile cleaners, like Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner, offers a great solution for keeping your bathroom tiles looking their best. However, be careful with old and/or sensitive tiles and grouts that might get damaged by these brushes. Ensure to test on a small area before committing to this cleaning option.

In some cases, upgrading dated bathroom tile may be the best option, especially if the tile is damaged or beyond repair. In other scenarios, however, a deep cleaning session with a pot brush will work, a sentiment likely echoed by Nicole Curtis, who stated via Instagram, "...honestly, I've never seen old tile I couldn't save (or hardwood floors)." The best part of this idea is that you don't need to spend tons of money on professional cleaning, replacement tiles, or a full bathroom renovation. You can effectively clean those grimy tiles within an hour. 

Once you have your supplies, start by letting your shower run for a few minutes to allow the hot water to hit the tiles (for shower tiles only). This helps to loosen dirt, making it easier to lift when it's time to break out your pot scrubbers. Next, spray your cleaning solution on the tiles and let it set for the recommended time, which is usually anywhere from five to 20 minutes. Be sure to fully saturate heavily stained areas. 

Then, go over the tiles starting at the top, working your way from left to right and using circular motions. Be sure to also work on the grout in between the tiles, an area that can become stained with mold and soap scum over time. Go over the areas with a few passes to get rid of any caked dirt or tough mildew spots. Once you've completed this step, rinse the tiles using a wet sponge or rag. Apply another cleaner application and go over the tiles again, if needed.