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Is Subway Tile Easy To Clean?

Is Subway Tile Easy To Clean?

When subway tiles first came out, they were curated to meet the need for a pristine clean look as well as to aid with low maintenance.

Furthermore, Victorians placed a high value on cleanliness, so to make commuting undergrounds a breeze for them, these white glossy tiles were no wonder the top choice.

But are they as easy to clean as they are intended to be?

Subway tiles are very easy to clean, thanks to their glass-like coatings which make it easy to wipe off stains leaving behind a lustrous shiny appearance. 

So without further ado, let us take a detailed look at how to keep your shiny subway tiles as clean as new!

How Should I Clean My Subway Tiles?

Maintenance is the key to keeping your subway tiles looking as good as new, whether they are installed in the kitchen above your stove or in your shower space.

This involves cleaning them on a regular basis. However, it is also necessary that you use the right method and cleaning supplies to clean your tiles.

The good news is unlike other tiles, subway tiles do not require a lot of effort to keep them shiny and lustrous.

All you need is a bottle of warm water mixed in with a few droplets of gentle dish soap and an ounce of vinegar.

Spray it over your tiles and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub it away with a cleaning sponge, and then wipe it with a clean wet towel.

This easy and affordable cleaning method will help break down accumulated dirt and grime easily without requiring any extra effort, leaving behind a clean yet neutral-smelling space.

If you are worried about the pungent smell of vinegar, don’t worry, as the vinegar evaporates quickly. Or, you can simply resort to using cleaning vinegar, which is not as pungent as the regular white vinegar. 

In the case of shower tiles, the above-mentioned method of cleaning may get a bit tedious for some. However, cleaning them is also not too hard.

By regularly using a mild disinfectant bathroom tile cleaner, you can easily keep bacteria, dirt, and hard stains off your subway tiles!

Cleaning Tiles Grout

How To Clean The Grout Between The Tiles

Cleaning the grout is the most overlooked area when it comes to cleaning subway tiles. It is the mortar/paste that is filled between the gaps within tiles.

Cleaning them is necessary because if left otherwise, dirt and grime can accumulate resulting in a dull and dirty appearance.

Cleaning them involves a little bit more effort than the tiles. If your grout is not stained a lot, simply use hot water and a toothbrush to scrub away the grout lines.

However in case of severe discolouration, simply use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, let it sit within the lines and then scrub with a toothbrush. Don’t forget to wipe with a clean towel afterwards.

You can then seal the grout to make them easier to clean in the future or you may simply stick to regularly spraying vinegar and hot water to prevent grime from building up.

However, in case you decide to seal your grout, keep in mind it does require annual resealing as well. 

A low-maintenance alternative to all of this would be to install a stain-resistant grout.

With this option, you may maintain the appearance of your grout without exerting any effort!

How To Prevent Stains From Building Up On Subway Tiles

Stains can end up forming on your subway tiles if they are not cleaned regularly.

Therefore, you must wipe away any splashes or grease stains from your kitchen and backsplash subway tiles as soon as they occur.

By allowing spills to remain on your tiles, they have a chance to develop stains that will be challenging to get off later.

In the case of shower tiles, ensure that at least monthly deep cleaning is carried out to prevent hard water stains from forming or building up.

How To Prevent Your Subway Tiles From Scratching

While subway tiles are extremely durable, they are not entirely immune to scratches.

Care should be taken when using metal spoons near the backsplash or from razors or other shiny objects from scathing the shower tiles.

Final Word on Cleaning Subway Tiles

While subway tiles are easy to maintain and durable tiles, care is still needed to ensure they withstand the test of time.

Hopefully, with the help of the above information, cleaning and taking care of your tiles will be way easier than you may have thought.

Lindsay Reed

Hi, I'm the founder of ProjectPerfectHome.com! I created this website to be a resource for everyone who wants to make the best home possible.