All About Tile Repair and Tile Installation

TIME TO CLEAN THE BATHROOM TILES

Good morning Saturday, the day you clean your bathroom, right?  Oh well, you should clean the bathroom a least once every week.  But you just hate to clean the three tile walls inside the bath tub area, right?  It just doesn’t clean right, and your sick and tired of smelling the powerful cleaning chemical to clean all around the tub area, right?  Oh what a strong odor early in the morning, right?

SO WHAT IS BEST

What would you think about using clear vinegar, baking soda, and water to clean the tiles, caulk and grout in and around the bath tub area?  Can it work and is it effective?  The answer is yes!  Cleaning sprays contain chemicals that can darken grout and remove grout from the tiles in time.  Once grout is removed from the tiles, water can enter between the tiles causing damage to the backer board and the beginning of mold in time.  Also chemicals can leave a soapy film on the tiles which gives the tiles a dull look to it.  So remember, always wipe off excess water from the tiles after every shower or bath; the water mixed with your body oil and soap can leave a noticeable stain on the tiles.

WHY VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA?

Clear vinegar mixed with baking soda and water will clean your bathroom tiles, caulk and grout better and more effective in time and is safe for you and the environment.  This combination has no harmful chemicals and is cheaper to purchase than any cleaning sprays on the market.  First use a small stainless steel basin (or small plastic bucket) and fill with less than 1/2 water.  Add about a 1/4 cup of clear vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda.  You will see the water bubbling up, this is normal when you add baking soda.  Gently use a soft brush with the mixture to clean the heavily stain grout line and discolored caulk around the tile/tub area.  You can use a sponge or cleaning rag with the mixture to clean the tiles and grout in all areas of the bathroom. Wait about a minute and wipe with a clean paper towel.  Repeat this procedure at least once of week and you will see a big difference in time.  If your bathroom grout and caulk is badly stain or in bad condition, you may have to call a tile-repair specialist to re-grout, re-caulk and clean your bathroom tiles.  If you are located in the New York City area, call me Nick The Tile Man @ 917 865-8693.

Re-Caulk Techniques

Newly installed and re-caulk ceramic tiles in the bathtub area.

Remove the old caulk that is located around the shower or tub area and in the corners. First use a utility knife with a new blade a try to separate the old caulk from the shower base or tub. After you cut into the old caulk, use a scraper and a hammer to gently remove caulk from shower base or tub.

You can try some bleach to kill mold located on the tiles and shower or tub area. Make sure you clean and remove the bleach from the area before you apply new caulk.

CAUTION: Do not use ammonia on grout, caulk, and with bleach together. The combination of both these chemical will cause toxic fumes which is hazardous to your health.

You should use caulking where the tiles meet the shower base or tub and in all corners of the shower and tub area. Use good caulking that is made for kitchens and baths; not all caulk will apply well in the shower and tub area. Read the application directions for the brand that you use. I like to use caulk that you apply with a caulk gun. Cut the nozzle on an angel but do not cut a big hole. I would cut slightly bigger than the size of a medium long nail so the nail can fit into the nozzle to break the seal.

Place the caulking tip on the area you want to caulk and spread while moving rapidly from one side to the other. Don’t stop your movement even if you skip an area. You can go back and apply. When you’ve completed one side, spread caulk evenly from one side to another. Do not apply too much caulk at one-time, it is easier to add than to remove.

TIP: Depending on the brand of caulk you are using, you may spread the caulk either with your finger (without a glove) or a sponge with water. Check the brand of caulk to see if it is water base or not.  Water base can be spread with your finger or sponge with water, otherwise you would have to use your finger to spread the caulk. And don’t use too much caulk, less is best!

You must wait for grout to completely dry before you apply 100% silicone caulking. Water base caulking can be applied normally in one hour after the grout has been applied and appears to be dry. When you have completed all the areas with the newly applied caulk, make sure you allow at least 24 hours to dry before you shower or bathe.