And the good news is it costs less than £1…
Did you know that one of the most effective tricks for sparkling bathroom tiles is a rarely known technique used by top hotels—and it costs less than £1?
With cleaning experts revealing this budget-friendly hack, homeowners are now ditching expensive products in favour of this simple solution that delivers professional-level results. According to Plumbworld, specialists in bathroom essentials, grimy tiles remain one of the most common household headaches. But with this clever tip, you can achieve hotel-standard shine at home without splurging on pricey cleaners.
The secret to gleaming bathroom tiles lies in a surprising household staple: baking soda. Yes, that humble powder tucked away in your kitchen cupboard has been the go-to solution for hotel cleaning staff for years. Combined with a splash of white vinegar, this natural cleaning duo forms a powerful paste that not only cuts through grime and soap scum but also tackles tough stains in grout lines. The science behind it is simple: baking soda’s mild abrasiveness gently scrubs surfaces without scratching them, while vinegar’s acidic properties break down residue and kill bacteria.
Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, this method is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and costs pennies to use. A standard box of baking soda in the UK costs around 65p, while a bottle of white vinegar can be picked up for less than £1, making this hack a no-brainer for anyone on a budget.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving hotel-standard results in your bathroom:
- Create the Paste: In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of white vinegar to form a thick paste. The mixture may fizz slightly—this is perfectly normal.
- Apply to Tiles and Grout: Use an old toothbrush or a soft cloth to apply the paste generously to your tiles and grout lines. Pay extra attention to areas with visible stains or soap scum build-up.
- Let It Sit: Allow the paste to sit for 10–15 minutes. This gives the baking soda and vinegar time to break down grime and lift stains.
- Scrub and Rinse: Gently scrub the tiles and grout with a toothbrush or cleaning brush. For stubborn stains, add a bit more baking soda for extra scrubbing power. Then, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Polish for Shine: Wipe the tiles dry with a clean microfibre cloth to reveal a sparkling finish.
This simple routine can be done weekly to maintain a bathroom that’s clean, fresh, and hygienic. Beyond the aesthetic appeal of gleaming tiles, a clean bathroom is essential for maintaining good hygiene. Tiles and grout that are left uncleaned can quickly become a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and harmful bacteria. This not only affects the appearance of your bathroom but can also pose health risks, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.
By incorporating this natural cleaning method into your routine, you can ensure your bathroom remains not only visually appealing but also safe and sanitary for your family.
What makes this hack so good is its simplicity. Unlike expensive cleaners packed with chemicals, the baking soda and vinegar combination is gentle yet effective, making it suitable for all types of tiles, including ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. It’s also environmentally friendly, which is increasingly important for households looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
With the rise of cost-of-living concerns, this hack couldn’t be more relevant. Saving money on cleaning products while achieving professional-level results is a win-win for homeowners everywhere.
“Here’s a few other tips that might be of use when scrubbing in your bathroom. Use a Squeegee: After every shower, use a squeegee to remove water from the tiles and prevent watermarks. Ventilate Your Bathroom: Proper ventilation prevents moisture build-up, which is key to stopping mould growth. Seal Your Grout: Applying a grout sealer every six months can protect grout lines from stains and damage.” – a former cleaner at the Campanile Hotel in Glasgow
Transforming your bathroom doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The next time you’re staring at your dull, stained tiles, remember: all you need is a little baking soda, some vinegar, and a few minutes to bring them back to life.
