How to Clean Backsplash in Kitchen

Keeping your kitchen backsplash clean not only makes it look great but also helps protect it from damage. With daily cooking and cleaning, grime and grease can build up on backsplash tiles. However, with the right techniques and products, you can have your backsplash looking like new again.

Why It’s Important to Keep Backsplash Clean

There are a few key reasons you’ll want to keep your kitchen backsplash clean:

Appearance – Grease, food splatters, soap scum and hard water stains can make your backsplash look dirty and dated. Cleaning it regularly keeps it looking fresh and new.
Hygiene – Your backsplash is right above food preparation areas. Keeping it clean helps maintain proper kitchen hygiene.
Prevent damage – Built up grime and stains can eat away at grout and tile sealant over time. Regular cleaning prevents costly repairs down the road.
Easier maintenance – It’s much quicker and easier to clean a backsplash before messes have a chance to set in and harden. Staying on top of it prevents extra scrubbing later.

How to Clean Tile Backsplash

Cleaning tile backsplash doesn’t require expensive cleaners or a lot of effort. With a few simple supplies and techniques, you can easily remove built up grime and restore shine.

Supplies Needed

Soft cleaning cloth or sponge
Mild dish soap or tile cleaner
Bucket of warm water
Grout brush (optional)
Cleaning toothbrush
Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (for extra disinfecting)
Rubbing alcohol (for hard water stains)

Step-by-Step Process

Follow these steps for getting a tile backsplash sparkling clean:

Mix warm water and a small amount of dish soap or tile cleaner in a bucket. Dampen your cleaning cloth or sponge in the solution.
Wipe down the entire backsplash surface to loosen and remove any dirt and debris. Rinse the cloth as needed.
Focus on any stained or heavily soiled areas. Gently scrub with the soapy cloth or a grout brush.
For textured tile, use a cleaning toothbrush to scrub grout lines and intricate tile designs.
Rinse the backsplash thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue. Wipe off any excess moisture with a dry towel.
For extra disinfecting power, wipe the tiles down again with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution or hydrogen peroxide.
For any remaining tough soap scum or hard water stains, scrub with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Buff surface completely dry with a fresh towel. Check grout lines for any leftover dampness.
Stand back and admire your freshly cleaned, shining backsplash!

Extra Tips

For regular maintenance, wipe down the backsplash after each use to prevent buildup.
Deep clean grout lines periodically with a commercial grout cleaner or baking soda paste.
Re-seal grout every 1-2 years to protect from stains and moisture damage.
Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that could etch or dull the tile.

With some simple cleaning techniques, you can easily keep your kitchen backsplash looking fresh and clean. Just be sure to use gentle cleaners and scrubbers recommended for your specific tile. Consistent maintenance will keep it free of unsightly buildup.

How to Clean Glass Tile Backsplash

Glass tile is a gorgeous, eye-catching choice for a kitchen backsplash. However, its polished smooth surface also readily shows dirt, grease and fingerprints. Luckily, glass tile is easy to clean with the right mild cleaners and techniques.

Supplies Needed

Soft cleaning cloth, sponge or paper towels
Squeegee or glass cleaning wiper
Mild dish soap or glass cleaner
Clean water

Step-By-Step Cleaning Process

Follow these steps to safely clean glass tile backsplash:

Rinse backsplash with clean water to wet the surface and loosen any dirt or debris.
Apply a small amount of mild dish soap mixed with warm water to a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
Wipe down the entire backsplash surface with soapy water. Rinse cloth frequently.
If needed for stubborn spots, let the soapy water sit for a few minutes to soften the grime. Then gently scrub with cloth.
Rinse backsplash thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue. Wipe off excess moisture with a squeegee or glass wiper.
For streak-free results, clean glass tile again using a glass cleaner. Spray a light mist directly onto backsplash.
Wipe entire surface with fresh paper towels or a microfiber glass cleaning cloth, rubbing in circles.
Buff backsplash completely dry and shiny using a clean, lint-free cloth. Check edges near countertops for moisture.
Stand back and enjoy your sparkling clean glass tile backsplash!

Handy Tips

Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia-based cleaners on glass tile.
Use a razor blade to carefully scrape off any hardened material like paint or glue.
To minimize fingerprints, clean glass backsplash daily or after each use.
Re-apply grout sealer every 1-2 years to protect from stains.

With the proper care, a glass tile backsplash will maintain its radiant, lightly frosted appearance for years before needing a deep cleaning. Just be sure to use only non-abrasive cleaners recommended for glass.

Cleaning Metal Backsplash

Adding a metal backsplash is a gorgeous way to add sleek, modern style to your kitchen. Stainless steel, copper, brass and other metals make a striking statement. However, their polished sheen also shows every little smudge and fingerprint. Proper cleaning is key to keeping your metal backsplash looking flawless.

Supplies Needed

Microfiber cloths
Non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth
Metal polish and protectant
Dish soap
Clean water

Step-By-Step Cleaning Process

Cleaning metal backsplash is simple with a few key steps:

Rinse backsplash with clean water to wet surface and loosen debris.
Apply a small amount of mild dish soap mixed with warm water to a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
Gently wash entire backsplash. Take care not to scrub too roughly.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Inspect closely for any remaining spots.
For a streak-free shine, use a metal polish and buff lightly with a microfiber cloth according to product directions.
Apply a protective metal sealant with a clean cloth. Buff lightly until fully dry and even.
Maintain daily by wiping gently with a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
Polish periodically with metal polish to restore any tarnished or dull spots. Re-apply sealant as needed.

Handy Tips

Avoid using any abrasive cleaners or scrubbers on metal backsplashes.
For tough grease stains, let dish soap sit for a few minutes before gently rubbing.
Dry immediately following cleaning to prevent water spots.
Seal copper periodically with lemon oil or beeswax to prevent oxidization.

With proper care and polishing, your metal backsplash will maintain its stunning reflective shine for many years. Take time to gently clean and buff it to a bright gleam after cooking or cleaning.

Cleaning Marble Backsplash

Marble makes a luxurious statement as a kitchen backsplash. However, marble requires gentle care as it can etch easily. Acidic foods and cleaners, along with scrubbing, can damage its delicate surface. Follow these simple tips to safely clean your marble backsplash.

Supplies Needed

pH neutral stone cleaner
Clean cloths or sponges
Soft bristle brush
Clean water

Step-By-Step Cleaning Process

Rinse backsplash with clean water to remove surface dirt and debris.
Apply pH neutral stone cleaner mixed with warm water to a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid acidic cleaners.
Gently wash entire backsplash. Take care not to scrub aggressively or use abrasive brushes.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water several times to remove all soap residue.
Wipe dry with a clean, soft towel. Check edges near countertops for any moisture.
For etched spots, use a polishing compound designed for marble. Rub gently with a soft cloth.
Maintain sealant by applying a marble sealer regularly according to product directions.
Prevent future stains by wiping up spills immediately and avoiding placing acidic foods directly on counter.

Handy Tips

Test cleaners on an inconspicuous spot first to check for any adverse reactions.
Avoid any cleaners containing lemon, vinegar or other acids.
Dry marble completely after cleaning to prevent water spots.
Use trivets and cutting boards when preparing foods to prevent direct contact.

With proper gentle cleaning and care, a marble backsplash will maintain its refined, timeless elegance for many years. Be sure to use only non-acidic pH balanced cleaners recommended for natural stone.

Cleaning Subway Tile Backsplash

Subway tile is a classic backsplash choice, with its rectangular stacked design lending clean lines. The tiles’ smooth glossy surface tends to show messes readily though. Follow these tips to keep your subway tile backsplash looking freshly cleaned.

Supplies Needed

Mild dish soap or tile cleaner
Soft cloth, sponge or cleaning toothbrush
Grout brush
Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
Clean water

Step-By-Step Cleaning

Mix dish soap or tile cleaner with warm water in a bucket. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge.
Wipe down the entire backsplash, rinsing the cloth as needed. This removes surface dirt.
Focus on dirty grout lines. Let the soapy water sit for a few minutes. Gently scrub with a grout brush.
For grimy tile, use a cleaning toothbrush to scrub. Take care not to scratch the surface.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue. Wipe off excess moisture.
For extra disinfecting, wipe the tiles with a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution.
Stubborn soap scum can be scrubbed gently with a cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide.
Buff backsplash completely dry with a clean towel. Check grout for any lingering moisture.
Stand back and enjoy your sparkling subway tile backsplash!

Handy Tips

Re-seal grout every 1-2 years to protect from stains.
Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaners that could scratch or dull the tile.
Wipe up food, grease and water splatters right away before they have a chance to harden.

With proper regular cleaning, your subway tile backsplash will maintain its classic pristine appearance for many years. Be sure to use only non-abrasive cleaners recommended for tile.

Common Backsplash Cleaning Questions

What is the best way to clean grease off backsplash tiles?

Gently scrub with a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing. The baking soda will help cut through and dissolve greasy residue.

How can I get rid of hard water stains on a glass backsplash?

Use undiluted white vinegar. Soak a cloth and lay it over the stains for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. The vinegar will help dissolve mineral deposits.

What’s the easiest way to clean a stone backsplash?

Use a pH-balanced stone cleaner and soft cloth. Avoid acidic cleaners, abrasive brushes and excessive scrubbing pressure that could etch natural stone.

How should I clean the grout between backsplash tiles?

Use a commercial grout cleaner or make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply gently with a grout brush and let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

What is the best way to polish metal backsplash?

Use a specially formulated metal polish and microfiber cloths to gently buff the surface. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners. Apply a sealant regularly for added protection.

How often should I clean my backsplash?

Clean after each use to prevent buildup. Deep clean grout lines every 1-2 months. Disinfect and polish entire backsplash every 1-2 weeks for best results.

Can I use bleach or ammonia to clean a backsplash?

Avoid bleach or ammonia on metal, stone and glass backsplashes as these chemicals can damage or discolor the materials. Use only cleaners specially formulated for your specific backsplash tiles.

Conclusion

Keeping your kitchen backsplash clean should be part of your regular cleaning routine. With the right gentle techniques and cleaning products for your specific tile material, you can easily remove grime and restore its shine. Be sure to clean spills right away before they have a chance to dry and harden. Follow any manufacturer cleaning recommendations. Proper backsplash care will keep it looking bright, fresh and hygienic for many years. A clean backsplash helps create an inviting kitchen space.