Glass subway tiles are a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes because of their classic, timeless look and ease of maintenance. However, like any other surface in the kitchen, glass subway tiles do require regular cleaning to keep them looking their best. With the right techniques and cleaning solutions, it’s simple to keep your glass subway tile backsplash sparkling.
Why It’s Important to Keep Glass Subway Tile Backsplash Clean
Keeping your glass subway tile backsplash clean serves several important purposes:
- Maintains the aesthetic appeal of the tiles. Grease splatters, drips, food stains, and hard water spots can dull and discolor glass subway tiles over time. Regular cleaning keeps the tiles looking like new.
- Promotes hygiene. Food and grease buildup can allow bacteria to grow. A clean backsplash promotes better food hygiene in the kitchen.
- Allows easier ongoing maintenance. Grime that is allowed to build up becomes stubborn and increasingly hard to remove. Staying on top of cleaning prevents this.
- Helps prevent permanent staining or etching. Certain spills, if left too long, can permanently stain or etch the glass surface. Quick cleaning prevents this type of damage.
- Extends the life of the tiles. Grime buildup wears away at the grout over time. Cleaning helps preserve the grout and prevents it from needing early replacement.
Regular cleaning, at least weekly, is recommended to enjoy all these benefits for the longest possible time.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning Glass Subway Tile Backsplash
Cleaning glass subway tile does not require specialized tools or products. Most likely, you already have everything you need:
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap or all-purpose cleaner
- Clean sponge or soft cloth
- Old toothbrush
- White vinegar or glass cleaner
- Bucket
- Grout brush (optional)
- Clean microfiber cloths
Avoid abrasive pads or scrubbing brushes, as they can scratch and damage the glass surface over time. Also avoid harsh cleaners that can etch or discolor the tile. With the right gentle supplies, you can easily keep your backsplash clean.
Mixing a Basic Glass Tile Cleaning Solution
One of the simplest cleaning solutions for glass subway tile is a mixture of warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap or all-purpose cleaner.
To mix:
- Fill a bucket with warm water from the tap. Avoid extremely hot water, which can damage grout or cause cleaning products to streak.
- Add a small squirt of dish soap or all-purpose cleaner, about 1-2 tablespoons.
- Swirl the water gently to mix and dissolve the soap.
The soap helps lift grease and dirt from the tile surface, while the warm water loosens buildup and rinses it away. Avoid strongly scented or colored cleaners, which can leave lingering odors or stains over time.
Weekly Cleaning of Glass Subway Tile Backsplash
Set aside a regular time, such as after cooking dinner, to give your backsplash a thorough weekly cleaning. This will prevent grime and grease from building up and becoming more difficult to remove.
Step 1: Sweep or Wipe Away Loose Debris
Use a dry microfiber cloth or soft brush to wipe away any crumbs or loose debris sitting on the tiles or in the grout lines. This prevents debris from smearing during the wet cleaning process.
Step 2: Apply Cleaning Solution
Use a sponge or soft cloth to liberally apply your warm water and soap mixture directly to the tile and grout. Avoid abrasive scrubbing at this stage—the soap just needs a few minutes to lift and dissolve grease and grime.
Step 3: Scrub and Rinse
After 3-5 minutes, scrub the tiles and grout gently with a soft bristled brush or sponge. Apply more cleaning solution to stubborn spots as needed. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, wiping away excess moisture with a squeegee or microfiber towel as you go.
Step 4: Spot Clean as Needed
Inspect the backsplash and spot clean any remaining problem areas with more cleaning solution and gentle scrubbing. Hard water deposits, grease splatter, and sticky food messes may need extra attention.
Step 5: Shine and Dry
Finally, wipe the entire surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to dry and shine the tiles. A glass cleaner can add extra sparkle, but use sparingly to avoid buildup.
Deep Cleaning Glass Subway Tile Backsplash
Over time, even with weekly cleaning, some grime or soap scum buildup may occur. Seasonally, it’s a good idea to give your backsplash a deep clean for maximum results.
Supplies
Gather the following supplies for a deep clean in addition to your usual sponge, brush, and microfiber cloths:
- Rubbing alcohol or vinegar
- Grout brush
- Toothbrush
- Bucket of clean water
Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that could damage the tile surface.
Step 1: Sweep and Dry Wipe
Remove any surface debris by sweeping or wiping with a dry cloth. Wet cleaning will be more effective on a dry surface.
Step 2: Apply Cleaner and Let Sit
For stubborn soap scum or hard water buildup, apply full-strength vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or a gentle glass and surface cleaner directly to the tiles. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate buildup.
Step 3: Scrub and Wipe Away
Use a grout brush and toothbrush to gently scrub trouble spots, smoothing the cleaning solution over the entire surface. Wipe clean with microfiber cloths, rinsing often in the bucket of clean water.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Rinse thoroughly with clean water, then squeegee away excess moisture. Wipe with dry microfiber cloths until completely dry. Inspect closely and spot clean any remaining film or residue.
Cleaning Specific Stains and Spills on Glass Subway Tile
Inevitably, spills and splatters will happen on your glass subway tile backsplash. Prompt cleaning using the right techniques prevents permanent staining.
Food Stains
For stains from coffee, tea, juice, tomato sauce, oil, or grease, immediately wipe away any excess. Apply a mix of warm water and dish soap and let it sit for 5 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft bristle brush, then rinse and dry.
Dried/Caked-On Food
For dried or caked-on messes, liberally spray with full-strength white vinegar and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Gently dislodge crusty bits with a plastic scraper then scrub off softened food grime. Rinse and dry.
Hard Water Stains
For cloudy hard water stains or soap scum buildup, apply undiluted white vinegar and scrub with a grout brush. For light deposits, lemon juice or a 50/50 vinegar and water solution also works.
Mold or Mildew
Pour undiluted white vinegar or rubbing alcohol directly on any mold or mildew spots. Let sit 10 minutes then scrub and wipe away. Be sure to identify and fix any moisture issue causing mold growth.
Tough Grease Stains
For tough baked-on oil or greasy splatters, let a paste of baking soda and water sit on the stain for 5 minutes before scrubbing. Or try undiluted ammonia applied sparingly with a toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly after either treatment.
Permanent Marker, Paint, or Ink
Rubbing alcohol or hairspray will remove most marker, paint or pen stains. Apply directly to the stain and wipe in circular motions before rinsing. Act quickly before stains have a chance to dry and set.
Preventing Damage When Cleaning
To avoid damaging your tile backsplash, always:
- Test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first to check for any discoloration or damage to the grout or tile surface.
- Rub gently during scrubbing. Avoid abrasive pads.
- Thoroughly rinse and wipe away cleaning solutions—don’t allow soap or acidic cleaners to sit too long.
- Dry immediately after cleaning to prevent water spots or mold growth.
With care, your glass subway tile backsplash will maintain its beauty for many years. Don’t let grime build up—regular cleaning is the secret for keeping the tiles looking their best!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Glass Subway Tile Backsplash
How often should I clean glass subway tile backsplash?
It’s recommended to thoroughly clean glass subway tile weekly. Frequent light cleaning prevents heavy buildup that becomes more difficult to remove. At minimum, wipe down the tiles after cooking or anytime splatters occur.
What is the best way to clean glass subway tile backsplash?
Use a soft sponge or cloth to apply a mild soap and warm water solution. Let it sit briefly to dissolve grime, then scrub gently before rinsing. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads that could scratch the surface.
What is the best cleaner for glass subway tile backsplash?
A mild dish soap and warm water solution works for routine cleaning. For periodic deep cleaning, use vinegar, rubbing alcohol, ammonia, or a specialty glass cleaner sparingly. Avoid colored, scented, or harsh cleaners.
How do you remove hard water stains from glass subway tile backsplash?
Hard water spots and soap scum buildup can be removed with white vinegar or a 50/50 vinegar water solution. Apply generously and let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing away. Use a grout brush for tough deposits in the grout lines.
How do you clean grease off glass subway tile backsplash?
For grease stains, immediately wipe away any excess. Apply warm water and dish soap and let sit briefly to penetrate the grease. Scrub with a soft bristle brush, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive pads or strong chemicals.
How do you get dried food off glass subway tile backsplash?
Caked-on, dried food can be softened for easy removal by generously spraying the area with undiluted white vinegar. Let the vinegar sit for 10-15 minutes before gently scraping away food debris with a plastic scraper. Scrub and wipe clean.
Can I use bleach to clean glass subway tile backsplash?
Bleach is too harsh for glass subway tile and can damage or discolor the grout. Avoid using it. Stick to gentle cleaners like dish soap, vinegar, ammonia, or alcohol applied sparingly and rinsed promptly.
How do you deep clean glass subway tile backsplash?
Seasonally, give the tiles a deep clean by letting vinegar or rubbing alcohol sit to penetrate buildup, then scrubbing with a grout brush and toothbrush. Use a plastic scraper on any caked-on debris. Rinse and dry thoroughly after deep cleaning.
What is the best grout cleaner for glass subway tile backsplash?
Look for grout cleaners that are non-abrasive and safe for glass tile. Vinegar and water mixed 50/50 works well. Let it sit on grout for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Be sure to thoroughly dry grout after cleaning it.
Conclusion
With its classic beauty and easy care, glass subway tile is one of the most popular and low-maintenance backsplash materials. By following these tips for regular weekly cleaning and occasional deep cleaning, you can keep your tile backsplash looking spotless for years to come. Gentle cleaners, soft scrubbing, and prompt attention to spills are the secrets to maintaining the sparkling shine of glass subway tiles. With just a bit of effort, your backsplash will stay beautiful and promote an hygienic cooking environment.