Keeping your backsplash clean and looking good requires maintenance. If your grout looks discolored, scummy, or mildewed, you can try natural cleaners, like baking soda, before turning to commercial products.
Regularly cleaning with a natural degreaser cuts grease, dirt, and grime from the kitchen backsplash without damaging or scratching the tiles.
Keep It Clean
Traditionally, backsplashes were a function-based addition to the kitchen. While matching your countertop, they protect the wall behind your stove from splashes and stains. Today, they’re more style-conscious and can be made of glass, marble, tile, or stainless steel. Whatever your material, it’s important to keep a backsplash clean to prevent mildew, mold, and other contaminants.
To do this, wipe up any spills or splatter immediately after it happens. This will reduce the chance of stains and help remove loose dirt or grime that may be causing your tiles to look dull. It would help if you also swept regularly to avoid scratching the surface, which can ruin its appearance.
You can use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t contain abrasives to clean your subway tile backsplash. This cleaner will help lift stubborn grease residue without damaging the tiles or grout. If you need a more heavy-duty degreaser, test the product on an inconspicuous area of your backsplash before applying it. It’s also good to wipe down your tiles with a non-abrasive cloth, like microfibre. Sponges can harbor bacteria, and some clothes have a scratchy surface that can damage your backsplash.
Keep It Scratch-Free
While subway tile is loved for its stylistic and wild practicality as a kitchen backsplash, it can be subject to scratches and dents if you’re not careful. It’s important to use non-abrasive cleaning solutions and scrubbers and to avoid rubbing too vigorously, which can damage the surface of the tile or grout.
It’s also a good idea to sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and other debris that could damage your tile surface. You can also make your safe backsplash cleaner with water, vinegar, mild dish soap, and a little baking soda. This is an effective and green solution that can help you to keep your backsplash looking fresh.
For hard-to-remove stains like grease and food, try using a degreaser that’s formulated for tile and grout or a soft brush with nylon bristles. It might take a little bit of scrubbing, but it’s better to deal with these tougher stains as soon as they occur because the longer you leave them, the harder they are to remove.
As for mold and mildew, keeping these off your subway backsplash is easy if you’re diligent about keeping the area clean and not letting it get dirty or damp. A mildew or mold build-up can be unsightly, and it can also promote the growth of unhealthy bacteria.
Keep It Dry
Subway tiles are easier to keep clean than natural stone or marble but require some attention. One of the biggest concerns is keeping your tile and grout dry. This prevents mold and mildew from gaining a foothold in your backsplash, and it also helps ensure that any soap scum or grease spots can be removed quickly.
To keep your grout and subway tile backsplash dry, wipe up spills immediately and sweep regularly. The longer spills or splatters stay on your backsplash, the more likely they are to form permanent stains that can be difficult or impossible to remove. In addition, try blotting rather than wiping grease to reduce the chances of creating oily residues on your backsplash.
Before grouting, protect your countertops and any adjacent surfaces with a sheet or old towel. You will also want to tape off any areas you don’t want the grout to go, including outlets and light switches. Finally, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your grout color.
When you’re ready to apply the mastic, spread it over your wall using your V-notch trowel. Work in 3′-4′ sections for the best results, and use your trowel teeth to “score” the mastic. This creates better adherence between the backsplash and countertop. Once you’ve allowed the mastic to dry, it’s time to install your backsplash!
Keep It Clean
The glazed surface of subway tile repels most grime, but wiping your backsplash clean regularly is still important. If soap scum or mildew build-up, they can stain the grout and ruin your kitchen’s look. Grout is relatively easy to keep clean when it’s sealed, so ensure that after your new subway backsplash is installed. It’s also a good idea to spray the grout with water and vinegar occasionally to prevent build-up.
Subway tiles were a practical choice for the NYC subway system, and they’re just as practical for your home kitchen or bathroom. Their glazed surfaces resist moisture, are stain-resistant, and reflect light, making them the perfect solution for busy spaces that need to stay clean and functional.
You can use subway tiles in various layouts, from the classic straight pattern to a less-common herringbone arrangement. This kitchen design by Summer Thornton incorporates a herringbone pattern with gray subway tile to create a dramatic and contemporary kitchen.
Backsplashes used to be a functional addition to a kitchen, designed specifically to protect the wall behind a stove. Today, they’re a style-conscious addition to any space and can be made from various materials, including ceramic tile, glass, marble, stone, and stainless steel. Whatever your backsplash is made from, you should always caulk any joints where the tile meets another material to reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
