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Writer's pictureAnzah Nadeem

How to Refresh Old Bathroom Tiles Without Replacing Them

Updated: Nov 3


Our bathrooms are hives for stains and grime—and that’s no surprise considering how frequently they’re used. Especially those bathroom tiles. They can easily get dirty and put off the vibe of the whole space. And when you look at bathroom makeovers, the price can quickly get high, especially when you intend to replace the tiles.


But the good part is, you don’t have to rip off those walls! You can update your bathroom easily—and without a massive budget in the following ways. Keep reading to learn how to refresh old bathroom tiles without replacing them.


Deep Cleaning



First things first, let’s clean them tiles! This is, in fact, a prerequisite before you begin any of the other ways to refresh old tiles. (Also, if you’re thinking this should be a routine task—well, it should. But many people don’t have time to deep clean their tiles as it can be a time–consuming process).


Begin by running hot water in your bathroom for a few minutes. This will encourage the ceramic pores of your tiles to open up—and expose the dirt. You then want to apply a solution, which can be one of:


  • A natural solution. For example, a combination of baking soda and vinegar. If you’re looking for a light treatment, you can dust the tiles with baking soda and scrub it away with a non-abrasive brush. For a more intense treatment, combine baking soda and vinegar until it becomes a thick paste. You can then apply this and wipe it away with a non-abrasive sponge.

  • A supermarket solution, like a lime scale remover. This is tougher and can do better at cleaning. However, you do want to make sure the harshness doesn’t damage the surface of your tiles.


As you clean, make sure you’re not pressing too harshly on the tiles and you’re using a constant yet gentle brushing motion. This ensures the surface of the tile remains intact. Don’t forget to treat the grout, as this can be a problem. For this, you can use the same cleaning solutions as the tiles, but apply (and rub) it using a toothbrush to reach the nooks and crannies. (More on grout refreshing in a minute).


After the solution has been applied, rinse it thoroughly with new, clean water. Then, pat the tiles dry.


Apply Fresh Paint


When all those tiles are clean, you decide what to do next. And one of our top recommendations is painting them. In fact, painting over bathroom tiles can be a good alternative to replacing them. This is especially true if you like the existing shape and position of your tiles but would like to try a new design/color.


However, the process will require you to remove most of the grout and re-grout them. (If you don’t, they might look blatantly painted). But the good news is, this isn’t as tedious as replacing tiles altogether. So it still makes for a good alternative.


What Paint to Use for Bathroom Tiles



Paint for your bathroom tiles should be specifically designed for tile surfaces (which is why it is called “tile paint”) to be durable and mold-resistant. Most people will look for brands that offer the best color options and finishes, but you also want to make sure the brand is reliable in terms of quality by reading reviews for some of the best tile paint brands.


Once you’ve chosen the color and brand, calculate how much paint you will need. You can do so by measuring your bathroom walls—and checking how many meters the paint tin will cover by reading its label. This is a fairly straightforward calculation.


How to Paint Your Bathroom



Here’s how to paint your bathroom by yourself in a few simple steps:


  1. Remove the grout from as many places as possible. There are plenty of grout removal tools available at hardware stores; these can help you quickly do the job.

  2. Thoroughly clean the tiles, as surfaces clear of dust and grime encourage the paint to sit better and last longer. We’d like to emphasize this: spend as much time as you need to clean the tiles.

  3. Add primer (optionally). If you decide to apply it, be sure to let it dry for as long as directed by the manufacturer. (Painting on wet primer can give you a sticky finish).

  4. Lightly sand the primer using sandpaper. You can then wipe off any excess with a damp cloth. Be sure to let the tiles fully dry before moving to the next step.

  5. Now, go in with the paint. Apply an even coat over the tile surface, reaching challenging edges with a small synthetic brush. Then, let the first coat dry with optimum ventilation (open up windows, use a fan, etc.). Depending on your desired finish, you may want to apply additional coats. And for a longer lasting finish, don’t forget 3 to 4 layers of varnish.

  6. Re-grout your tiles. You can purchase ready-mixed grout from the market and push it into the edges using a small tiling trowel.

  7. Let the grout fully dry. When done, reclean the tiles with a damp sponge.


And, voila, your bathroom tiles have a look that appears as good as new!


Refresh the Grout


If, after thoroughly cleaning your tiles, they’re shining and sparkling—just with some dirty grout making them look old, you know the problem. Well, the grout. And you can fix it up by cleaning or replacing it.


How to Clean Grout



Use an antifungal spray to eliminate mold or mildew stains before deep cleaning. Next, deep clean your grout using baking soda mixed with vinegar/lemon juice. Scrub into the grout using a toothbrush or a grout scrubber (available at hardware stores). For even deeper stains, you can mix table salt into the mixture.


If this method doesn’t work, you can consider grout pens. These cover old grout and fill in any spaces between your tiles.


How to Replace Grout



If your grout is beyond saving, you can consider replacing it for a quick refresh. You can use a grout removal blade to remove as much of the old grout as possible. A scraper will help knock out any leftover pieces. Next, wipe over the tiles with a damp sponge. This helps remove any dust. Then, leave it to dry.


You can then apply new grout to the tiles using a grout spreader. If you’d like in-depth advice on how to do this, chat with a professional.


Consider Wallpaper



Another way to refresh your old bathroom tiles is by applying wallpaper. This is an easy and impactful way to achieve the purpose! Modern wallpapers are moisture-resistant—so the humidity in the bathroom is nothing to worry about. We especially recommend wallpaper if you’re hoping to introduce a bold pattern (or texture) into your bathroom. Plus, the process is relatively simple.


How to Apply Wallpaper Over Tiles



Begin by sanding and cleaning the tile surfaces (as discussed earlier). Next, you can apply a layer of primer and let it fully dry. Once it has dried, you can begin applying your wallpaper.


Remember to start applying wallpaper at the top of the wall/surface and work your way down. Use a straight edge along the way to ensure that each strip of wallpaper is level. Once all the wallpaper is in place, smooth out wrinkles and bubbles with a soft cloth. Finish up by applying a layer of sealant over the whole wall (it’s especially important to protect your handiwork from moisture).


Also—if you need to trim wallpaper along the way, be sure to use a sharp knife so you don’t damage the underlying tile.


Final Words


You don’t need a full-fledged reno to get that bathroom looking in shape; our quick and easy (we’re talking relative) ways to refresh old bathroom tiles will do the trick 😉

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