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How to clean tiles for bathroom makeover?

I have had a building inspection done and the comment for the bathroom is that there are signs of water leaking but the water proofing is ok.

The bathroom was resealed around 5 years ago but there are gaps showing in the corner of the walls and I have decided to scrub the ceiling corners and tiles as well but on closer inspection the silicon looks like has crumbled and turning yellow as the cause of the scum.

I need to clean the tiles, maybe with a blade and remove the crumbled silicon before resealing but I am not sure how and the best practice.

The chrome items are showing surface rust, the door frame swollen from the silicone failing so I will remove all chrome and take them to get re-chromed take the door frames off and replace. I suspect I can get door trim replacements at Bunnings, paint and reseal.

The tiles on the walk or floor area seem dull but in good condition with the grout greying and would like some suggestions to rejuvenate, thank you.

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MitchellMc

Hi @Kvic,

Some images of the different areas and issues would really help out members better understand what is going on and allow them to make useful suggestions.

It sounds like you'll be removing and replacing a fair bit of silicone. I'd suggest using a silicone remover will assist greatly with the removal process, and a chemical silicone remover can be used on stubborn areas. Only use the chemical product if you are unsuccessful with the tool, as it dissolves the silicone, which can make a bit of a mess. Much better to remove it mechanically first.

Once the silicone is removed, clean up the joints to ensure any residue is removed. Then, use a quality wet-area silicone like Selley's Wet Area Waterproof Sealant.

Here are some helpful step-by-step guides:

How to remove silicone sealant

How to silicone a gap

How to apply bathroom sealant

How to fix a leaking shower.

If you want to rejuvenate grout, I highly recommend grout paint. I use it every few years on my grout, and it works wonderfully well at covering discoloured grout that is just impossible to clean. Your grout and tiles can then be coated with Betta TileCare 1L Tile & Grout Sealer, which will improve the dull look and prevents the build-up of grime. It's also water-resistant, so it will help seal any hairline cracks that might have developed.

Did you get any specific details on the signs noted of water leaking? It would be a good idea to address those directly alongside your general maintenance of the silicone and tiles. It seems slightly odd that signs of water leaking were seen, yet the waterproofing is intact. This could be as simple as a leaking tap washer allowing water to bypass the membrane.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Kvic

Silastic brown in colour

Silastic on tiles and ceiling after scrubbing. maybe a blade on tile and a ceiling painting but first something to cover the silastic and then paint over?

Silastic

Top Door

Maybe the reason the door has swollen

Rusty Chrome

Don't think I will find this shelf new or something that will fit existing holes so to the chrome shop

Water from shower screen

Water travels from under shower frame from silastic failing.

Bathroom wall separation

The cause of shower leaking in report to be sealed and painted

Other corner

Grout conditionFloor tile condition

Needs rejuvenation on walk surface

MitchellMc

Thanks for those pictures, @Kvic.

It looks like a lot of little jobs are to be done. Most of my advice above should cover those issues.

Obviously, you have some water damage at floor level, and you'll need to get the shower sealed adequately, but what type of ventilation do you have in the bathroom? Is there an exhaust fan? A lot of these issues can be caused by poor ventilation, so if you don't have an exhaust fan, it would be worth installing one and running it while using the shower.

Mitchell

Kvic

Thanks Mitchell, there is a fan and heating lights but we had a person who does not understand 60 minutes in the shower is too long and all the little issues were tested and the exhaust is a great idea if people turn it on.

The door frame cover that is swollen I believe come off and I can get a replacement at Bunnings?

MitchellMc

You can get replacement parts for your door frame at Bunnings, @Kvic. If you take the parts with you, the team will be able to match them up for you. Alternatively, you might be able to adjust the frame where the door is scrubbing on it. Sometimes giving the timber a sand in a few places will provide clearance and prevent the door from jamming on the frame.

Mitchell

Kvic

So today I have started destroying the bottom bathroom.

Bottom DoorRemoved architraveDoor frame

Scary removing the door architrave and worried I may damage a tile so I was careful. The bottom of the door is rotten into the hall floor.

Can I replace these panels separately or do you need to replace the whole door frame?

Top architrave

The architrave that runs along the hinges is not too bad and is sunk into the tiles. While I am sure I could get it removed without damage to the tiles I see no rot.

Kvic

Looking at the old and yellowing shower screen seal, can I replace this also?

MitchellMc

Hi @Kvic,

The rotted timber that runs into the hall is the door jamb. You'll purchase these as sets, but you'll be able to install just that one vertical side. Pulling that side of the door jamb off the stud work might take some force. You'll need to pry it off with a wrecking bar. Here's a helpful step-by-step guide: How to install a door jamb.

Is the yellowing shower seal an actual profile? Or is it just silicone that's been caulked into the corner?

Mitchell

Kvic

Job No1. Nearly completed, just waiting on a shower corner shelf and another trip to Bunnings for some silastic.

Bathroom Door

Just needs to seal, clean and paint.

Selleys Rapid Mold Killer

Mold and grout cleaned up well.

Wet and Dry with chrome Polish

An hour of rubbing and cleaning the rack is nearly as good as new.

Ceiling and clean, seal and paint

The Ceiling looks great.

Next, off to the main bathroom with skills I have learnt from the first.

KatieC

Wow @Kvic,

You have done such an incredible job! You have really put in the time and elbow grease to clean up and repair your bathroom. What would you say was the most difficult part?

I am looking forward to seeing how your main bathroom transforms.

Katie

Kvic

Prep is hard and time consuming.

Getting the old timber and fixtures off are easy but then to get the old silicon off, getting on your hands and knees to scrub and clean, polishing, climbing up and down the ladder and finally looking up to sand and paint the ceiling.

Then I had to learn how to use masking tape in a straight line to apply the new sealer with the right pressure and new paint.

But while I have to make another trip to Bunnings for more supplies to finish a few more small areas and painting, it looks and feels great and I am looking forward to the main bathroom armed with the knowledge I have learn for a better outcome.

EricL

Hello @Kvic

You can do it! Just keep doing one job every day, your bathroom update is fantastic. You've already accomplished so much and I'm sure you've picked up some fantastic D.I.Y. skills along the way. My only other reminder is to make sure to paint the top of your bathroom door. This will prevent moisture from entering the unprotected timber.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your renovation project complete.

Eric

smariya

Hi Kvic,

I have the same tiles as your grey floor ones. Just wondering where you got them from as I'm looking to replace a few that have cracked. Been so a bunch of stores but no luck so far.

Thanks!

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @smariya. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for jumping into the discussion.

Let me tag @Kvic so they are aware of your comment.

If you haven't already, you might like to check out the Duratile 30 x 30cm 0.99m² Fog Ceramic Floor And Wall Tile.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

smariya

Thanks Mitchell!

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