Kitchen tiles are like the silent victims of every cooking session. One minute you’re shallow frying puris, the next thing you know, your backsplash looks like it survived a storm of oil and masala. And sure, you could go full industrial with chemical cleaners but who wants to breathe in that stuff while wiping their dinner station? What if we told you the secret to shiny, spotless tiles is already sitting in your kitchen? From vinegar to baking soda, these natural ingredients aren’t just eco-friendly, they’re effective, cheap, and surprisingly satisfying to use. Here’s your quick guide to getting squeaky clean tiles without the toxic fumes.
7 best natural ways to clean kitchen tiles at home
Whether you’re tackling sticky stains or old grease, these natural cleaners make tile cleaning way less of a chore.
Baking soda + water paste: Your first line of defence
Baking soda is the GOAT of natural cleaning. For greasy kitchen tiles, just mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Apply it directly to the stained areas and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Then scrub gently using a sponge or brush. It breaks down grime without damaging the tile surface or grout. This works especially well for tiles behind the stove or sink where oil tends to splatter.
Vinegar spray: The multipurpose degreaser
White vinegar is a natural acid that dissolves grease and soap scum in minutes. Mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spritz it over your kitchen tiles and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. For stubborn stains, heat the solution slightly before spraying. Vinegar also disinfects while it cleans, leaving your tiles not just spotless, but germ-free too.
Lemon juice + salt scrub: Shine and sanitise
Lemon’s natural acidity plus salt’s abrasiveness is a killer combo for tile grime. Cut a lemon in half, dip it in salt, and scrub directly on greasy tiles. You can also squeeze the juice, mix with salt, and apply using a sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. Not only does this remove stains and odours, but your kitchen will also smell citrus-fresh.
Dish soap + hot water: A quick everyday solution
For light grease and everyday grime, this is your easiest option. Mix a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid in a bucket of hot water. Dip a sponge or mop in the solution and wipe down the tiles. Dish soap cuts through oil while hot water loosens the dirt. It’s safe on all kinds of tile surfaces, ceramic, porcelain, even glossy ones. You can use this method weekly to keep tiles looking fresh.
Toothbrush + baking soda for grout cleaning
Greasy tiles are bad but grimy grout is worse. Dip an old toothbrush in a paste of baking soda and vinegar, and scrub the grout lines. The fizzing reaction helps lift years of trapped dirt without damaging the sealant. Rinse off with water and wipe dry. You’ll be amazed at how new your kitchen looks when the grout gets its glow-up.
Cornflour + vinegar for extra-sticky messes
Got sticky residue from syrup spills or thick layers of cooking oil? Mix 2 tablespoons of cornflour with white vinegar to make a paste. Apply it on the affected tiles, let it dry, and scrub off with a cloth. Cornflour absorbs oil like magic, and vinegar breaks it down, double action with zero chemicals.Whatever method you use, don’t forget to do a final wipe with a dry cloth or towel. It prevents streaks, residue buildup, and water stains. If you want extra shine, go over the tiles once more with a microfiber cloth. Your kitchen walls will thank you.Also read| 5 DIY deodorants from kitchen ingredients- Natural, easy, and effective
