Tips on Caring for 1930s Tile

Submitted by Luna_3000 t3_zvtgqj in philadelphia

Hey neighbors and happy holidays!

I just upgraded from fixer upper to lovingly cared for rowhome and am lucky enough to have immaculate original 1930s black and gray tile in the bathroom. The black is so dark it’s practically iridescent and apparently it looks exactly like my great grandmother’s bathroom from her house in Gray’s Ferry from the same era. I love it.

Any tips on caring for it to keep it for another 100 years? Any cleansers work better than others? Also-I can’t get ANY suction products to stick to it at all (Muji, IKEA, even the Oxo stopper to fill the tub). Does this have to do with the porous nature of the tile? Or maybe I’m just being too careful cleaning it and it needs a good scrub?

Anyways, from one Philadelphian to another-thanks in advance for the advice!

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Comments

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Scumandvillany t1_j1r9zs4 wrote

Tile lab tile cleaner. Something very mild. Don't use strong vinegar solutions. Honestly Cinderella method is best. Hands and knees and two buckets and a regular ass hand scrub.

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Luna_3000 OP t1_j1rbzke wrote

Hmm I’ve never heard of this product but I’ll look it up thanks for the reply!

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dustycase2 t1_j1rcmam wrote

If you don't get an answer here, check out some of the old house subreddits. I know exactly what black iridescent tile you are talking about as my parents had it in their NE rowhome (that is, until it was removed during a Bath Fitters remodel :( )

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Luna_3000 OP t1_j1rcw8h wrote

Oh that’s a good call. I figured I’d try Philly first because of exactly that instant recognition of what kind of tile I’m referring to! Now I’ve got the Bath Fitter jingle stuck in my head…haha

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skip_tracer t1_j1s8yyg wrote

can....can we get a picture of said tile? I love this kinda stuff.

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ScottishCalvin t1_j1rtwfl wrote

There's no need for cleaning with chemicals if you get yourself a steam cleaner (we have a mop one and also one that's a bit like a drill. Honestly, they lift any stains, it's like pressure cleaning the deck, except it's just blowing the beige/black out of grout lines. They do have high pressure modes but that's more for stubborn corners you can't reach, it's normally just hot steam and a brush, I've not bought bleach for years.

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Luna_3000 OP t1_j1s5bum wrote

Oh damn you might’ve convinced me to get another gadget (I’ve been abusing my little green Bissel spot cleaner this past week on all sorts of carpet stains and it’s the best!!) Thanks for the recommendation.

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WorkerBeeHolo t1_j1sdv0s wrote

What model(s) do you use, if you don’t mind sharing? I looked into getting one and found the variety a little overwhelming.

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ScottishCalvin t1_j23o23d wrote

Sorry, I'm on vaca right now, not back till the new year

There seems to be quite a few variants on the hand unit for doing taps/showers with, I guess they're all about the same

For floors there seems to be more of a range, possibly because you might be doing a small apartment or you might be doing much larger place.

If you're uncertain you could try going the Craigslist route, then if it doesn't work out you can resell and it won't cost you anything other than time and a few bucks gas money

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throw_away_antimlm t1_j1rjiij wrote

https://instagram.com/vintagetilepreservation?igshid=Yzg5MTU1MDY=

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Luna_3000 OP t1_j1rjpku wrote

Thanks but I don’t have Insta so I can’t see much!

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throw_away_antimlm t1_j1rkeuz wrote

Oh so sorry! They are mainly on the West Coast but recommend not using harsh cleaners to preserve the grout and have a tool to remove the grout if it's needed. Congratulations on your beautiful tile!

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Luna_3000 OP t1_j1rml9v wrote

Oh thanks! Yes I think the moral of the story I’m getting is elbow grease over chemicals for cleaning!

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mistersausage t1_j1vt22i wrote

If they're porcelain tiles the tiles themselves are hard to fuck up.

Don't use acidic products like vinegar, it can destroy grout (and will etch natural stone like marble), but basic products should be fine.

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