Most of the old tiles on the bathroom floor look faded. As they lose their appearance and luster over time, they need to be replaced. Replacing old bathroom tiles depends on several factors. So, before replacing old tiles, you need to consider whether it is time to remove tiles.
People often neglect to clean the bathroom floor, so the tiles fade and get dirty in a few days. You may think that a new flooring needs to be installed. You have to consider the time. If your bathroom flooring is already many years old, replacing it may be necessary.
Many people do not make the right decision about the old tiles on the bathroom floor. For your convenience, this article is going to present some significant matters. Hopefully, these factors will help you decide on old bathroom floor tiles.
4 Effective Methods To Make Your Old Bathroom Floor Tiles Shiny:
Older tiles require replacement only when they are no longer durable or do not match your tastes. If your old bathroom tile floor hasn’t faded too much, there are some ways you can brighten it up again. Each method is shown below with some quick steps:
1. Using Vinegar:
Vinegar, another name for Acetic acid in the market, is the best ingredient for cleaning every home. Here are some initiatives to make your old bathroom floor shiny with vinegar.
Step-1: Take white vinegar, water, and a bucket or bowl,
Step-2: Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 2 gallons of water,
Step-3: Dip one foot into warm paraffin, pausing between layers to allow them to dry,
Step-4: Keep wiping all the floors with a bit of pressure. Delete the front and back in the same way,
Step-5: Dip one foot into warm paraffin, pausing between layers to allow them to dry,
Step-6: After ensuring the brightness of the floor, do not forget to dry the floor with a towel,
Step-7: If stains remain, apply some baking soda and rub gently.
2. With Soapy Water:
Soapy water has many uses for whitening tiles. Take a look at the steps below:
Step-1: Add soap to the amount of water in a bucket,
Step-2: Dip the mop into the mixture and let it soak well. Then pick it up,
Step-3: First, you can put something on the floor so that the stains are loose,
Step-4: After waiting a few minutes, dip the mixture again and wipe the floor with a mop,
Step-5: Scrub the floor with a soft brush to make it stain-free,
Step-6: Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water.
3. Using The Ammonia And Water Mixture:
Here is one of the best ways to make the floor shiny with the use of ammonia and water mixture:
Step-1: Make a mixture with 1/4 cup of ammonia and 1-gallon of hot water in a bucket,
Step-2: Dip one foot into warm paraffin, pausing between layers to allow them to dry,
Step-3: Keep wiping the floor to remove dirt from the surface,
Step-4: In case of yellowish spots, keep scrubbing the floor with a sponge,
Step-5: Wash the floor and use a towel to dry.
4. Using Tile Sealer:
Tile sealers work well to bring out the shiny look. Let’s take a look at the process:
Step-1: First, dry the bathroom floor thoroughly,
Step-2: Now apply one coat sealer on all floors,
Step-3: Wait a while so that it is well set on the floor.
8 Reasons You Should Replace The Old Bathroom Floor Tiles:
Your old bathroom tiles don’t mean you have to replace them. There are some specific reasons you need to know about replacing old tiles.
1. Having Small Holes In The Tile:
Prolonged use of the bathroom tile floor can cause some small holes. At first glance, these may seem to be the only solution. These holes are usually a sign of tile erosion. It can be repaired, but later the same spot is more likely to develop, which is not repairable. In this case, you must replace the tile.
Noticing many holes of the same shape have been made means your floor will erode quickly. Different symptoms may appear when using low-quality tiles on the bathroom floor.
2. Fractionating The Grout:
Is the grout of your tile crushed? If so, this is the right time to replace the old tiles in your bathroom. Older tile floor grout tends to be destroyed. So, re-applying the grout will not work properly as it will last a short time. Once the grout starts to crumble, it will continue to happen almost repeatedly.
You must decide to remove the bathroom tiles within a few days of the observed grout’s condition. In the case of new flooring, you should take professionals’ advice if you notice the same problem in the grout.
3. Losing Of Shine:
Bathroom tiles need to be cleaned regularly to keep them shiny. Older tiles lose most of their shine over time. So the use of cleaners is not very effective. In this case, replacement is the only solution. As a result of prolonged use, it gets a stain from water that cannot be removed.
A faded bathroom floor is not desirable for anyone. If your foundation does not regain its luster even after applying the best method, it is probably time to replace it. Therefore, replacing or cleaning old tiles is a good solution.
4. When Gets Cracked:
Whether it’s the living room or the bathroom, cracked tiles look ugly everywhere. Therefore, they need to be replaced as soon as possible. Bathroom tiles don’t usually get hurt. So, there is probably only one reason they are so fragile and old.
In addition to aesthetics, cracked tiles have many other disadvantages. After getting the bathroom tiles damaged, water may get inside the floor and damage the subfloor.
5. Water In The Notch:
Even after the water is drained from the bathroom, it gets stuck in the groove of the tile. Repeatedly stagnant water can cause fungus and is harmful to your health. IIn case of noticing something like this, you must replace the old tiles.
When installing tile floors in the bathroom can inadvertently leave some errors that force you to decide to replace them very quickly. Even repairing a tile floor may not restore its value. Therefore, it is better to replace it.
6. When The Floor Is Too Lubricious:
The slippery floor of the bathroom can cause accidents. The bathroom floor gets a little deceptive as it gets older. It becomes more slippery on contact with water, and moving in your bathroom can be dangerous. In this case, the final decision has to be made about replacing the floor tiles.
Slippery bathrooms are riskier for small children. They usually jump in the bathroom, slipping and falling. So, when your floor gets too greasy, reinstall it as soon as possible.
7. Back-dated Fashion:
If your rooms have a touch of modernity, you may not prefer the old bathroom tiles. A long-installed bathroom floor loses its modernity after a few years, so it is wise to replace it. Moreover, the updated floor further enhances the environment of your bathroom.
As a modern-minded person, you need to replace the old tiles. Guests who come to the house search for your tastes everywhere. So why not modernize the bathroom?
8. The Coming Of Water Through The Floor:
Sometimes more water comes through the unusual bathroom floor. In most cases, this is due to floor defects. In this case, floor replacement is mandatory. These problems are common on broken or cracked floors.
Also, when the floor joint becomes loose, water enters through it. Regular watering causes excess water to run out of the floor. To get rid of this condition, you must replace the floor. Since this is a severe problem, it is best to seek the help of a professional.
9 Easy Steps To Replace Old Bathroom Floor Tiles With New Ones:
It’s essential to know the proper method of successfully replacing the old bathroom tiles. Once you know the right way, you can do it without a professional. Some simple and practical steps will completely allay your fears about the job.
Step 1: Gather Necessary Equipment
Any tactical task like tile replacement requires certain specific tools. The use of some helpful tools will make your job easier. Therefore, old bathroom tile replacement requires you to assemble some necessary equipment. These are mentioned below:
- Hammer;
- Chisel;
- Grout;
- Sponge;
- Goggles;
- Gloves.
Step 2: Take Safety Measure
You will need to remove the old tiles to replace tiles. When you start cutting old tiles, small pieces of broken tiles will fly. It can get into your hands, face, and even eyes. To be safe from this, you should use gloves with safety goggles.
Wear sunglasses that will protect your eyes from flying bullets. If possible, have an assistant who will do the same for you. Let him wear gloves to be safe when moving a few tiles together.
Step 3: Protect Other Rooms
Protect other rooms once you are ready to remove old tiles. Falling any broken part of your tile on other tiles can be damaged. In this case, you can use some cardboard where there will be no damage even if the broken parts of the tile fall.
When cutting the floor, you can turn off the bathroom door so that the things inside do not go out. Also, you can use old sheets on top of the cardboard for extra security. The advantage is that it also protects your house from tile dust.
Step 4: Remove The Old Tiles
Now it’s time to remove the old tiles. Tiles are often suitable for sale. If the tiles are in good condition, remove them carefully so they don’t break. You will only need two tools to remove the old tiles.
A hammer can stay in your home. But if you don’t have a chisel, you can use a flat-headed screwdriver instead. The head of the screwdriver or chisel needs to be thinned to allow the tiles to be removed intact.
Step 5: Clean Up The Surface
This step is essential on which the survival of your tile floor depends. Once the old tiles are removed, prepare the surface for the next step. First, clean the surface very well so that no dirt remains. Also, the surface needs to be flat; otherwise, the newly installed floor may become uneven.
Correcting mistakes on the floor once installed is as costly as suffering. So, make sure that the surface is prepared. Spend more time preparing the floor than other parts of the floor tiling.
Step 6: Attach The Backer Board
Before installing the tile floor, you need to prepare a particular layer on the surface. This creates a dry surface for the bathroom floor because the bathroom is a wet area. Attach an underlayment of cement board to the bottom to attach the backer board.
The Backer board lets your tiles sit firmly on the surface. If you do the work yourself, it is time-consuming; otherwise, the error may go away. Professionals can accomplish this in less time.
Step 7: Get Tile Layout
Spread them over the underlayment to determine the tile layout so you can see if they fit. After fitting the tiles perfectly on the floor, you can safely start laying tiles. The tiles near the walls may not match the whole condition so you can cut them as per your need.
First and foremost, do not let the tile stick to the floor. Laying the tiles is a good idea to determine their position. You can spend a little more time here to get a good experience in bathroom flooring.
Step 8: Now Install New Flooring
Now start the flooring installment. Start laying the rectangular tiles from the middle. In cut tile, you must use it from near the wall. Similarly, complete the laying of the entire floor tile. Apply light pressure during each tile to set well.
When the entire bathroom floor is finished tiling, leave it on for at least one night to be well set. Lightly wipe the surface of the tiles with a clean rag so that no dirt gets on them.
Step 9: Apply Grout
You’ve almost reached the end. Once the mortar is dry, go to the next step, where it is the turn to apply grout on the tile. After placing the tile, apply grout into the groove of the tile with a trowel. Some excess grout may stick to the surface; removing them with a sponge.
Finish the grout application process as soon as possible as the grout starts to harden. So it can be hard to remove from the tile if it dries before putting it in the right place. Wait up to 24 hours for the grout application to dry completely. Do not use water on the floor during this period.
Related Questions About Old Bathroom Floor Tiles:
How Do You Freshen Old Bathroom Floor Tiles?
It is simpler than you might think. You can bring back the old tile’s shine by cleaning them with unique solutions. In addition to replacing old bathroom floor tiles, it is possible to bring freshness. Several ways will allow your old tiles to shine. Instead of replacing the tiles, you can clean them deeply; it will also remove stains.
Moreover, painting old tiles is a good solution. Water-resistant paints play a better role in this regard. Dry the floor and apply a light color to the entire floor. You can brighten up your old bathroom floor by using natural ingredients at home.
What Can You Do With Old Bathroom Floor Tiles?
Considering the condition of your old bathroom floor, you can treat it in two ways. First of all, you can repair them and make them usable. The luster of the tile can be restored by applying different materials. It can be made new by coloring again. However, not all old tile floors are usable after repairs. In this case, it is wise to replace.
The purpose of the tile replacement may vary. In case the old tiles are in bad condition, replace them. Also, if the tile model is old, you can return it with a new tile flooring. It depends on your taste.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Make Your Old Bathroom Floor Tiles Fresh?
Use the natural cleaners regularly so that solid dirt does not get on the floor. Change the bathroom lights when necessary. Use a bright light bulb instead of dim light. This will make the floor look brighter.
You do not have to use expensive products to freshen your bathroom floor. By doing something simple, you can bring back the vitality in your old tile. Also, you can update the fixtures and remove any clutter on the floor.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Old Bathroom Floor Tiles With New Ones?
Removing an old bathroom tile floor and installing a new floor will cost you a lot if you hire a professional. You may have to spend $800 to $3,800 to retile an entire bathroom floor. The cost may vary depending on the size of the bathroom.
You may have to spend $7 to $25 per square foot. The cost of installing a bathroom tile floor by a professional is slightly higher than removing and installing old tiles.
Final Words:
If it has been a few years since tile flooring in the bathroom, paying attention to the tiles is essential. These may need to be replaced because they are too old and faded. In this case, you can replace the old bathroom floor tiles with modern tiles.
In some cases, repairing tiles can be a solution for the non-broken floor. The old bathroom floor has many factors that are discussed in this article. Therefore, your decision for more aged flooring may be more manageable now.
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