Just realized the old tiles in my bathroom might be from the 1920s

While tearing down the drywall in my bathroom, I uncovered a set of ceramic tiles with an intricate Art Deco design. I did some quick research and think they might date back to the 1920s. I'm keen to keep them as part of the renovation but worried about cleaning methods. Any tips on how to handle old tiles like these?

4 comments

4 Comments

gracer161mo ago

I found similar tiles in my kitchen reno last year. A soft brush with baking soda paste lifted the grime without scratching. Old glaze is fragile, so abrasive cleaners will ruin it. Test a small hidden spot first to check for color fastness. Patience is key, let the paste sit for a bit before wiping. Those tiles are worth the extra care.

robinson.aaron1mo ago

You used baking soda paste on kitchen tiles from last year? @alicec23's mild soap tip seems safer for old glaze. That's wild it didn't scratch them.

karen_carter1mo ago

Honestly, I was just as surprised it worked. My backsplash is original to the 50s and the baking soda paste got the grease off without a mark. It really seems to depend on the specific tile.

alicec231mo ago

For Art Deco tiles from the 1920s, start with a mild soap and water mix. Avoid harsh chemicals since they can damage the old glaze.