How to Make Bathroom Tiles Less Slippery: The Ultimate Guide

Hey there! As a home improvement expert who has remodeled countless bathrooms, I know how frustrating and dangerous it can be to have slippery tiles. But don‘t worry – with the right techniques and products, you can transform those slick surfaces into traction-rich floors that everyone can walk on safely.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share all my insider tips to make your bathroom tiles less slippery. Let‘s get started!

The Importance of Non-Slip Tiles

Before we get into the solutions, I want to stress how vital it is to address slippery bathroom tiles. Here are some key statistics:

• Over 234,000 injuries each year are caused by falls in bathrooms according to the CDC. ^[1]
• 27% of falls on wet, slippery surfaces result in hip fractures. ^[2]
• 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling – usually occurring in bathrooms. ^[3]

As you can see, slippery bathroom surfaces lead to a huge number of injuries each year. By taking action to improve traction, you can make your bathroom drastically safer.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The first critical step is proper cleaning and maintenance. Here‘s how to keep your tiles squeaky clean and slip-free:

• Invest in a non-acidic, non-slip specialty tile cleaner. Look for natural formulas without harsh chemicals. My favorites are OHSO and Biokleen.
• Scrub tiles thoroughly once a week using a stiff, short bristle brush to remove residue from grout lines and textured tile surfaces.
• Rinse well after cleaning and use a squeegie to remove standing water. Allow tiles to completely air dry.
• Establish a weekly maintenance routine. Set a reminder on your phone if needed!

Regular cleaning eliminates buildup of dirt, grime, soap scum, and hard water deposits that leave a slick film. It‘s the easiest, most affordable way to banish slipperiness.

Abrasive Treatments for Smooth Tiles

If you inherited an ultra-smooth, polished tile floor that‘s slick as ice, don‘t panic. Abrasive treatments can work wonders to add traction. Professional options include:

While abrasive treatments permanently alter the tile, they provide long-lasting traction. Consider them if you have severe slipperiness issues.

Clever DIY Solutions

Adding grippy extras like mats, strips, or decals is an easy, budget-friendly DIY tactic.

• Adhesive non-slip strips add traction wherever applied. Great for shower entryways.
• Bath mats with rubber backing grip surfaces. Machine washable!
• Anti-slip decals come in cute styles. Stick on problem areas near sinks or tubs.

You can find these products at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe‘s for $10-25 bucks. It‘s a quick afternoon project to add a little extra safety.

Anti-Slip Paints and Sealants

If you want a more permanent anti-slip solution, specialty coatings are the way to go. Options include:

• Paints – Offer full coverage. Check slip resistance after 2-3 coats.
• Sealants – Penetrating formulas that also protect surfaces.
• Varnishes – Clear, high-traction finishes.
• Epoxies – Heavy duty 2-part coatings extremely resistant to slipping.

Browse AntiSlip.com for the top reviewed brands. Coatings run $50-100 for most bathrooms.

Professional Treatments

For commercial buildings open to the public or apartment complexes, professional anti-slip treatments are worth the investment. They include:

• Shotblasting – Uses steel pellets blasted at high speeds to roughen tile.
• Chemical etching – Uses acids like hydrofluoric acid to "eat" away the tile surface.
• Commercial-grade epoxy or polyurea coatings applied by contractors. These can provide guaranteed slip resistance.

Though pricier, these industrial-strength solutions provide full floor traction and protection from liability.

Choosing Less Slippery Tiles

If you‘re renovating, select tile materials designed to be safer:

• Textured ceramics have dotted, matte surfaces that improve traction.
• Porcelain tile resists buildup of oils, soap, etc. due to dense composition.
• Small mosaics have grout lines that naturally create grip.
• Quarry and natural stone tiles (like slate) have uneven finishes ideal for bathrooms.

Textured tiles provide natural traction – no extra treatment needed!

Proper Installation is Key

Here are some best practices for tile prep and installation:

• Use cement board or fiber-cement underlayment materials to create a secure subfloor.
• Ensure mortar coverage on at least 95% of the tile surface during setting.
• Maintain proper slope so water flows correctly to drains.
• Grout properly with sealant to prevent erosion. The Tile Council of North America has great resources.

Correct installation prevents loose, uneven tiles down the road.

Extra Precautions are Crucial

In addition to slip-proofing your tiles, take these precautions whenever using the bathroom:

• Add rubber bathmats outside showers/tubs
• Install grab bars and non-slip mats inside showers
• Put up railings for stability
• Use adequate lighting so wet areas are visible
• Wipe spills immediately
• Take slow, careful steps when exiting baths and showers

I know it‘s tempting to rush, but take your time and use traction aids for maximum safety.

Applying Anti-Slip Tile Treatments

If you decide to apply a post-installation coating, follow this process:

Prep the Tiles

• Clean thoroughly with a non-slip cleaner and stiff scrub brush. Use an oscillating scrubber on tougher buildup.
• Rinse off any cleaner residue and let dry 24 hours. Check moisture with dry paper towels.
• Lightly sand any polished or shiny tiles with 150 grit sandpaper to help coating adhere.
• Fill any cracks, chips, and voids with siliconized acrylic caulk to smooth.

Apply the Anti-Slip Coating

• Carefully mask off baseboards or adjacent surfaces with painter‘s tape.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for application, dry time, and number of coats needed.
• Use a roller with 1/4" nap for even coating. Foam rollers work too.
• Only apply coating when indoor temperature is between 50°F and 90°F.

Finishing and Curing

• Let each coat fully dry before adding another. Most coatings need 2-3 coats.
• Ventilate the room well during application and curing period.
• Avoid walking on treated surfaces for at least 24 hours after final coat.
• When fully cured, do an adhesion test by scratching surface with a coin.

Top Anti-Slip Tile Coating Products

Based on my experience, these are some of the best anti-slip tile coatings:

• Gripcoat Premium – Commercial grade polymer coating. Exceptional traction.
• Rust-Oleum Anti-Slip – Oil-based paint with grit additive. Easy DIY option.
• AmCoat – Acrylic coating transforms tile into non-slip surface.
• SlipDoctors – Etches surface and works near pools and tubs.
• Seal-Krete Original – Durable coating ideal for high-traffic areas.

I suggest reading reviews and watching product demo videos to pick the best coating for your needs.

Let‘s Recap

We‘ve covered a ton of info, so here‘s a quick recap of the key tips for making bathroom tiles less slippery:

• Clean tiles weekly with non-slip cleaner to prevent buildup
• Use abrasives, mats, strips or coatings to add traction
• Choose textured, slip-resistant tiles for new installations
• Take extra precautions like bathmats, grab bars, and proper lighting
• Prepare surfaces and apply coatings properly for best results
• Use a commercial-grade treatment for heavy traffic public restrooms

Whew, that was a lot! But I hope you feel empowered tackle the slipperiness in your bathroom. Just take it step by step.

If you have any other questions, don‘t hesitate to reach out. I‘m always happy to help. Let me know how making your tiles less slippery goes!

Stay safe and have fun remodeling!

-Lillie

Sources

1. Nonfatal Bathroom Injuries Among Persons Aged ≥15 Years — United States, 2008 CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2011.
2. Slip and Fall Accident Statistics National Safety Council. 2018.
3. Facts and Statistics About Hip Fractures American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Accessed January 2023.