If you have invested in porcelain tiles in your home or garden you will likely want to keep them looking their best. Take a look at our step by step guide on how to clean porcelain tiles and gain some handy tips and advice.
To start, depending on the type of porcelain tile you have will determine the best way to clean them.
Products you will need
- Vacuum cleaner
- Broom
- Dust mop
- Soft nylon bristle brush
- Bucket of hot water
- Clean towels/microfiber cloth
- Cheese Cloth
- Appropriate cleaner/vinegar and water mixture
- Clean fresh water
Unpolished/unglazed
- First, start by vacuuming or sweeping the tiles thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt or dander.
- Then, one section at a time (two or four feet square), saturate the tile surface with a commercial cleaner, or with a vinegar and water mixture.
- Allow the cleaner to work for five to ten minutes, (or however long the product recommends), but do not allow it to dry.
- Next, scrub any stained areas with a soft nylon bristle brush.
- Wipe away the dirty cleaning solution and rinse the area with hot water.
- Finally, dry the tiles with a clean towel or a microfiber cloth so avoid streaking.
Polished/glazed
- Firstly, you should sweep or vacuum any debris and dirt and then go over the area with a dry dust mop. You can loosen heavier soil with a soft nylon-bristle brush.
- Now use a mop dampened with hot water over the tiles – but be sure to never allow moisture to puddle or pool.
- Mop the area with your chosen cleaner or vinegar and water mixture.
- Mop the tiles again with hot water before the cleanser dries.
- Next, dry the tiles with a clean towel or a microfiber cloth. Be sure to rub out any water spots.
- Once dry, buff the clean porcelain tiles back to their high shine with a piece of cheesecloth.
Textured
- Sweep the area twice with a soft-bristle broom, first in the direction of the tile, then on a diagonal.
- Vacuum to remove all dirt.
- Saturate the tile with a vinegar-and-water solution, allowing it to soak for five to ten minutes.
- Scrub the floor with a soft-bristle brush, again working in two directions.
- Rinse the floor with hot water in order to thoroughly remove the cleaning solution.
- Go over the clean porcelain tile floor with a damp mop.
- Dry with a clean towel or a microfiber cloth.
What not to do when cleaning porcelain tiles
Although porcelain tiles offer exceptional durability, there are few products and techniques you should avoid at all costs.
- Never use a product that contains harmful chemicals such as ammonia or bleach (or any type of acid-based cleanser). These type of chemicals can alter the colour of the tiles and/or the grout.
- Never use steel wool to clean porcelain tile. This is because small pieces of steel can become embedded in the tile and/or grout which in turn can cause rust stains.
- Refrain from using hard bristles or scrub brushes, as they can scratch the tile surface.
- Make sure to not use any cleaners that contain dye or colouring.
- Do not use oil-based detergents or wax cleaners.