Cleaning Porcelain Tile Made Easy: A Complete Guide

Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for flooring due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. Known for their scratch, stain, and water resistance, they hold up well against everyday wear and tear. Yet, every homeowner wants to keep their porcelain tiles looking their best, right?

Whether you’ve just installed porcelain tiles or are considering them, you’ll be glad to know they have a natural antimicrobial feature, making them easy to clean. While these tiles are low-maintenance, they can lose their shine over time.

Ready to learn the best ways to clean porcelain tiles and keep them looking like new? Our easy-to-follow guide will show you how to keep them sparkling. With these cleaning tips, you can enjoy your home more and less time worrying about your floors.

Low-Maintenance Care for Your Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are designed to be easy to care for and maintain. Here’s why you’re likely experiencing fewer maintenance headaches:

• Bacteria Resistance: Porcelain tiles naturally resist bacteria and other microbes like mold, helping keep your home cleaner without much effort.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Some tiles might also have antimicrobial features, which suppress or even destroy harmful microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, contributing to a healthier home environment.
• Hypoallergenic: If you or someone in your home has allergies, porcelain tiles are a great choice. They don’t harbor allergens like dirt, dust, or pollen, reducing potential triggers.
• Water Resistance: Since porcelain absorbs less than 0.5% water, you can rest easy about moisture-related issues. It’s ideal for your bathrooms and kitchen, where spills and humidity are common.
• Easy Cleaning: Cleaning your porcelain tiles is simple — often, a bit of water does the trick. You don’t need harsh chemicals, which is easier on you and the environment.

With all these advantages, porcelain tiles are helping you enjoy a low-maintenance, durable, and hygienic home environment.

What To Do When Cleaning Porcelain Tiles

Keeping your porcelain tiles in top condition is a breeze with these straightforward cleaning steps:

• Regular Cleaning: This is your routine cleaning, done once a week. Sweep or vacuum to remove trash. Then, mop with a mild detergent or floor cleaner. Be sure to dry the tiles thoroughly to prevent water spots.
• Deep cleaning: Use mild detergents or dedicated floor cleaners designed for deeper cleaning of porcelain tiles. A soft scrubber can help remove stubborn dirt but avoid anything too damaging.
• Grout Protection: Apply glue to your grout to protect it from staining and discoloration.
• Check Compatibility: Always ensure the cleaning product you choose is safe for porcelain tiles.

What Not To Do When Cleaning Porcelain Tiles

To avoid damaging your porcelain tiles, here are some things to avoid:

• Harsh Chemicals: Run clear of cleaners with acid, chlorine bleach, or ammonia — they can damage the tiles and grout.
• Wax-based cleaners Can leave a residue on the tile surface, making it slippery and prone to dirt buildup. Oil-based detergents may also leave a greasy residue, affecting the tiles’ appearance and feel.
• Abrasive Scrubbers: Avoid using steel wool or metal pads, as they can scratch the tiles. Instead, use a soft scrubber like a microfiber cloth or a soft-bristle brush for safe cleaning.

How Often to Clean Porcelain Tile

Clean your porcelain tile once a week to prevent dirt and grime from building up and spoiling the finish. Start by sweeping or vacuuming to remove dust and crumbs. Then, wipe down the tiles with clean water to remove lighter dirt.

If deeper cleaning is needed, you can mop, but make sure the floor is swept first. Use a flat mop with a wide, flat head to avoid pushing excess water into grout lines. This helps prevent moisture-related issues and keeps your tiles in great condition.

Following this routine can keep your porcelain tile looking great without much effort.

How To Clean Different Types of Porcelain Tile

When it comes to deep cleaning porcelain tiles, it’s important to consider the type of tile you have. Here’s a simple guide:

Cleaning Textured Porcelain Tiles

Textured porcelain tiles require more effort to clean due to their rough surfaces. Here’s a simple method to clean them:

• Sweep and Vacuum: Sweep twice — once in the direction of the tiles, then sideways — to remove dirt from the grooves.
• Apply a Cleaning Solution: Use a water and vinegar solution and let it sit on the tiles for 7–13 minutes.
• Scrub Thoroughly: Use a scrub brush to clean the tiles, following the two-direction rule.
• Rinse with Warm Water: This will remove any leftover cleaning solution.
• Mop and Dry: Use a damp mop to clean the tiles, then let them air dry.

This process ensures your textured porcelain tiles are clean and free of dirt and stains.

Cleaning Polished/Glazed Porcelain Tiles

Glazed porcelain tiles are stain-resistant due to their non-porous coating but need specific care to maintain their shine. If you have glazed vitrified tiles, here’s how to clean them:

• Prepare the surface for mop: Remove dirt and debris before you start mopping.
• Mix Vinegar in Water to Clean Tiles: Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon (3.7 liters) of warm water. To protect your glazed vitrified tiles, avoid using cleaners with bleach.
• Use Vinegar for your Floor: Use a damp mop and clean the tiles with vinegar.
• Rinse and Dry: Rinse with clean water to remove any residue, and let the tiles air dry.

These steps will help keep your glazed vitrified tiles clean and shiny without damaging the surface.

Cleaning Unpolished/Unglazed Porcelain Tiles

Unpolished tiles are more prone to staining because they lack a protective coating. To clean them:

• Remove Contaminants and Mop: Start by sweeping to remove dirt. Then, mop with warm water mixed with a mild cleaning solution.
• Use a Scrubber for Stains: If you encounter tough stains, scrub with a nylon-bristle brush or abrasive pad. These tools effectively remove stains without damaging unpolished tile surfaces.
• Dry with Clean Towel: Rinse with clean water and dry with clean towels to prevent water damage.
• Seal the Tiles: To protect unglazed tiles, apply an acrylic stone sealer yearly. This helps prevent stains and extends the life of your tiles.

Wrapping Up: Care for Your Porcelain Tiles

This guide provides the essentials for cleaning and maintaining your porcelain tiles. With the right techniques, you can keep them looking great while ensuring your home stays healthy. Regular cleaning and the right care can make all the difference. If you need expert advice, a reputable porcelain tile company can provide it.