How to clean porcelain tile? What are best methods and techniques to clean the tiles?

Last Updated on December 9, 2022 by

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Most experts recommend avoiding harsh chemical cleaners containing chlorine bleach or ammonia since they may erode away the surface glaze of the porcelain tiles. Instead, use a cleaner made specifically for the type of flooring you have. There are a wide range of cleaners available on the market, from powders to liquids or even multi-purpose products that work as both a cleaner and a polish for your porcelain tiles.

Water temperature

When choosing how to clean porcelain tile, remember that hot water is not recommended because it could cause fissures in the glaze; instead use warm, low-pressure water because it helps rinse away soap residue more effectively than cold water. Avoid cleaning porcelain with very high or very low temperatures because they can be damaging as well.

Mixing chemicals for best results

Many experts recommend mixing cleaners according to manufacturer recommendations before applying them to your floor. Sometimes the cleaner may need to be diluted with water according to package instructions. Once you have applied the solution, scrubbing is necessary for best results; however, it is generally advised that any harsh chemicals not be used on porcelain tile because they could potentially damage it. A stiff-bristled broom or brush can usually remove dirt and grime without damaging the material.

Methods to clean the tiles

Consider hiring a professional if the floors are not in good shape and you’re looking to do more than just clean them.

  • First, sweep or vacuum the area thoroughly to remove dust and dirt.
  • Next, take one section at a time (two or four feet square), saturate the tile surface with a vinegar-and-water mixture or a commercial cleanser, such as Black Diamond Marble & Tile Floor Cleaner.
  • Allow the cleanser to soak into the tile for five to ten minutes, but do not allow it to dry.
  • Use a scrub brush on stubborn stains and grout, then rinse with water and dry with an absorbent cloth newspaper works well in this instance.
  • Rinse with clear water to remove all solution’s residue.

Important notice        

Note that this may darken light tiles; test an area first with the manufacturer’s recommended sealer. If you don’t want to deal with any of these steps, consider purchasing engineered wood floors instead they come pre-sealed and are simple to wipe down once or twice a week. You can also install commercial grade carpeting or resin wicker furniture on porcelain tile without worrying about damage.

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How to glazed porcelain tile?

Sweep and vacuum debris and dirt, then go over the area with a dry dust mop. Use a hot water-dampened mop, never allowing moisture to puddle or pool on the tile. If your porcelain floor has scuff marks or stains that are not coming up readily with just mopping, you may have to use some elbow grease along with your cleaner.

Apply cleaner directly onto stubborn spots, let sit for several minutes before scrubbing gently using a soft brush or sponge. Rinse away cleaner using clear water, being sure to remove all traces of dirt or cleaner from the floor surface. Blot dry with a clean towel if necessary. For larger areas, use a commercial polishing machine and the same type of cleaner you used for mopping.

Here are few steps by which we can clean and glazed the porcelain floor:

  1. On non-polished tile, leave your mop damp for cleaning, but dry off any standing water immediately with clean towels.  This will keep excess moisture from seeping between tiles and loosening grout.
  2. Always use a new dry mop head rather than reusing by dust mop or damp-mopping over wet mopped area. Personalize the formula for your glazed ceramic floor cleaner by the instructions on the container, as all formulas vary.
  3. Use a “drop and go” mop or liquid-and-pad system that allows liquid to seep through the fibers of the pad for faster drying and maximum tile coverage without accumulating too much liquid in one area.
  4. Refillable cleaning solution containers allow you to carry the previous day’s solution with you and complete your morning rounds without unnecessary stops at an inconvenient refill station. This keeps traffic moving throughout offices and hallways.
  5. Two buckets are necessary. The first bucket will be used for soaking dirty microfiber towels; it is periodically emptied into a second bucket containing hot water and detergent/baking soda to clean the towels. The second bucket should contain only clean water, and will be used for rinsing mop’s head after each section is mopped.
  6. Use a medium- to high-quality microfiber mop that does not leave strings or fuzz behind when twirled or pulled around corners. It should have two anchors on top to catch dirt better than one, but not so many you are spending minutes wiping off excess moisture trapped between them while looking for your mark.  Approximately 16 square feet of cleaning space per minute is recommended.
  7. Always dry off tile with a new, dry towel immediately following wet mopping, as standing water may become trapped in grout lines and lead to permanent staining.
  8. When wet mopping tile, use only the dampest mop available that will still allow you to dry off excess moisture immediately with a second dry towel. The surface should not remain wet for any longer than necessary.
  9. Do not use a wax emulsion cleaner on polished travertine floors as they may be left unprotected from dirt and stains. In order to protect the beauty of polished travertine floors, they must be kept clean and free of any organic matter.
  10. It is necessary to use a glazed ceramic floor cleaner, leaving behind the dirt-trapping micro-beads that do not settle into the pores of tile. The cleaner must have no more than 50 parts water to 1 part cleaner. No wax or polish should be utilized on polished porcelain as it will cause permanent staining as well as leave it unprotected from dirt and grime build up over time.
  11. Never use a wax emulsion cleaner on polished travertine floors as they may be left unprotected from dirt and stains. No wax or polish should be utilized on polished porcelain as it will cause permanent staining as well as leave it unprotected from dirt and grime build up over time.
  12. Use personalization of the formula for your glazed ceramic floor cleaner by the instructions on the container, as all formulas vary. Microfiber mops allow you to carry the previous day’s solution with you and complete your morning rounds without unnecessary stops at an inconvenient refill station.  This keeps traffic moving throughout offices and hallways.
  13. Two buckets are necessary: The first bucket will be used for soaking dirty microfiber towels; it is periodically emptied into a second bucket containing hot water and detergent/baking soda to clean the towels. The second bucket should contain only clean water, and will be used for rinsing mop head after each section is mopped.
  14. A medium- to high-quality microfiber mop that does not leave strings or fuzz behind when twirled or pulled around corners. It should have two anchors on top to catch dirt better than one, but not so many you are spending minutes wiping off excess moisture trapped between them while looking for your mark. Approximately 16 square feet of cleaning space per minute is recommended.
  15. Always dry off tile with a new, dry towel immediately following wet mopping, as standing water may become trapped in grout lines and lead to permanent staining. When wet mopping tile, use only the dampest mop available that will still allow you to dry off excess moisture immediately with a second dry towel.  The surface should not remain wet for any longer than necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • After how long we should clean the tiles?

It depends on the condition of tiles. If you feel that tiles needed to clean, then do it. Otherwise you can clean them thrice in a month.

  • Is there any disadvantage of using detergents?

No, there is no affect of any detergent on tiles. But if you will use the strong chemicals then it will damage your tiles.