How to Clean Different Types of Porcelain Tiles

How to Clean Different Types of Porcelain Tiles

How to Clean Different Types of Porcelain Tiles

Cleaning porcelain tiles is usually pretty straightforward given the fact that they are considered to be quite impervious.

However, stains may still develop if tiled floors are not well maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.

Although you may use cleaning solutions specifically designed for porcelain floors, these may change the appearance of unglazed porcelain tiles.

Here are some different cleaning tips for you to try.

 

Cleaning Unpolished/Unglazed Porcelain Tiles

The first step in cleaning unglazed porcelain ties involves sweeping or vacuuming away any dirt.

From there, if you are cleaning a reasonably expansive floor area, divide it into smaller sections.

The next step is to pour a mixture of hot water and cleaning solution onto the first section, swirl it around on the floor and leave it to stand for five to ten minutes.

You can then use a handheld scrubbing brush to clean the more difficult to remove stains. In some cases, you may have to use a stiff nylon brush.

Finally, wipe away the dirty cleaning solution before rinsing the surface with clean water.

From there you can use a wet vacuum or mop to clear away the water and then leave the surface to dry.

If the area is fairly large, you might want to consider using an abrasive padded floor cleaning machine to get rid of the stains.

 

Cleaning Polished/Glazed Porcelain Tiles

Start by using an untreated dust mop that is dry, instead of a broom, to sweep away any loose dirt or dust from the floor.

This ensures that you don’t scratch the glazed finish.

Make a cleaning solution that uses only about half the amount of detergent that you would use for cleaning unglazed porcelain tiled surfaces.

Mop the polished porcelain tiles using this cleaning solution. Once that is done, use clean water to thoroughly rinse the tiled surface.

To give the surface a polished look after you have cleaned it, make sure that you carefully dry it without leaving any water spots.

 

Cleaning Textured Porcelain Tiles

Of all types of porcelain tiles, the textured variety is the most demanding when it comes to cleaning them properly.

To improve your chances of achieving the best outcome, it is essential that you use the cleaning procedure specified below.

Start by vacuuming or sweeping away any dust and loose dirt from the tiled surface. You need to sweep in two directions for the best cleaning results.

You should start by following the direction the tiles face, and then move diagonally to clear out as much dirt and debris as possible.

Prepare a neutral cleaning solution and pour it onto the flooring surface. Swirl it around on the floor and then leave it there for about five to ten minutes.

Following the two direction approach used above, scrub the surface using a brush.

To clear away the dirty cleaning solution, rinse the entire surface thoroughly using clean water.  

If the floor is in a high traffic area, you will most likely need to scrub those sections of the floor on a daily basis, depending on how dirty they get.

However, for the rest of the floor, you just need to clean it using a wet mop every now and then to keep the surfaces looking as clean as possible.

While the above tips will help you keep your porcelain tiled surfaces as clean as possible, there are some cleaning practices you should avoid.

To preserve the colour and appearance of porcelain tiles, avoid using bleach, acid or ammonia-based cleaning products.

You should also avoid using any coloured cleaning solutions on unpolished porcelain surfaces.

Wax cleaners, oil-based detergents and sealants are also not suitable for cleaning porcelain surfaces.

To lighten your cleaning load, consider asking people to remove their footwear before entering your house.

This will help to avoid grit and dirt particles being left on your porcelain tiled floors.  

You may also want to consider using rugs near entrances or in high traffic areas to help minimise your cleaning efforts.

As you can clearly see from the above, keeping porcelain surfaces clean and hygienic is fairly simple and straightforward.

However, you need to make sure that you use the right cleaning solutions and follow the right procedures as discussed in this article.

If you are looking for a professional and highly specialised tile and stone care company, then look no further than us at Slique.

Slique has highly-developed systems and processes, which means we provide a tile cleaning and tile sealing service that is second to none.

Please call us today on (02) 9648 0395 or contact us through our website https://www.slique.com.au/contact-us/ for all your tile cleaning needs.