How To Clean Porcelain Tile

Porcelain is a very popular material to tile kitchen, bathroom, and even office floors due to their smooth finish, and ease of cleaning.

In order to keep their appearance the same as when they were first installed, here are the best maintenance tips that need to be embraced so that they maintain the cleanliness and lustre and don’t become a hotbed for grime and bacteria.

What Do I Need to Clean Porcelain Floor Tiles?

• Dust mop

• Broom

• Vaccuum

• Mop

• Bucket

• Soft-bristled brush

• Papertowel/microfibre cloth

• Gentle pH neutral porcelain tile cleaner

Can I Use Bleach or Vinegar to Clean My Tiles?

While bleach and vinegar has long held the crown as an effective all-purpose cleaner, this is not the case when it comes to porcelain tiles. Using a solution that is too acidic like vinegar or too alkaline like bleach can degrade the surface of your tiles or even cause permanent staining. This is especially true if you’re cleaning unglazed or unsealed tiles. Acidic cleaners or vinegar can also degrade the tile grout.

The best way to clean porcelain tile is to use a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner as directed when cleaning your tile, as those are the least likely to cause damage. For especially greasy spots or stubborn stains, we recommend using specialised porcelain cleaner with a slightly higher pH, (between pH8 to pH10).

Types of Tile

There are two main types of tiles: polished and unpolished tile. These two types of tile are manufactured in the exact same way save for one step at the end. The distinction is that polished porcelain in its final stages is grounded with a diamond grinding disk. This mechanical process opens the microscopic pores on the tile’s surface. On one hand, it gives it a smoother finish and makes it harder for dirt and grime to take hold, but on the other, it makes them more vulnerable to staining.

Another tile we’ll be covering in this article is textured porcelain tiles. These tiles can be trickier to clean due to the tiny divets and pockmarks in the tile where dirt and grime can get caught.

With all that explained, here are the best ways to clean each type of tile.

How to Clean Unpolished Porcelain Tile

Follow this advice to regularly maintain your tiles and clean any tougher stains.

1. Sweep and vacuum the tiles to loosen the dirt, dust, and debris from the tiles and the grout lines.

2. Mix the recommended amount of tile cleaner in a bucket of warm water.

3. Divide the tiles into designated sections so that the mixture won’t be allowed to dry when left unattended for too long, then spread the mixture in a particular section for between five to ten minutes.

4. Scrub the tile and grout with a soft-bristled brush. (It’s okay to leave the mixture standing on the tiles for a bit longer, as unpolished tiles are less porous).

5. Do this for each section before washing away the cleaning mixture with clean water. (Make sure to change the water often!)

6. Thoroughly dry the tile with a microfibre tile or clean towel.

How to Clean Polished Porcelain Tile

1. Rather than a vacuum and broom, use a dustmop to sweep away the loose dirt from the floor. (This is so you don’t scratch the finish of the tile.)

2. Fill a bucket with hot water and half of the amount of solution you would use for cleaning unpolished surfaces.

3. Mop the tiles with the solution, at no point allowing the tile to become dry, but also not using too much water at once. (Avoid using bristled brush on polished porcelain, as it can damage the surface of the tile.)

4. Thoroughly rinse the tile with clean water. (Remember to change the water in your bucket often.)

5. Dry the tiles with a microfibre cloth or clean towel to avoid water stains on the tile.

Warning! It’s important to note that polished tile can be very slippery when wet, so take precautions to make sure you don’t slip.

How to Clean Textured Tile

Textured tile is especially important to clean properly, as the crevices within the textured tile are very easy spots for dirt and grime to get caught inside, making them tougher to clean.

1. Sweep the area twice with a soft-bristle broom. You want to do two passes: first in a straight and then diagonal direction. This is to ensure that you properly dislodge all of the dirt and debris from the uneven surface.

2. Pass a vacuum cleaner over the surface of the textured tile to pick up all of the dislodged debris.

3. Next, follow the instructions of your cleaning solution and pour them into a bucket with warm water.

4. Allow the tile to soak in the mixture for between five to ten minutes.

5. Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush on any dirty spots.

6. Rinse out the solution with a hot bucket of water and a mop. (Make sure to do this quickly, so as to prevent water spots gathering on the tile and staining it.)

7. Briskly dry the textured tile with a clean towel or a microfibre cloth. 

Is your tile the right one for you?

If you’re finding that you have to clean your tile more often than you’d like, it stains easily because of the type you chose for the area of your home, or you simply want a fresh start—you might be in need of new tiles.

Arlo Stone Tiles have over 40 different types of porcelain tiles, and we are sure we’ll have the right one for you and your home or building. Browse our wide range of porcelain tiles for some inspiration, or contact us and we can help you find the tiles that will be the best fit for your home.