How to Clean Porcelain Tile
Classic, durable, and available in an extensive range of gorgeous shades, shapes, and sizes, Porcelain tile is also moisture-resistant and an exceptionally easy surface to care for. When it comes time to restore the pristine shine of your porcelain tile, you’ll how quick and efficient the cleaning process is! Whether for kitchens, bathrooms, or countertops, here are a few valuable tips on how to clean porcelain tile.
Porcelain Tile Types
Before you gather your cleaning supplies to make your porcelain tile surfaces gleam, make sure to recognize what specific type of porcelain tile you will be cleaning and what it requires. Porcelain tile has a smooth finish and comes in either glazed or unglazed varieties. Glazed porcelain tile has had a color finish applied to the tile surface, while Unglazed porcelain tile has the color embedded throughout the actual tile. Since unglazed porcelain tile can also be polished or unpolished, you will have additional considerations with this tile type.
Removing Dirt & Dust
Before thoroughly cleaning any tile type, it is essential to remove loose dirt and dust. This step can be as simple as sweeping the tile or using a vacuum with a brush attachment. Try to complete this step weekly to ensure that no particles remain on the surface and further protect the attractive tile finish.
Cleaning Glazed or Polished Porcelain Tile
To clean your glazed or polished porcelain tile, it’s best to use a dry dust mop instead of a broom to sweep the surface. Mop your tile floor with a mild cleaning solution, either a simple water and vinegar solution or a commercial tile cleaner diluted to half strength. Use a soft bristle brush to loosen and scrub any stains. Rinse the porcelain tile floor to remove the cleaning solution by thoroughly mopping again and then dry carefully with a clean towel or microfiber cloth to avoid water spots.
Cleaning Unglazed or Unpolished Porcelain Tile
Mop your unglazed or unpolished tile floor with either a vinegar-and-water mixture or a commercial cleanser and allow it to sit on the floor for five to ten minutes before scrubbing. Break up the entire surface into two to four-foot areas and clean a section at a time. Scrub stains with a soft bristle brush and rinse off the cleaning solution using a mop or a wet vacuum. Wipe the tile dry with a clean towel or microfiber cloth to finish up.
Cleaning Grout Lines
Just as important as cleaning the porcelain tiles is cleaning the grout lines between the tiles. You can clean the grout lines with a half-and-half mixture of baking soda and water or a commercially available cleaner. Use a gentle cleanser to start with and test it first in a less noticeable location.
Protecting Porcelain Tile & Grout
To protect your porcelain floor’s surface and appearance, follow these key additional cleaning considerations:
Avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia, bleach, oil, or any acid.
Do not use any cleaning solutions that have colors or dyes, especially with unglazed porcelain tile.
Do not allow the cleaning solution to dry without rinsing it off.
Avoid using stiff bristle brushes or steel wool when cleaning tile or grout.
Regular care of your porcelain tile can help make each cleaning a more manageable task with less scrubbing. Porcelain tile will give you a durable and attractive floor for many years, and knowing how to clean porcelain tile properly will keep your surface in premium condition. Ask our Colonial Interiors experts any porcelain tile questions you have, and enjoy your striking floors for decades!
