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One of the biggest advantages that you get from porcelain tiles is that they are extremely durable and low maintenance when compared to other types of common tile such as ceramic. With porcelain, the required levels of upkeep are kept to the bare minimum thanks to the state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that they go through, including how they are cleaned and the frequency in which you need to do this.
However, just like anything else in this world, porcelain tiles are still susceptible to gathering dirt and grime that will need to be cleaned, depending, of course, on where the tiles are installed and the level of foot traffic they experience.
So, for those of you who may have recently had porcelain installed, maybe inside or as patio tiles, and are wondering about the steps needed to bring them back to life, this blog is here to help!
The things you’ll need
Before we can get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning your porcelain tiles, we’ll need to make sure you have everything you need to get them sparkling again.
Before making a start on any cleaning, ensure you have the following at hand:
- Mop & bucket
- Broom or vacuum cleaner
- Dish soap
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
Cleaning your porcelain tiles
As the vast majority of porcelain tiles are manufactured with a glazed finish that provides an extra layer of protection, the level of cleaning required is not quite as strenuous as you might find with other types of tile. This makes dealing with dirty porcelain tiles a much easier job.
So, to get started on your cleaning, here are the steps that you’ll need to cover:
- Removing top-level dirt – The first step to cleaning your porcelain tiles is to remove any dirt or grime that is laying on top of them. This is a simple step and all it requires is a quick sweep with a broom or once over with your vacuum cleaner. By doing this first, you will take away the grit that can harm the glazed layer on top of your tiles, reducing the level of protection they provide.
- Begin mopping – Once the top-level dirt has been removed from your porcelain tiles, they are now ready to get wet and wonderful with the mop. Simply fill your mop bucket with warm, soapy water and get to work. Dip your mop into the water and gently mop across the affected areas. Thanks to the layer of glaze, you shouldn’t have to put much effort in at all and should see the dirt lift away easily.
- Preventing stains – Glazed porcelain tiles are very good at preventing stains from settling on your patio or your indoor floor, again, thanks to the layer of added protection that they provide. However, you should still make a conscious effort to wipe away anything that may cause a stain, such as coffee or wine spills right away as if they are left to linger for prolonged periods, they could cause a slight discolouration.
- Cleaning stains – If for any reason you come across a stain somewhere on your porcelain tiles, don’t panic, you can still work to remove it. Here, all that’s needed is a simple solution of vinegar diluted 1-to-1 with water and a clean cloth. Dip the cloth in the solution and work the stain out in a circular motion. Ensure that you avoid using hard bristle brooms or steel wool whenever you clean your tiles to avoid causing any unnecessary damage.
If your porcelain tiles require a deep clean, simply follow the same steps as above but instead of using warm soapy water, mop the floor using a solution made from a quarter cup of white vinegar and a gallon of warm water. Once you have finished mopping the affected area, sprinkle your tiles with baking soda to work away at determined stains and then mop again. Finish by flushing the floor thoroughly with plain water to get rid of any residue from the solution and baking soda that may be left behind.
And there you have it, the simple steps required to get your porcelain tiles looking as good as new! We hope this blog has helped and be sure to check back for more cleaning tips and advice.
