If you are looking for a highly durable floor tile, nothing can be better than porcelain tiles. These are made of dense ceramic and hence, have a water absorption rate of up to 0.5%, which adds to their durability.
Moreover, these come glazed or unglazed and in a variety of colors and designs, thus which one you choose completely depends on your choice.
However, when it comes to cleaning these tiles, what is the best way to clean porcelain tiles? Is there any best cleaner for porcelain tiles that you should be using to maintain its look while getting rid of stains and germs?
Therefore, for all those homeowners who have beautified their homes with porcelain tiles, here is how you can clean and maintain them!
Cleaning porcelain tile should not be a problem if you know which cleaner to use and how to do it! having said that, what matters is that you do not use strong cleaners with harsh chemicals in them, or else, it’ll damage the surface over time and you will be left with ruins.
Thus, if you are looking for the best ways to clean your flooring, here is what you need to do:
1. Vacuum to Remove Dust and Grime
Okay, so before you jump into action with a damp mop, let us stop you right there.
Using a damp mop before removing the lost dust will only make things dirtier as the grime will settle into the grout and make it hard to clean.
So, what should you do? First of all, use either a broom (a soft-bristled one) or vacuum all the loose dust from around the house.
2. Avoid Using Bleach or Strong cleaners
When cleaning porcelain tile floors if you have been wondering about the best cleaner for porcelain tiles, know that never use bleach.
Only use those store-bought cleaners that are ammonia and bleach-free because they can easily damage the sealant over the tiles’ flooring.
Hence, if you ask us for the best cleaner for porcelain tiles at the moment, we will recommend you to make one at your home using some vinegar and water.
You can also add some baking soda to remove tough stains and kill germs for a safer and fresher environment.
Moreover, homemade cleaners are natural and bleach-free, making them very safe to use every day!
3. Remove Stains
While mopping the floor, make sure you remove stains on the way. And if the stains are old and more stubborn, use a good stain remove before mopping to make sure these come out easily.
4. Clean the Grout
Another common mistake that people make during cleaning porcelain tiles is not paying attention to the grout.
If you leave the grout unclean for long, the dirt can accumulate and stick to it, not only making it harder to clean but also making the place super unhygienic.
So, do not give a breeding ground to the germs, and make sure you always clean the grout between the tiles using a soft-bristled brush. If the need is, use a cleaner or just plain water and scrub away the dirt.
5. Use a Damp Mop
So, once you have successfully removed loose dirt, what comes next? Next, you need to fill a bucket with some water and add liquid soap to it. Or you can add vinegar or baking soda just as we mentioned above.
Now, take a mop, one with soft bristles, and dip it into the water. Wring it with force and make sure all the water draws out of it.
Why is it necessary? This is because if the mop is dripping with water, it will leave water stains on the tiles and there is a high chance of the water seeping into the floor and damaging over time.
Thus, whenever you use a mop on porcelain tile flooring or any other type, make sure you use a damp mop only!
Also, do not forget to clean the grout using the damp mop so you can a having shiny floors all to yourself!
6. Apply Sealant
If you have unglazed porcelain tile floors, then we will advise you to apply a sealant after cleaning the place.
Dilute a good quality sealant with some water and apply it to the porcelain tiles for added protection.
The sealant will stop the dirt and dust from sticking to the tiles and reduce damage over time. But this completely depends on your personal choice, to do it or not to do it!
7. Air Dry
Once you have done mopping around the house, make sure you switch on the fans to air dry the floor to avoid moisture build-up or leaving a foot trail behind you.
Tips to Remember When Cleaning Porcelain Tiles
Did cleaning porcelain tiles look difficult? Not at all! Although cleaning these tiles is not difficult, you can easily damage them within the first few years of use by repeating mistakes unknowingly.
Thus, here are some tips that could come in handy:
Never use any cleaner containing bleach or ammonia for cleaning porcelain tiles
Always use a soft-bristled brush or vacuum to collect loose dirt
Do not clean with a dripping mop and hence, always use a damp mop that has been thoroughly wrung
If you accidentally spill something in the tile flooring, make sure you are quick to clean it so it doesn’t stain
Homemade vinegar and water solution are highly recommended for safe cleaning of porcelain tile floor
Always clean between the lines by not forgetting the grout
Sprinkle some baking soda after cleaning and vacuum it up to get rid of any lingering foul smell and germs
Always change the water in the bucket when switching between rooms
Do not use colored products on the porcelain floors or they could stain easily
Never remove stains using metal tools or it can easily scratch the tiles
Just make sure you abide by these few rules because we promise these tips will come in super handy for you when cleaning, allowing you to maintain the porcelain tile floors well!
How Often Should You Deep Clean the Porcelain Tile Floor?
Okay, so if you are an avid cleaner and worried about maintaining your floor’s look and health, make sure you deep clean the floors once every month at least.
You can go for more, like twice a month depending on your routine but do not go overboard with cleaning.
When you miss out on stains or forget to clean the grout during your casual cleaning spree, a deep clean become necessary.
But remember, deep cleaning the place does not mean using harsh chemical contains cleaners for cleaning the porcelain tile floors. Neither should you be emptying bleach bottles over the floor.
Even when deep cleaning, make sure you use ammonia and bleach-free cleaner, or if you can, make a natural tile cleaner at home that is super safe to use and helps get rid of odor and germs without harming your eyes or hands.
But what about regular cleaning? What should you use for regular cleaning of the porcelain tile floors?
Although these are made from highly durable material, always make sure you clean the place with either a vacuum or soft-bristled broom to avoid scratching the floor, especially if you have glazed tiles.
And if you can, use a sealant on the floor after you are done cleaning to increase its life. But do not apply sealant after every cleaning because sometimes doing too much can be bad too!
John Wesley is passionate about cleaning industry especially vacuum cleaners. He is having more than a decade of experience in repairing and selling vacuum cleaners from a well known retail shop. When he’s not testing and reviewing latest vacuum cleaners for this site, he likes to spend time with his partner, 2 kids, and doing house projects.
