How to Properly Clean Your Porcelain Tile

Durable Flooring and Stone

Porcelain tile is one of the most popular flooring options on the market and among the easiest materials to clean. Whether you have had it for years or if you are planning to include it in your next home remodel project you will want to know how to take care of it. It is recommended that one to two times a week you quickly clean from debris collecting up. A solution mix of ¼ cup of white vinegar to 2 gallons of water can be used for a more thorough cleaning or if purchasing a cleaning solution make sure it’s formulated specifically for porcelain. Although porcelain tile is an impervious material its surface can stain, so it’s important to properly clean on a regular basis to keep it looking new. Here are ways to suitably clean your specific style of porcelain tile:

Un-Polished or Un-Glazed Porcelain Tile:

A broom or vacuum can be used for removing dust. For mopping, take a small area of flooring and saturate with hot water and cleaning solution. Again, it’s recommended that it be a solution that is specifically made for porcelain. Make sure that the solution does not contain colors or dyes. Un-glazed surfaces have the ability to take on the color of the product used. Allow the mixture to stand for 5-10 minutes on the porcelain without allowing it to dry. Wipe away the solution then rinse with clean fresh water. They key is to do smaller areas at a time and make sure to change your rinsing water after each location to keep it clear. For difficult stains you can use a scrub brush to apply the cleaning solution.

Polished or Glazed Porcelain Tile:

For dust and dirt a vacuum or untreated dry dust mop is your best option over a broom. You may then use a mild cleaning solution with a concentration of approximately 50% less than what you would use on an unpolished floor. After mopping, rinse the tile with clean fresh water and dry completely in order to increase shine and minimize water spotting.

Textured Porcelain Tile:

Porcelain tile with a more textured and rigid surface requires extra procedures to ensure proper cleaning. When sweeping make sure to use a soft-bristle broom and sweep in two directions. Start by sweeping in the same direction as the tile and follow up by sweeping in a diagonal pattern in order to catch all dirt that can get caught within the texture. When you are ready to mop, saturate the floor with a mixture of hot water and a neutral cleaning solution allowing it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Using a brush scrub the floor using the same two directional method. Lastly rinse with clean fresh water.

As you can see it is important to know your flooring material. Here are some important “don’ts” to keep in mind …

  • DO NOT clean with ammonia or solutions that have bleach or acid in them as they can alter the coloring of your grout.
  • DO NOT use any solutions that contain dyes or color on unglazed surfaces.
  • DO NOT use steel wool when cleaning as it can cause rust stains within your grout.
  • DO NOT use oil-based solutions, waxes or sealants.

These helpful tips have been brought to you by the team at Cactus Stone and Tile. For more information on ceramic, glass, metal and stone materials visit their website at www.cactustile.com. They will be glad to assist you in choosing the material that is just right for you and your lifestyle. Then your next call should be to TWD! As a leading general contractor in the metro Phoenix area, they can assist you in the design and build of all your home remodel projects from start to finish, including the materials you have chosen at Cactus. Since 1996, they have built an extensive portfolio that you can view online at www.twdaz.com. Through TWD’s partnership with Cactus Stone and Tile, they can provide you the very best quality and materials on the market all in one convenient location. Stop in at the TWD Remodel Showroom in Peoria to see samples of various stone and tile options today!