Are you struggling to clean porcelain tiles? Don’t worry; a step-by-step guide is all you need. Whenever stubborn stains are formed on tiles, you cannot clean them using any cleaning agents. That’s because it can further stain your tiles rather than cleaning them. For example, acidic cleaners can degrade the glaze or finish on porcelain tiles, leading to surface etching or dullness. Other than that, a wrong cleaning technique can also damage the porcelain tiles.
Let’s discuss a 5-step method to clean porcelain tiles focused on the right cleaning agents and techniques:
Collect the Things You Need:
- pH-neutral cleaner, dish soap or any other cleaner
- Water (warm)
- Microfiber mop or cloth
- Bucket
- Soft brush or sponge (for stubborn spots)
- Dry towels or cloths
Pre-Cleaning Considerations:
- Test cleaner first: Always test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish or leave a residue.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Stay away from bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners like straight vinegar (unless diluted).
- Don’t use sharp tools: Keep sharp tools away from porcelain tiles because they can cause scratches or cracks.
- Keep yourself protected: Your safety should be your priority. Therefore, always use gloves, cap, and a mask while you are cleaning the tiles, whether it’s a washroom tile floor or any other place.
- Plan for drying time: It’s crucial to plan a time required to clean porcelain tiles so that no one comes or goes during that time until you dry the tiles.
- Say no to steam cleaners: Hot water can damage the tiles or disrupt the cleaning power of the solution you are using. Always use warm water and avoid using steam cleaners that spread hot vapors.
Let’s Jump Into The Cleaning Steps:
Clear the Area:
It’s important to clear the area that you are cleaning to avoid any kind of hurdles. You must remove all the boxes, chairs, and other objects before starting to clean porcelain tiles. Its necessary because any obstacle can frustrate you. Other than that, the cleaning agents you can use can stain surrounding things as well. So, remove everything to make the tiles get ready for cleaning.
Mop or Sweep:
Other than removing objects, mopping is also crucial to clearing the area. You can use a mop or vacuum for that purpose. As told earlier, don’t use a sharp brush for mopping. Sometimes the streaks caused by the mop are not that invisible, but continuous sweeping with a harsh brush can make them visible in no time. Use a brush with soft tentacles to mop or sweep the area.
Prepare Cleaning Solution:
To clean porcelain tiles, you can use a mild soap mixed with clean water to prepare the cleaning solution. This type of solution can remove all the stains efficiently. Other than that, you can use pH-neutral cleaning agents available on the market as well. Mix a good cleaner and water in a bucket to make the solution. If you are a beginner and don’t know how to find the right cleaner, here are some suggestions for you.
- Dish Soap and Water
- Vinegar and Water
- Solution (Diluted)
- Baking Soda and
- Water Paste
- Commercial Tile and
- Grout Cleaners
- Ammonia Solution (Diluted Only)
Apply The Solution:
Solution application is really easy; just use a soft cloth or sponge, dip it in the bucket, and then scrub it on the porcelain tiles. Don’t use all the solution to a specific space only, distribute it thoroughly so that you don’t run short of the cleaner. Preparing enough solution is crucial in the first place, but throwing it randomly can cause shortage.
Some other tools to apply the solution can be:
- Spray Bottle
- Soft Cloth or Sponge
- Floor Scrubber
- Soft-Bristled Brush (for Grout Lines)
- Steam Cleaner
Gently Rub All The Spots:
Simply apply some cleaner to the tiles and scrub off the stains. Make sure that not place is left unattended. Moreover, avoid harsh rubbing as this will not only tire you but can also damage the tiles. Apply moderate pressure to clean the stains.
Clean the Grout Lines:
Never neglect grout lines, because if you do that, the entire porcelain floor will look untidy. Use a tiny brush to clean the grout lines. Additionally, you can use a soft cloth, fold it, and use its folded edges for cleaning. It will make the floor look clean and tidy.
Rinse With Water:
Once you are done rubbing all the spots, start rinsing with water. Start throwing water from the place from where you can easily move forward and keep cleaning every second tile. It will not only smoothly clean the porcelain tiles but also save plenty of water. If someone doesn’t know how to clean porcelain tile, he/she might randomly throw the water, which is not a good practice. Take the right steps so water, which is a crucial blessing, won’t get wasted.
Time To Dry:
Before starting to dry your floor, make sure no traffic comes in and out because all your struggle can go in vain. The stains will form again, and you will need to reclean the area. To dry the floor properly, you need to follow these two steps:
1. Use a dry cloth to absorb all the moisture
2. Turn on the fans to dry everything rapidly
Post-Cleaning Considerations:
Check for unattended stains: Some stubborn stains become visible once the tiles dry. You should scrub them again using a cloth dipped in appropriate cleaner.
Recheck grout lines: Dirt can sometime deeply occupy the grout lines therefore chances are that you will need to reclean them. If not, you are ready to go.
Rinse again (but this time not with water): When you have recleaned all the spots, rinse them with a clean cloth dipped in simple water. Don’t throw water on the entire area.
Cleaning Tips Based On The Types Of Tiles:
Glazed vs Unglazed Tiles
If you are dealing with glazed or polished porcelain tiles, you can simply wipe off the stains immediately. Thats because the stains cannot penetrate such tiles deeply. On the other hand, intense scrubbing might be required for cleaning unglazed porcelain tiles. Moreover, vinegar is suitable for glazed tiles, and mild detergents work well on unglazed tiles.
Glossy vs Matte Finish Tiles
Glossy porcelain tiles are reflective, but they can show fingerprints, smudges, and water spots more easily. To clean shiny tiles, it’s best to use a microfiber mop and a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid streaks. However, matte-finish porcelain stone tiles generally have a rough surface, which can easily trap dirt particles, which need more time and effort to clean.
Final Words:
Cleaning porcelain tiles doesn’t have to be a daunting task. If you don’t know how to clean porcelain tile efficiently, the task might seem difficult to you. You might find it impossible to clean all the stains because sometimes, when you are done with cleaning, some stains become visible. The fact is, stains won’t reappear once you clear them completely. Therefore, a step-by-step guide is the solution to all your cleaning problems.
If you want stain-resistant tiles for a floor, kitchen, staircase, or any other place, contact SK Stones USA, which is a reputable tile supplier.
Read More: Which Is Better For Flooring: Marble Tiles Or Big Marble Slabs?
