Does porcelain tile stain easily?

Author: Ashlynn Wolff  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Porcelain tiles have a porosity rate (water absorption) of less than 0.5%, making them durable, dense and resistant to staining.

Why are my porcelain tiles staining?

Normally stains on the tile surface are moisture related. If the surface of the tile is an impervious glaze then water should not migrate into it. Although there have been cases in the past where a glazed surface can have micro cracks that can allow moisture in it.

What is the disadvantage of porcelain tiles?

However, porcelain tiles can be somewhat more brittle than standard ceramic tiles, and they have some of the same drawbacks as ceramic tile, including their heavyweight, coldness, and hardness underfoot.

How do you get stains out of porcelain tile?

Remove Stains from Glazed Porcelain Tiles

You can use a commercial product safe for glazed porcelain tiles or use white vinegar. Use a warm-water wash with vinegar at half strength to remove the stain completely. Mop the area and allow it to sit for ten minutes, and then rinse with a clean warm water bath.

What should you avoid with porcelain tiles?

Porcelain tiles tend to be harder, more resilient and more stain-resistant than ceramic tiles. They are one of the easiest types of tile to maintain but their surface can eventually be eroded by the regular use of corrosive chemicals such as ammonia, bleach or acids that can also damage the grout and loosen the tiles.

Unsealed to sealed porcelain tile

Can you use Clorox wipes on porcelain tile?

Although porcelain tiles offer exceptional durability, there are few products and techniques you should avoid at all costs. Never use a product that contains harmful chemicals such as ammonia or bleach (or any type of acid-based cleanser). These type of chemicals can alter the colour of the tiles and/or the grout.

Does vinegar damage porcelain tile?

Some household members will use vinegar to clean porcelain tiles. However, experts suggest this is not a good idea because vinegar has a high acidic content which can damage the quality of the porcelain.

Can you use Swiffer on porcelain tile?

Swiffer wet cloths are designed to be used on most floor surfaces, such as: vinyl. porcelain tiles. ceramic tiles.

Is it safe to use Windex on porcelain tile?

Windex can also be used to clean tiles and grout, without causing any damage.

How do you protect porcelain tiles from stains?

Smartseal Porcelain Sealer is a ready to use, easy to apply, quick-drying formulation that gives additional protection oil and water-based stains whilst enhancing the natural colours of the tiles. Once applied the porcelain tiles sealer will make cleaning and maintenance of porcelain surfaces much easier.

How many years does porcelain tile last?

On average, porcelain tile can last 50 years or more when properly installed and maintained. In some cases, especially with premium-grade porcelain tiles, the lifespan can extend beyond a century, making it one of the longest-lasting flooring and wall materials available.

What is the best cleaner for porcelain tile floors?

For the best clean, you can use either a specialized tile cleaner or a mixture of water and white vinegar. Generously spray the solution on walls, floor and fixtures, focusing on areas with soap scum, mildew or hard water stains. For tougher grime, make a paste of baking soda and water.

Is it better to have porcelain or ceramic tile?

For high-traffic or outdoor areas, porcelain will usually be the better choice because of its durability and moisture resistance. For areas with lighter foot traffic or projects where budget is a concern, ceramic tiles offer a cost-effective and attractive option.

How do you keep porcelain from staining?

Although porcelain is resistant to stains from juice, wine, coffee and other food substances, it is best to wipe up spills immediately to prevent possible stains. When chopping vegetables, slicing bread or preparing other foods with sharp utensils on a porcelain countertop, use a cutting board.

Why do my porcelain tiles always look dirty?

Too often floors are cleaned with a mop and they don't change their water frequent enough nor do they rinse the floor properly. This results in dirty water evaporating on the surface of the tile leaving a dirty residue in the low spots of the tile.

Do porcelain tiles mark easily?

Whilst outdoor porcelain tiles are near enough stain resistant and surface marks will come up clean through pressure washing and cleaning, to help maintain and avoid more stubborn marking, we suggest spot cleaning as and when required.

Can I use Dawn on porcelain tile?

This homemade grout cleaner with Blue Dawn is the best and safest for your hard surfaces! Especially ceramic and porcelain tile and grout!

Do I need to seal porcelain tile in the shower?

Porcelain tile is typically dense and impervious and as such, doesn't necessarily need to be sealed. Whenever any surface is sealed, there will always be an issue of recurring maintenance just for that sealer.

Is Bona cleaner safe for porcelain tile?

Yes, the Bona Hardwood PowerPlus Deep Clean Pad is safe for use on porcelain tile. You will also love our Bona Stone, Tile and Laminate Floor Cleaner or our PowerPlus Deep Cleaner on your porcelain tile floor, as long as your floor and/or grout is sealed or finished, and unwaxed or unoiled.

What can damage porcelain tile?

The only thing you need to wash porcelain stoneware floors is an ordinary soft cloth to be used wet (with an ordinary bucket or a mop and squeezer version). Scrubbing brushes and abrasive sponges should not be used, as they damage the tiles' surfaces, especially if they are glossy or honed or contain metallic inserts.

Can you clean porcelain tile with magic eraser?

Many homeowners ask if Magic Erasers® can be used on porcelain or if they will damage ceramic tile. The good news is that they can be safely used on ceramic tiles and porcelain, so you have nothing to worry about if you plan on using them this way.

What is the best liquid to clean porcelain tiles?

  • Porcelain Patio Spring Clean - Mould, Algae & Leaf Stain Remover (5 Litre) ...
  • LTP Porcelain Floor Tile Cleaner (1L) ...
  • GLEAN Porcelain Floor & Tile Cleaner | PH Neutral | Easy Care No Rinse Cleaner For Porcelain & Ceramic Surfaces | Polished & Unpolished Surfaces | Interior & Exterior Uses | 500ml.

What is the safest cleaner for porcelain tile?

For stains, use white vinegar and water: Add white vinegar (¼ cup) to two gallons of warm water. Use the solution to mop the stained, glazed porcelain tiles. Vinegar cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes floors. After mopping, allow the solution to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and then rinse off the solution.

How do you keep porcelain tiles shiny?

Procedure:
  1. Sweep or vacuum loose dirt and dust from the floor. Use an untreated, dry dust mop instead of a broom.
  2. Mop the floor with a mild cleaning solution. ...
  3. Rinse the porcelain tiled floor with clean water.
  4. Dry carefully to increase the shine and to prevent water spots.

Will baking soda damage porcelain tile?

White vinegar mixed with water can be used to clean porcelain tiles, as can a mixture of baking soda and water. Both of these natural cleaners are safe and effective on porcelain tiles and won't cause any damage or discolouration.

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