Porcelain tiles have a porosity rate (water absorption) of less than 0.5%, making them durable, dense and resistant to 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Swiffer wet cloths are designed to be used on most floor surfaces, such as: vinyl. porcelain tiles. ceramic tiles.
Windex can also be used to clean tiles and grout, without causing any damage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This homemade grout cleaner with Blue Dawn is the best and safest for your hard surfaces! Especially ceramic and porcelain tile and grout!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.