How to protect porcelain tiles?

Author: Lolita Stamm  |  Last update: Friday, June 13, 2025

Protecting Porcelain Surfaces Porcelain does not require sealing, however, it is a good idea to seal grout or any joints. Use a product that is safe for both the tile and the grout. To remove sealers, waxes and other floor finishes from porcelain tile or countertops, use a tile sealer and adhesive remover.

What can I use to protect porcelain tile?

Make The Most Of Your Porcelain Tile

A tile sealer will protect your porcelain floors from that potential damage and make cleaning even easier, leaving you with one less thing to worry about.

Is it a good idea to seal porcelain tiles?

Even though the porcelain tile is technically impervious at 0.5% absorption or less it can be beneficial to seal it and the cementitious grouts. The sealer can act as a bond breaker so that things don't stick as readily to it and and it will be easier to clean.

Do I need to protect porcelain tiles?

As porcelain is a durable and hard-wearing material, it doesn't need to be sealed. Regardless of whether you opt for our Project or Luxury range, our porcelain paving has a low porosity, which means that natural nuisances such as algae and moss are less able to gain a foothold in the pores of the material.

What not to use on 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.

How To Protect Grout & Porcelain with LTP Porcelain Tile Protector - Tile Mountain

What ruins porcelain tile?

Avoid oil- and wax-based cleaners and never use a solution containing acids, ammonia, or bleach on your glazed porcelain tiles. These products can alter the color of the tile and eat away the grout.

What is the best sealer for porcelain tiles?

Smartseal Porcelain Sealer is a hard wearing, breathable, protective coating for modern internal & external porcelain tiles. The porcelain tile sealer can also be used on ceramic wall and floor tiles. Furthermore, it helps to prevent general soiling & surface staining.

How often should you seal porcelain tile?

Porcelain does not require sealing, however, it is a good idea to seal grout or any joints. Use a product that is safe for both the tile and the grout.

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.

Do porcelain tiles scratch easily?

Porcelain tile is highly durable. Because it is extremely hard and dense, this tile resists wear, scratching, chipping, and cracking.

Can you clear coat porcelain tile?

GlazeGuard Gloss sealer is developed specifically for ceramic and porcelain tiles. It will put a clear sealer across the floor tile and grout, giving it a high gloss wet look appearance, as well as provide a barrier that will protect against chemicals and soiling and make the floor much easier to clean.

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.

How long 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 happens if you don't seal porcelain tiles?

Most porcelain tiles won't need sealing, as they are naturally robust and offer water resistance. However, if you have polished porcelain or other porous tiles they must be sealed to stop water from entering and damaging the tile. Unsealed tiles can stain, and attract dust and dirt which can be difficult to clean.

What damages porcelain tile?

SO WHAT DAMAGES PORCELAIN STONEWARE?
  • INCORRECT OR LACK OF CLEANING AFTER INSTALLATION. ...
  • USE OF UNSUITABLE DETERGENTS. ...
  • USE OF CLOTHS AND ABRASIVE SPONGES. ...
  • FAILURE TO CLEAN JOINTS. ...
  • USE OF POOR QUALITY PORCELAIN STONEWARE.

Is Swiffer safe for porcelain tiles?

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

What to avoid on porcelain tiles?

Avoid using ammonia or bleaching agents on the tiles; they damage porcelain tiles and stain grout. Oil-based wax detergents and cleaners damage these floors, too. Cleaners with dyes also stain porcelain tiles; avoid them.

Can you use Dawn to clean porcelain tile?

For most types of tile, including porcelain and ceramic, you only need two ingredients—warm water and dish soap. In a spray bottle, combine warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Spray the water and dish soap solution on the tile surface. Wipe the area with a damp microfiber towel or cloth.

Is pine sol good for porcelain tile?

Then, follow these steps to get ceramic and glazed porcelain tiles and grout thoroughly clean: Step 1 Add ⅛ cup of Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner to a bucket containing a gallon of water. Step 2 Wet a cloth or chamois mop in the mixture. Step 3 Wipe down the tile floors thoroughly.

Can you use Bona mop on tile?

Bona Premium Microfiber Mop for Multi-Surface Floors

Bona's microfiber floor mop has a large mop head and telescoping handle for quick and easy tile floor cleaning.

What are the disadvantages of sealing grout?

The Drawback of Using Grout Sealer

Moisture can still pass through most sealers, meaning grout isn't entirely waterproof even when sealed. Over time, grout in areas like bathrooms will naturally stain or show signs of aging, regardless of sealing.

How do you prevent water spots on porcelain tile?

Rinse and Dry: Always rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry immediately to prevent water spots and maintain the tile's appearance.

Does sealing porcelain tile make it shiny?

Porcelain Tile Sealer For Patios creates a sheen on the surface of the tile once it is dry. It should be applied carefully in just one thin coat. We recommend using a microfibre flat mop or a microfibre cloth soaked in the sealer.

What makes porcelain tile shine?

Detergent and Borax. Detergent is very useful in removing grease from tile and giving the floor its original shine. But you must use the Wax-free neutral detergent and mild detergent to keep tile shiny and clean.

How do you keep porcelain tiles streak free?

Cleaning with a vinegar-water solution can help to promote a streak-free finish on porcelain tile. It's also important to thoroughly rinse and dry the floor. Why are my porcelain tiles dull? Anything that can remove the finish and wear at the surface of a porcelain tile can make it appear dull.

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