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.
Do not use cleaning products that contain acids or ammonia (and other harsh chemicals) as these can damage grout and glazed surfaces of the tile. Choose products that are compatible with your grout to avoid damage or discoloration of the grout. Always dry your porcelain thoroughly after cleaning.
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.
For anyone wondering how to make porcelain tiles shine weekly, there are two types of cleaning that you should always perform. The first is week-to-week cleaning which consists of sweeping and vacuuming to remove any dirt or debris. The next way to clean is with a vinegar-water solution and should be completed monthly.
You can also use Pine-Sol® Original Squirt 'N Mop®. It's safe for wood and hard nonporous surfaces like ceramic and porcelain tiles, and also sealed granite. You can apply this product directly from the bottle over a 3' x 3' area and start mopping.
That's right: water alone is enough to clean lightly soiled porcelain and ceramic tile surfaces. No harsh chemicals are necessary! If you choose to use a mop for your flooring, be sure you have swept up debris beforehand and use a flat mop rather than a sponge mop to keep from pushing dirty water into the grout lines.
For most types of tile, including porcelain and ceramic, you only need one key ingredient: A DIY mixture of warm water and dish soap will do the trick. Follow these steps to clean tiles: Spray the water and dish soap solution on the tile surface. Wipe the area with a damp microfiber towel or cloth.
Swiffer wet cloths are designed to be used on most floor surfaces, such as: vinyl. porcelain tiles. ceramic tiles.
While vinegar is safe to use on laminate, vinyl, porcelain, and ceramic tile, it is best to use it sparingly since the acid in the vinegar can dissolve the finish on your floor. Therefore, when you are using it on tiled floors, you want to make sure you cut it with water or rinse it completely with water.
Porcelain is an incredibly versatile material, renowned for its stain resistance and durability. Unlike natural stone which is routinely sealed, porcelain often doesn't require any protection – but this isn't the case for all types of tile.
The good news is that vinegar won't damage your porcelain tiles as long as it's used properly. Hooray!
Yes! Go crazy with your steam mop on your ceramic and porcelain tile floors. The mop will clean the tile surfaces and the grout, leaving a streak-free surface that's simultaneously disinfected.
Bona Polishes are safe for use on your sealed or finished, and unwaxed or unoiled hardwood, stone, tile or laminate surface.
As long as the porcelain is wet, the sandpaper will "float" on the surface and will not scratch it. Water, fine sandpaper and elbow grease will do the job.
It is not necessary to seal any glazed tiles or good quality un-polished porcelain tiles; however, once again we recommend the use of a grout protector if you want to protect the grout to keep it looking its best and to make ongoing maintenance easier.
Tile cleaner
If you'd like one product that cleans everything in your bathroom, the famous blue bottle of window cleaner might just be it. Windex can also be used to clean tiles and grout, without causing any damage.
Once a month, mix 1/4 cup white vinegar with two gallons of water (or purchase one of the many suitable commercial cleansers) and apply the solution to the floor with a sponge mop. Rinse with plain water, then dry the surface completely with a clean towel or a microfiber cloth.
To revive dull, faded tiles and give them a gorgeous shine, an ammonia-water mix is one of the best. This inexpensive and easy-to-use solution is powered by the natural cleaning properties of ammonia and will leave your tiles looking their best.
Though popular for being gentler alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners, baking soda, Borax, and even salt can harm the finish of your porcelain fixtures. As gentle as they are, these compounds are still abrasive and will scratch your finish, especially with regular use.
While you're cleaning your tile floors, steam mops are an effective option worth considering. “Steam mops are great for tile floors as they can clean and sanitize tile and grout quickly and thoroughly. Make sure to leave ample drying time after steam mopping to avoid streaks,” Cohoon says.
The best mop for porcelain tiles
The traditional mop and bucket are hard to improve upon. However, for tech fans, there is the electronic spin mop or the steam mop which will make life easier when it comes to cleaning porcelain tiles.
You may have guessed where this is going: porcelain tiles are not waterproof, they are water resistant. That means that if you submerge them in water long enough, then they will eventually allow that water to seep through.
Murphy® Oil Soap and other non-synthetic solutions are safe to use on tile and grout without wearing down either one, but other natural solutions include rubbing alcohol, particularly for more set spots of mildew. Fill a spray bottle with your solution and apply it where it's needed.
Please note: Always use Lysol® products as directed on the label. Give your porcelain the best chance of looking good and lasting its course by using the correct cleaning methods and products with Lysol®.
Can you power wash porcelain tiles? Yes and porcelain only needs a light power washing. I would however be careful around the grout and make sure you do not use a very high powered power wash.