Certain types of sealers can trap moisture in the tile and develop a cloudy look. Or sometimes if the sealer isn't buffed dry on dense tiles it can become tacky and pick up dirt.
This is known as chemical residue buildup, a common floor maintenance issue. These chemicals need to be scrubbed off or completely removed, as this chemical residue is doing what these chemicals are designed to do – attract dirt – which is making your floor look dirty!
Why does my tile floor still look dirty after cleaning? The likely cause for dirty-looking tiles is not using clean enough water while cleaning the floor.
General cleaning of porcelain tiles is a relatively simple process. Regular cleaning (once or twice weekly) is the best way of preventing a build-up of dirt and unsightly stains. This can be accomplished with a simple sweep and vacuum to remove debris, followed by mopping sparingly with warm water.
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.
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 or ceramic tiles can be polished using white vinegar and dish soap, plus a microfibre cloth. Wood tiles generally need to be waxed using specific floor wax.
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.
As with anything in your home that gets a lot of wear, porcelain tiles can lose that initial shine and shimmer if they are not maintained correctly. This can manifest in a few ways. Dirty grout is a common issue that can develop over time, quickly detracting from the beauty of your porcelain tiles.
This residue can be a lot of things; dust from cutting tiles, protective coatings for shipping purposes, grout haze, even footprints. Once you cover the residue with sealer, it is not going to come off until the sealant does. Many porcelain tiles do not need sealing, but grouts might.
You can safely use vinegar to clean ceramic or porcelain tiles, whether they are glazed or unglazed. For other types, however, like terracotta, marble or grante, we recommend you look for ph neutral cleaner that will not harm the material.
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.
Next, sealing tiles is a great option for those who want to change the aesthetic appearance of their porcelain. Some tile sealers are specifically designed to leaves different finishes, so you can use them to make your tile floors shiny, matte, wet looking, or even simply color-enhanced.
Never use a product containing ammonia or bleach (or any type of acid-based cleanser); these can alter the tile color and/or stain the grout. Never use oil-based detergents or wax cleaners. On unglazed porcelain, never use any cleaners that contain dye or coloring.
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.
Swiffer wet cloths are designed to be used on most floor surfaces, such as: vinyl. porcelain tiles. ceramic tiles.
Porcelain tiles do not require much maintenance, just a wipe with a mild cleaning product, as long as it is done on a weekly basis. The best way to clean porcelain bathroom tiles is to add a few drops of cleaner to the water, and spread the mix on the tiles with a mop or damp sponge.
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.
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.
The reason may be anything for your tiles to look dull or drab. It can be either grout discoloration or leftover soap or residue from all the different cleaning solutions used. If there is enough determination in us, we can get the old shine back to our porcelain tiles and make them as good as new.
If you recently had new tile installed and you are noticing a filmy, cloudy finish on your tile, there's a good chance this is leftover residue caused by your grout.
Cloudy Surface
Your tiles are prone to staining and damage when you use the wrong cleaning products. A milky or cloudy stain is a stark indicator of this. Continuing to use the wrong products can lead to permanent damage to the tile and its grout. This also could be caused by hard water.