October 17, 2019 | Updated: November 11, 2022

Ask the Expert

How to clean porcelain tiles

There’s a certain satisfaction after tidying and cleaning the home, a sensation of establishing order, albeit briefly.

Making sure surfaces are all clean and hygienic should be a part of a weekly housekeeping routine. However, specific surfaces require particular attention in order to remain in optimum condition and retain their lustre. Porcelain tiles are an example; different approaches are recommended depending on whether the tiles are polished or unpolished, glazed or unglazed, anti-slip or textured.

 

Step-by-step guide on how to clean porcelain tiles

Below we provide a step-by-step routine for how to clean porcelain tiles, with a focus on the tools and materials required for a thorough cleaning.

 

#1 Get rid of all dust

The best way to clean porcelain tiles is to start by removing the dust. Use a dry dust mop or vacuum cleaner. Another option is the micro-fibre mop. Make sure to get into the corners and between the tiles. This is a preliminary step for deeper cleaning.

 

#2 Localised cleaning

Use a soft nylon brush together with warm water for localised stains, and clean in a circular motion. Avoid using the brush on any dry areas as it can scratch the tiles

 

#3 Mopping with a cleaning solution and hot water

Finish off by mopping with a floor cleaner, a mild solution that will not damage glazed or polished tiles. Finally, apply hot water before the cleaning solution has dried completely.

 

#4 Final drying and buffing

The last step is to dry with a micro-fibre cloth or a clean towel and buff to a shine with a cheesecloth or other fabric.

 

 

Cleaning porcelain tiles: product recommendations

Now that we’ve covered the basics of cleaning porcelain tiles, let’s look at the best products for the job.

 

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.

 

The best cleaners for porcelain tiles

Butech, a Porcelanosa Group company dedicated to technical solutions, has created a line of cleaning products, each tailored to specific requirements.

 

Porce-Clean 1000ml

PORCE-CLEAN

Recommended use:

  • Deep and thorough cleaning of porcelain tile flooring.
  • Neutral pH to protect delicate surfaces.
  • Recommended for polished surfaces; low foaming and quick drying to prevent marks.

SHOP NOW

 

 

Acid Net 1000 ml

ACID NET

Recommended use:

  •  Building residue removal: cement and plaster residues of all kinds and efflorescence in general.

SHOP NOW

 

basic gel 1L

 

BASIC GEL

Recommended use:

  • Deep cleaning of ceramic and porcelain and ceramic tile walls.
  • Cleaning of wax, oil or grease remains from floor and wall tiles.
  • Cleaning of glazed substrates prior to laying new tiles.

 

 

 

 

How to clean different types of porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles have the lowest maintenance requirements of all the materials used on walls and floors.  However, not all porcelain tiles require the same cleaning methods. Below, we will go over some of the various procedures.

 

How to clean bathroom porcelain tiles?

Porcelain tiles in bathrooms, where soap residue or limescale might accumulate, should be cleaned regularly using an appropriate detergent product, allowing it to operate for a few minutes before washing. 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. After that, rinse with warm water and dry with a dry cloth or mop. Follow this link to find out more about how to clean a bathroom efficiently.

 

How to clean high gloss porcelain tiles?

High-gloss tiles are more likely to show water marks, grease, dirt, and even fingerprints, so they require special care. Liquid detergents are designed to remove surface dirt, but if not used properly, they may leave visible marks on the surface. With this in mind, clean the entire area at once and, after applying your cleaning solution, rinse the tiles with clean water and wipe them dry with a cloth, rather than air-drying them. This will give the tiles a glossy finish with no watermarks or streaks.

 

How to clean textured porcelain tiles?

Textured tiles require more maintenance than smooth tiles, as they accumulate dust on their surface. However, this does not imply extensive or special cleaning techniques; rather, it refers to more frequent cleaning to keep them looking their best.

 

How to clean anti-slip porcelain tiles?

Because of the inherent surface characteristics, cleaning non-slip tiles is more difficult than cleaning other tiles without a non-slip surface. They attract dirt easily, requiring more thorough cleaning methods. That is, they must be cleaned more regularly and thoroughly.

Furthermore, cleaning anti-slip tile with a conventional mop does not remove the dirt embedded in the particles that give the tiles their anti-slip finish. This means that dirt accumulates, detracting from the overall appearance of the floor surface and usually slightly altering the colour.

Don’t worry though, there are several perfectly acceptable cleaning methods for anti-slip floor tiles:

  • Use high-pressure cleaning equipment (Karcher pressure washers or high-pressure hoses).
  • Use vapour steam cleaners.
  • Scrub the surface with a brush with hard plastic bristles and then rinse it thoroughly with clean water.

 


Note: Whatever cleaning system is used, it is critical to use clean water; otherwise, when the water evaporates, small particles of dirt from the water will be deposited on the surface. As a result, change the water regularly to ensure that it is completely clean.


 

 

How to remove stains from porcelain tiles?

Porcelain tiles can usually be restored to their original state by simply cleaning them with water. However, some stains are more difficult to remove and require a more specific product. This is true, for example, of coffee, tea, ink, and make-up. Below are some examples of products suitable for treating specific stains.

  • If the stain is from a felt pen, use a solvent such as a methyl alcohol, acetone, or ethanol to remove it.
  • For stains from coffee, tea, food, fruit, juice, or make-up, use regular detergent dissolved in hot water, along with hydrogen peroxide or bleach. 
  • For pencil marks, use a soft rubber.
  • Baking soda and water can be used to remove grease and dirt stains.
  • For blood stains, use hydrogen peroxide or a diluted bleach solution.

 

And here’s a much more detailed table that explains which product to use for which type of stain, with a focus on the Butech products mentioned above.

 

Table of recommended cleaners for different types of stains

Remains of building workacid net
Cementacid net
Gypsumacid net
Remains of siliconeVitroceramic scraper + Acetone
Efflorescenceacid net
MossBlench
Daily maintenanceporce-clean
Foodporce-clean
Coffee, juices, sodasbasic gel
Lemon, vinegarbasic gel
Rust stainsacid net
Urine and vomitacid net
MerbrominHydrogen peroxide
Iodine dyeHydrogen peroxide
Blood stainsHydrogen peroxide
Oil, fatbasic gel
Motor oilbasic gel
TarAcetone
Paint, varnish, markersAcetone
Adhesive and glueAcetone
Rubber tiresAcetone

 

DOWNLOAD THE TABLE

 

0 thoughts on “How to clean porcelain tiles

  1. I have just installed 130 m of Durango Acero and want to know the best method to clean them. Would a steam mop be a good option?

  2. For our bathroom we were given anti-slip Porcelanosa tiles, the ones with a surface like sandpaper. As you might guess, all the instructions here are useless. Any cloth or sponge mop is shredded in short order. I’m told anti-slip tiles should only be specified for wet rooms where the water runs into a drain. We will be experimenting with bristle brushes and will then need a way to remove the water. A cheap carpet washer dryer has a brush at the front, wheels behind and a wide nozzle to vacuum up the water, and may be a workable solution. Does anyone have experience with this problem and have they found any solutions?

  3. Hi, ive got the Metropolitan Caliza tiles in my lounge, please advise on how to clean. Are they polished, textured or glazed? Thanks

  4. Hello we have just had none shine ,with a slight texture porcelain tiles fitted,in the hall and kitchen,what is the best method and product to clean these tiles,I have a multi surface cleaning liquid can this be used.I also have old fashioned mop and bucket and an electric steam cleaner.

    I would be grateful if you could please advise.

    Lorraine

    1. Hi! If there is no specific stain and only routine cleaning is required, we recommend using a neutral detergent, such as porce-clean. More information about this cleaning product can be found here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *