How to Maintain the Best Porcelain Tiles in the UK for Shine

Purchasing the best porcelain tiles in the UK is just the first step. The next important and crucial step is to maintain them the right way. In this guide, we share with you all that you need to know about cleaning your porcelain floors.

Porcelain – The Low Maintenance Tile

Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is baked at extremely high temperatures. It has a glazed glass coating that makes them extremely durable, and impervious to water damage, stains, scratches and fading. The best thing about porcelain is that it is extremely low maintenance. It can look good for years to come with minimal care.

How often should I clean porcelain floor tiles?

Vacuuming, sweeping and mopping porcelain tiles regularly keeps them shiny and dust-free. Depending on foot traffic, you may have to do this daily or once every few days. Additionally, you may have to do a deep clean and sanitise the floor once in a while, to remove stubborn dirt and dust.

Materials Needed to Clean Porcelain Floors

• Mop, bucket
• Broom or a vacuum
• Floor cleaning liquid
• Vinegar, baking soda

How to clean unglazed porcelain tiles?

Unglazed porcelain tiles do not have a sealant on top of the tile’s surface. They have a porous finish compared to glazed tiles and can get discoloured over time. Unglazed tiles have to be treated with a bit more care than glazed tiles.

• Use a broom or vacuum to wipe away loose dirt and dust. Follow sweeping with wet mopping the floors.
• Use plain tap water or mix 2 litres of warm water with a mild floor cleaner. Quickly wet the mop in the soapy solution and swiftly wipe the tiles. Do not let water remain on the floor for a long time as it can penetrate into the tile’s surface. Once you have mopped the tiles, dry them with a soft towel.
• You can also apply a stone sealer to reduce the porosity of unglazed porcelain floors. You can apply a sealant once a year after cleaning and drying the tiles thoroughly.
• Make sure to extra vigilant with unglazed tiles. Remove spills as quickly as it occurs to avoid permanent stains.

How to clean grout lines?

The grout lines refer to the joints between two adjacent tiles. They are the most vulnerable points of the floor. They have to be sealed, even if you have not sealed the porcelain tiles. To clean grout lines, make a mixture of baking soda with equal parts water. Use a small toothbrush to scrub and remove dirt and dust on the grout lines.

How to clean glazed porcelain tiles?

The majority of porcelain tiles have a melted glass glaze on top. This creates a protective layer that prevents water from penetrating into the tile’s surface, making the floors stain-resistant and water-proof. Glazed porcelain tiles are easy to care for and do not require annual sealing treatments.

• Regularly sweep or vacuum porcelain floors to remove dirt and dust.
• Follow the standard mopping procedure you use for regular floors. Use a mild floor cleaner and wipe the floor dry with a wet mop.
• Wipe up stains as quickly as possible. While glazed porcelain tiles are stain-resistant, stains can remain, if allowed to linger on the tile for long periods of time. Use a diluted solution of 1 parts water with 1 part vinegar to clean stains.
• Do not use steel or other hard bristles as it can damage the surface of the tile.

How to deep clean porcelain tiles?

You don’t have to deep clean porcelain tiles regularly. Generally, regular sweeping and mopping the floors is good enough to keep them shiny and sparkly. There may be times when you have to deep clean the floors to remove stubborn grime and dust.

Follow these steps to deep clean porcelain tiles:

• Mix ¼ cup household vinegar with 2 litres of warm water. If required, you can add a few drops of essential oil like peppermint, lemongrass or lavender for fresh scent.
• Sweep the floor to remove loose dirt and dust.
• They use the vinegar and water mixture to mop the floor.
• Rinse the floor by using plain water.
• Sprinkle baking soda on the wet floor.
• Then, mop the floor with plain water to remove any soapy residues.
• Dry the floor with a soft towel.
• Work each section of the floor separately so you can clean, rinse and dry each section before moving on to the next.

Smart Tips to Keep Your Porcelain Floors Cleaner for a Long Time

• Sweep, vacuum and mop your floors regularly. Small dirt and dust particles can wear away the protecting coating of the floors, making it dull over the years.
• When any spills or stains occur, wipe them away as quickly as possible.
• Porcelain is a sturdy material that can withstand most household cleansers. However, be careful to avoid using abrasive chemicals and acids, nothing too heavy-duty.
• Do not use coloured floor cleaners as it can stain unglazed porcelain tiles.
• Ventilate the area while cleaning to avoid inhaling toxic fumes from the chemicals you use.
• Do not use brushes with harsh bristles while cleaning the floors, as they can cause scratches and damage the tile’s surface.

If you have any more queries about cleaning and maintaining porcelain floors, reach out to Decorcera – the No.1 outdoor and indoor porcelain tiles manufacturers in the UK. With a vast collection of premium porcelain tiles, we can help you find the perfect tiles for your project.