Learn how to keep your porcelain floors in tip-top condition with the best cleaning tips from Decorcera, the leading porcelain tile suppliers in the UK.

The biggest benefit of using porcelain tiles for your floors is that it’s super-easy to maintain. You can keep it looking shiny and sleek, even after decades. Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tiles that are baked at higher temperatures. Hence, these tiles have a glazed glass protective coating that makes them resistant to water damages, impervious to stains and scratches.

With that said, the right maintenance can keep your porcelain floors shiny and scratch-free for years to come. In this article, we list the top ways to take extra care of your porcelain tiles to enhance their longevity.

Top 5 Cleaning Tips to Improve the Longevity of Porcelain Tiles

porcelain-tiles

1. Give a clean sweep daily

The first step in cleaning tiled floors is to get rid of the accumulated dirt and dust. A vacuum cleaner is the best choice as it can pick up even tiny dirt particles. If you don’t own one, you can use a dry mop. We recommend using a dry mop over a broom as it helps in cleaning dirt and dust more effectively and also offers better protection for the tile’s surface.

2. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners

Porcelain tiles are fired at high temperatures causing silica, clay and other materials to blend together creating a water-resistant surface similar to glass. Regular use of harsh chemical cleaners containing – ammonia, acids or bleach – can erode this smooth surface, thereby increasing the water absorption rates.

Additionally, strong chemicals can also erase the grout sealing between adjacent tiles, thereby causing the tiles to pry out from their surface. When tiles get loose, water seeps beneath the tile’s surface, creating a damp area which further damages the tile.

To avoid all this, we recommend cleaning porcelain tiles with just warm water and a mop. You can mix a mild detergent with the warm water and wet mop your tiles once every two weeks.

3. Use only mild detergents

When using detergents for cleaning the tile surface, ensure that it’s of a low concentration. Spray the mild detergent + water solution on top of the tiles and allow it to stand for a few minutes. Then use a wet mop to wipe away the detergent solution. Make sure to rinse the surface with clean warm water and wipe dry completely. Do not let the detergent solution dry on the tile surface as it can cause powdery marks or water spots.

4. Get rid of stubborn stains with specialised stain removers

It’s common for spills and accidents to occur. If a messy accident occurs, make sure to clean it immediately to prevent the stains from seeping into the tile’s surface. You can use specialised stain removers to clean up spills and stains. However, avoid using brushes with hard bristles as it can damage the glossy surface of the tiles.

5. Apply stain removers only on the affected spots

While removing deep stains, make sure to use the stain remover only on the affected spot. Using these strong chemicals on the entire surface can cause long-term damage to the tile and grout.

Following the cleaning guidelines mentioned above offers the best protection for your flooring tiles. You can keep it looking good as new for years to come with regular maintenance. Make sure to place a door mat outside your front door to reduce the amount of dirt, grime and mud you bring into the house.

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