Porcelain and ceramic tiles are more than just beautiful — they’re very manageable, require literally no maintenance, and do not need to be sealed. These tiles resist water and aren’t susceptible to bacterial growth because they are non-porous surfaces, making them very easy to maintain. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore tile cleaning altogether.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles both need to be regularly cleaned, though sometimes they must be washed more frequently depending on how much daily use they receive. Since they aren’t porous, dirt and dust stay on their surface and prevent you from seeing the beauty of our tiles. Let’s take a look at how to clean ceramic and porcelain wall tiles, flooring, and other surfaces to ensure they look the best they can be.
Start by Vacuuming
The first step in ceramic and porcelain tile cleaning is to remove any dust on the surface by vacuuming. This might seem unnecessary at first — after all, you’ll be wiping it all down soon with your cloth. However, dust and debris will become wet and muddy after coming into contact with water and stick to the floor, making you spend more time cleaning them with your mop. As a result, you should never neglect to vacuum away any dirt before you begin tile cleaning.
Find a Cleaning Solution to Mop the Floor With
When you clean glazed porcelain and ceramic tiles, choose a mild soap and combine it with warm water. So long as the label on the cleaning product states that it’s for the material you’re cleaning, it will be effective and safe because they’re non-porous materials. If you’re not doing a deep clean and there isn’t much dirt to remove, then water alone can be enough to get the job done. Although, if there are any hard water deposits or hard-to-remove substances, then you should consider using a spray cleaner. On the other hand, unglazed tiles should be cleaned with a neutral pH solution to eliminate any grease or oil.
Scrub or Mop the Tiles
There are many things you can use for ceramic tile cleaning, including:
- Mops
- Cloth
- Sponges
- Plastic scrubbers
- And more
However, stay away from metallic brushes and steel wool, as they can damage the tiles because of how abrasive they are. After you’re done scrubbing the tile with your tool of choice, use clean water to wash away any remaining dirt and solution. The last tile cleaning step is to thoroughly dry them so that there isn’t any water left behind.
Clean the Grout
While learning how to clean ceramic and porcelain wall tiles and flooring is relatively easy, the grout cleaning process is a tad different. Traditionally, grout is about 60% porous, meaning that air and water can enter it. As a result, constantly cleaning grout can cause it to eventually fall apart. When you do clean grout, be sure not to scrub too hard, or you might damage the grout lines by accident.
It’s worth noting that newer forms of grout are much less porous and, as a result, are harder to stain. Even if they are more resistant to staining, you should always clean any spills as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in and creating stains.
Looking for Beautiful Tiles for Your Home? Call Modello Tile Studio Today!
From bath remodeling to kitchen interior design, Modello Tile Studio is your source for the highest-quality tiles in Orinda, Oakland, Danville, and Lafayette, CA. We offer ceramic and porcelain tiles in countless shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to pick the perfect match for your home’s unique design. To learn more about the tile varieties we have available, give us a call today!