How to clean porcelain tile and keep it new longer

Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic coating that can be used in internal and external areas, characterized by having low water absorption, color uniformity and high resistance to physical and chemical abrasion. Among the coating options, porcelain tile has dominated the world market and its main producers are countries such as Italy, Spain, China and Brazil.

Currently, a multitude of porcelain tiles are available on the market and their use varies according to the type of environment in which it is intended to be applied.

The most common types are polished porcelain tiles – whose surface is smooth and the application is indicated for internal areas; the structured ones – with a slightly abrasive surface and suitable for areas with humidity and the enameled ones, which receive a gloss layer and are mostly used in internal areas. There are also natural, satin, rustic and non-slip porcelain tiles.

With the wide spread and use of the coating, it is common to have doubts about how to maintain and clean them. Some care and precautions must be taken when it comes to cleaning porcelain tile. Check out some tips from Personal Organizer Adriani Gonçalves for the correct cleaning of porcelain tile.

Daily cleaning

Porcelain tile cleaning should always be done with the use of neutral detergent diluted in water and soft cloths. This rule applies to all types of porcelain, polished, matte, structured and enamelled. Follow the expert’s suggestions:

1. Sweep the floor with a fluff broom, or vacuum with a vacuum cleaner nozzle that has a brush to prevent the floor from scratching;
2. Prepare a solution with a spoon of neutral detergent for 5 liters of water and pass with the aid of a soft cloth over the surface;
3. To avoid the formation of water stains, finish cleaning with a dry cloth with alcohol.

In the case of weekly and monthly cleaning, the same recommendations for daily cleaning must be followed. To clean the grout, use creamy liquid soap. Never use granules which can scratch the floor.

Heavy cleaning (after construction)

The first post-work cleaning must be carried out within a maximum of 14 days after application of the grout. The objective is to guarantee the total removal of all construction residues, especially grout residues, which can be adhered to the surface of the floor, causing it to look grimy.

According to Adriani, for post-work cleaning it is recommended to use heavy cleaning products available in stores specializing in floors. To make it easier, follow the steps below:

1. Rinse the floor to remove all product and dirt residues;
2. Apply the specific product for heavy cleaning following the manufacturer’s recommendations;
3. Remove accumulated dirt with water. Do not let the product dry on the floor;
4. If necessary, repeat the process.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Porcelain

Despite being highly resistant, the porcelain enamel and the grout itself can be damaged when abrasive products or inappropriate chemical substances are applied. So avoid the products listed below:

• Washing powder;
• Soap powder;
• waxes;
• brushes;
• acids;
• Bleach;
• Caustic soda;
• Acetone;
• Ammonia.

Care in use and stains

To avoid the formation of scratches on the porcelain tile, the ideal is to protect the feet of the furniture with felt and be careful when dragging furniture.

In the case of stains from grease, oil, crayons, pencils, as well as rust and fruit juice stains, they must be removed with alkaline detergent and liquid soap or alcohol. The same is true for wine, coffee and soda stains.

Ink stains should be removed with an organic solvent or detergent, such as Thinner and plain water. These products also help to remove lime and cement residue. If you use these substances, rinse thoroughly immediately afterwards.

4 essential tips and tricks for a perfect clean

1. Always clean up any spilled liquid immediately. This will prevent the floor from staining.
2. Use large, good quality mats at the entrance and exit of all doors leading to the outside to keep the floor free of dirt and scratches.
3. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how best to clean your floor.
4. To remove stains and marks from shoes, rub the mark with an eraser. If there are scratches, rub them with a tennis ball.

Taking these precautions when cleaning, you keep your floor looking like new for much longer, increasing its useful life.