As the warmer weather approaches, we know that many of our customers will be embarking on a spot of spring cleaning. Whether you’re tackling one room at a time or planning to give the whole house a once over, make sure you give your tiles the care and attention they deserve. Regular cleaning will ensure that your tiles look their best and stand the test of time.

We often speak with customers who are unaware that different tiles require different cleaning fluids. Here we outline the cleaning products, home remedies and tools that you can use to keep your tiles looking sparkling clean.

Porcelain tiles  

Porcelain tiles are incredibly hardwearing and largely resistant to stains. However, they do require regular cleaning to ensure they retain their water-resistant properties.

When cleaning porcelain tiles you should avoid corrosive chemicals such as bleach or ammonia, as this can break down the surface layer allowing water to penetrate the tile. It can also affect the surrounding grout, which may cause your tiles to move.

Warm water, a mop or microfibre towel and a bit of elbow grease are usually sufficient to clean porcelain tiles. For stubborn stains you could use a mild general-purpose detergent, diluted with water.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles, like porcelain tiles, are extremely durable and resistant to moisture. They can be cleaned much in the same way as porcelain tiles, using a diluted all-purpose cleaner and dried with a chammy or clean microfibre cloth. You should never use abrasive chemicals.

High gloss glazed ceramic tiles can show water marks and finger prints, so you may wish to clean these surfaces more frequently.

Glass tiles

Glass tiles are becoming an increasingly popular tile choice, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. This is because they are durable and require minimal upkeep to keep them looking great. For the most part, glass tiles are resistant to staining, bacteria, mildew and mould. However, they can experience some mineral residue and water staining, especially in hard water areas.

To keep your glass tiles looking tip top, we advise using a simple solution that you can easily make at home. For the best results spray equal parts water and white vinegar onto the tiled surface and leave for approximately 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water and dry with a soft cloth in a circular buffing motion. To avoid smearing or the build-up of soap scum, we recommend doing this on a regular basis, at least once or twice a week.

Natural stone tiles 

Natural stone such as marble, slate or travertine is a porous material, which easily absorbs grease and dirt. Therefore, we always advise customers to protect stone tiles with a with a quality sealant, which will help keep tiles looking vibrant and in excellent condition.

When cleaning natural stone, you should use specially formulated stone cleaning products, which are gentle and do not damage the protective sealant. It is also important to prevent contact with coarse materials such as a stiff bristle brush or scouring pads, which may scratch the surface of the tile. For troublesome stains, we suggest using a higher concentration of cleaning fluid and leaving it to settle for a short period of time. For best results, ongoing maintenance is essential, to ensure natural stone tiles stay protected against spills and staining.

Metal tiles

Many mosaic sheets contain metal tiles, which look bold and eye catching, especially in modern homes. If you choose metallic tiles you should only use a soft cloth or brush when cleaning, because stiff bristles may cause unsightly scratching. Stainless steel cleaner can be used to give an added sheen.

Please note, before cleaning any type of tile, you should ensure crumbs or debris are vacuumed prior to applying cleaning fluid. If trying a new cleaning product for the first time, you should always administer a small amount to an inconspicuous area, to make sure no discolouration occurs.

If you require additional advice on cleaning tiles, please contact one of our friendly team. They will be able to offer helpful guidance on what cleaning products you should use and recommend sealants to ensure the longevity of your tiles.