Porcelain Tiles Care Guide

How to clean porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are durable, robust and require little ongoing maintenance. They can last for decades if they are looked after properly, which makes them a popular choice for high traffic areas in busy family homes. The methodology for cleaning porcelain tiles is dependent on the finish. In this care guide we share our top tips for maintaining textured, polished and un-polished porcelain wall and floor tiles

Cleaning after installation

After the tiles have been installed you should wash away residue with a professional cleaner. If grout residue needs removing, we recommend LTP Grout Stain Remover, which will help the tiles look their best and retain their properties. Please note this is quite harsh formula, so always do a patch test first.
If you just want to give the tiles a quick clean LTP Grimex is perfect for general use.

Brushing and vacuuming

Your first step, regardless of tile finish should be removing dust and debris. We recommend using a vacuum cleaner, dry mop, microfibre cloth or soft brush as stiff bristles can damage the glaze. Steel wool pads can cause rust stains in the grout.

Try to sweep your tiles on a regular basis. Dirt and grit can damage tiles surface by wearing away the protective coating. This can cause the tiles to become dull.

Once you’ve removed surface layer dirt you can give the tiles a more through clean and tackle any stubborn stains

Cleaning unpolished / unglazed porcelain tiles

Unpolished tiles are more porous than polished porcelain tiles. This means they can get stained or discoloured if spills are not cleaned promptly. They are also more fragile than glazed tiles, so should be treated more delicately. Only mild detergents should be used.

Use warm water with dish soap and a sponge on spills and stains
If possible, try to get a ph. balanced soap and avoid saturating the area
If you would prefer to use a chemical cleaner – try to pick a mild solution such as LTP Waxwash or Porcelain Tile Cleaner. Let the product sit on the tiles as directed on the label, but do not let it dry
Only use clear cleaning fluids on unpolished tiles to prevent discolouration
Dry the floor with a towel after cleaning
Try not to saturate the floor when cleaning and use a dry cloth to mop up any residue once you’re done. This will stop the water soaking into the floor

Cleaning polished / glazed porcelain tiles

Glazed tiles have a thin protective top layer, which makes them waterproof and resistant to stains. They are much easier to care for than unglazed tiles and do not require ongoing maintenance or annual sealing.

Brush tiles regularly to keep them clean and looking their best
Wipe spillages as soon as possible to avoid the potential for damage. While glazed porcelain tiles are resistant to most stains, discolouration can happen if marks are allowed to sit for some time
If staining does occur use a damp cloth and diluted cleaning product to remove. Polished tiles are quite hardy and most shop bought general-purpose cleaners can be used (always consult the label before use)
Commercial tile cleaner is also suitable – our product of choice is LTP Porcelain Tile Cleaner for general use and Grimex for heavy duty cleaning
Diluted vinegar can be used if you’d prefer a natural solution (mix 1:1 white vinegar and water)
Once you’ve finished, allow the floor to air dry or use a clean towel or cloth
If you want to achieve a high gloss finish you should buff the floor tiles in a circular motion. A porcelain tile polishing pad will help you get the best results

Sealing unpolished tiles

To prevent against staining an acrylic sealing treatment can be applied. We recommend using LTP Mattstone to seal the surface. Apply as directed on the packaging. This should be re-applied around once a year.

Cleaning textured porcelain tiles

Textured porcelain tiles are designed to resemble natural materials such as wood or stone. This means they have a textured surface, with more places for the dirt and grime to collect.

Brush the whole floor in one direction and then repeat in the opposite direction
Once you’ve removed the dust, use a microfibre cloth and diluted cleaning solution such as LTP Porcelain Tile Cleaner for general use and Grimex for heavy duty cleaning
Leave the cleaning solution to sit for 5-10 minutes. If there are stubborn stains you can tackle these areas with a soft brush
Rinse the detergent with water and dry with a clean towel. Do not leave the cleaning solution on the tiles as this can cause damage to the textured surface

Top tips for cleaning porcelain tiles

There are further preventative measures you can take in addition to the cleaning advice above. These include:

Avoid harsh chemicals – porcelain tiles should not be cleaned with acid, bleach or ammonia. This can alter the grout colour and damage the finish of the tiles. Corrosive chemicals can damage the porcelain tiles water-resistant top layer and increase absorption rates. This can damage the tile and cause it to loosen from the wall.
Avoid oil-based products – try not to use oil-based cleaners, wax and sealants – especially on unpolished tiles. They can leave a residue and cause discolouration.
Use rugs and door mats – we recommend installing a doormat or rug in the entrance to a tiled area. This will stop you walking through dirt or grit, which may cause some damage over a sustained period of time.
Wash away detergents – after cleaning your floors with a chemical solution, rinse with water and dry with a towel. Wherever possible you should try to avoid the cleaning solution drying onto the tile.
Spot test – test cleaning products on a small, hidden tile to ensure no damage is caused before using the detergent on the rest of the floor.

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Grout maintenance

Even though porcelain tiles are robust, the grout is still be prone to staining. To avoid this, we suggest using a quality grout sealant, such as LTP Aerosol Grout Sealer at the time of installation.

There are a range of grout cleaners on the market that can be used as and when it’s needed. Natural remedies can also be effective – try mixing equal parts water and baking soda.

Another top tip is to use a sponge cloth instead of a mop when cleaning. Mops can cause water to pool in the grout lines and increases the likelihood of staining.

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