How to Clean Porcelain Floor Tiles

Unglazed Porcelain Floor Tiles

In its raw manufactured state, porcelain is a strong but somewhat porous material that can be subject to staining discolorations over time. These materials need to be treated with a certain level of delicacy, be monitored for spills, and receive a sealing treatment annually.

1. Damp Mop

   Use plain warm water to damp mop or mix 1 gallon of warm water with a few drops of relatively mild ph-balanced dish soap. Do not saturate these floors as they will be more prone to water penetration than other materials. Dry the tiles with a clean towel or sponge after mopping.

2. Apply Sealing Treatment

   An acrylic stone sealer can be applied to a well-cleaned, dry unglazed floor to keep the surface pores impervious. Yearly, add about 1 cup of sealer to 3 gallons of rinse water after a good cleaning.

   Tip

   Use constant vigilance and remove any spills that occur as soon as possible so they don't stain the unglazed porcelain.

3. Clean Grout Lines

   The grout lines are often the most vulnerable points in the installation. They will need to be sealed even if the tiles don’t. You can clean them with equal parts water and baking soda, using a small brush. If necessary, it is possible to completely remove and replace grout lines for a brand new look

Glazed Porcelain Tiles

In most cases, porcelain flooring will be treated with a melted glass glaze, which is poured over the surface of each tile to create a thin protective layer that is completely impervious to water penetration and most stains. These applications are much easier to care for, requiring less maintenance and no annual sealing treatments.

1. Sweep or Vacuum

   Regularly sweep or vacuum your floors to remove grit that can damage the glaze.

2. Mop

   Most mopping or cleaning procedures, including both natural and chemical, can be used to effectively refresh glazed ceramic floors. However, you still have to check and follow any instructions listed on the packaging of the product.

3. Prevent Stains

   Wipe up stains as soon as possible, and flush away any residue. While these tiles are resistant, they can still slightly shade if messes are allowed to linger for long periods of time.

4. Clean Stains

   A solution of vinegar diluted 1-to-1 with water or a diluted commercial ceramic tile cleaner can be used to clean stains.

How to Deep Clean Porcelain Floor Tiles

In general, you will be able to just use warm water and a mop to clean porcelain tiles. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to make use of deeper cleaning to sanitize the surface and remove stubborn grime.

1. Mix Vinegar and Water

   Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. If desired, you can add essential oils for scent.

2. Mop Thoroughly

   Use the vinegar and water mixture to mop the floor well.

3. Rinse

   Rinse the floor by mopping well with plain water. 

4. Sprinkle With Baking Soda

   Sprinkle baking soda on the floor.

5. Mop With Vinegar and Water Solution

   Mop the floor with the vinegar and water solution.

6. Flush to Remove Residue

   Flush the floor thoroughly with plain water thoroughly to remove any residue.

7. Go Section by Section

   Work in small sections so that you can clean, rinse, and allow each portion of the floor to dry thoroughly.