Mastering Porcelain Tile Cleaning: Expert Tips for Perfect Results

Love the sleek look of porcelain tiles but you’re unsure how to clean them? You’re not alone! Whether it’s the floors in your living room or the shower tiles in your bathroom, porcelain tiles are a stylish and practical choice, but keeping them looking their best requires the right cleaning approach.

This is why our team at Stone Center has put together this guide that covers simple, effective methods for cleaning porcelain tile surfaces, whether polished, glazed, unpolished, or textured — making it easy to restore and maintain their shine. Your tile surfaces will look brand new in no time.

What You Need to Clean Porcelain Tiles

The materials you’ll need for cleaning porcelain tile floors depend on the dirt level and cleaning intensity. It’s important that you choose the right tools to ensure spotless results and tile protection. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Broom or vacuum
• Mop, sponge, or soft brush
• Mop bucket
• Dishwashing soap
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Acrylic stone sealer

Pro tip: Invest in a microfiber mop for best results — it traps dirt, prevents scratches, uses minimal water, and is both cost-effective and eco-friendly!

Essential Pre-Cleaning Considerations to Keep in Mind

Don’t rush into the process! Cleaning porcelain tiles effectively isn't just about scrubbing and achieving a long-lasting shine; it's about preventing damage. Before you begin, here are some crucial points to consider:

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Cleaners containing chlorine, ammonia, or bleach can damage the tile's color and pattern and cause irreversible discoloration.
• No abrasive tools: Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff brushes to prevent surface scratches.
• Skip oil-based cleaners: Wax or oil-based detergents leave a residue that attracts dirt and dulls tiles.
• Water wise: Too much water or hot water can damage unglazed porcelain tiles and the subsurface.
• Protect yourself: Wear gloves to protect your skin from chemicals that can cause irritation.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Porcelain Tile Showers

Step 1. Clear the Area

Start by removing all of your personal items like soap dishes, shampoo bottles, and loofahs to create an uncluttered workspace. Rinse the entire shower with warm water to loosen dirt, soap scum, and residue to make it easier to scrub away grime.

Step 2. Apply a Cleaning Solution

For general cleaning, you can use a pH-neutral cleaner. Spray the solution onto the tiles, focusing on areas with the left soap scum or mildew, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to break down the grime.

Pro tip: If you don't have any pH-neutral cleaner, consider making a vinegar-water solution (1:1) as an alternative. For tougher stains, add a few drops of dish soap for extra power.

Step 3. Scrub the Tiles

After the solution has sat for a few minutes, scrub the tiles gently with soft tools like a soft-bristled brush, microfiber cloth, or sponge. Work in circular motions and pay special attention to corners and textured surfaces.

Step 4. Clean the Grout Lines

Mix baking soda and water into a paste, then apply it to the grout lines. Scrub with an old toothbrush or grout brush to lift stains and remove trapped dirt. Grout lines are often the dirtiest part of your shower, so give them extra care.

Step 5. Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

Rinse the tiles and grout thoroughly with warm water to remove all residue. Use a microfiber cloth or clean towel to dry the tiles and prevent water spots. The grout lines should be completely dry to avoid mold or mildew growth.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Porcelain Tile Floors

Step 1. Remove Loose Dirt and Debris

Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to get rid of dust, dirt, and debris. To avoid scratching the tile, you’ll want to use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hard floor attachment.

Step 2. Mop with a Neutral Cleaning Solution

Mix warm water with dishwashing soap or a pH-neutral cleaner that’s designed for tile floors. Use a microfiber mop to clean the tiles and be sure you wring out excess water to avoid leaving puddles that can seep into grout lines. If there are stained areas, you can scrub them gently with a soft tool.

Pro tip: Always spot-test any new cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Step 3. Focus on Grout Lines

Use a small brush or a toothbrush with a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub and clean grout lines. This helps remove stains and accumulated dirt to keep your floor looking fresh and clean.

Step 4. Rinse the Floor Thoroughly

After mopping, rinse the floor with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution. This step prevents streaks left by soap and cleaner and ensures a spotless finish.

Step 5. Dry the Floor Completely

Use a soft microfiber cloth or a dry mop to thoroughly dry the tiles. This prevents water spots and ensures no moisture is left that can seep into grout or unsealed areas.

Are you still deciding whether porcelain tiles are the right flooring choice for you? Read our related article to make an informed decision: Porcelain Tiles for Flooring: Pros and Cons

Polished/Glazed Tile vs. Unpolished Tile: Tailored Cleaning Techniques

Porcelain tiles come in polished/glazed and unpolished finishes, and they have unique structures that require different cleaning approaches. Polished and glazed porcelain tiles have a smooth, non-porous surface that is stain-resistant, while unpolished tiles are porous and more susceptible to dirt and stains. To achieve the best cleaning results and to preserve the integrity of your tiles, you’ll want to understand these differences.

Stain Removal

Stains behave differently on polished and unpolished surfaces, so you’ll need to take a different approach to clean them effectively.

Cleaning Products

The chemical properties of the tiles’ surfaces mean that certain cleaners work better for one type and could harm the other.

Choosing the Right Tool

The right tool can play a key role in effective cleaning without risking damage to the finish or structure of the tiles.

Maintenance

Each tile type has distinct needs to preserve its appearance and durability, so tailored maintenance is key to long-lasting beauty.

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Product Recommendation

If you’re looking for unbeatable protection on unpolished tiles, Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold is a top-tier solution that we recommend at Stone Center. This sealer offers premium stain resistance while maintaining your tile’s natural beauty.

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How to Clean Textured Porcelain Tile Floors

Textured porcelain tiles have an intentionally rough surface that makes them slip-resistant. However, this type of tile means you’ll need to pay extra attention to clean dirt from the crevices:

• Sweep in two directions: To remove all dirt and debris trapped in the texture, first sweep with a soft-bristled broom following the direction of the tile texture, then sweep diagonally.
• Avoid excess cleaner residue: Use minimal cleaning solution and rinse thoroughly. Textured tiles can hold onto residues, which can attract more dirt if it isn’t fully removed.
• Consider a steam cleaner (with caution): A steam cleaner can effectively loosen dirt in the crevices, but be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. You’ll also want to use a low-pressure setting to avoid potential damage.

Keeping Your Porcelain Tile Clean Longer: Pro Tips

• Routine cleaning: How often you clean depends on foot traffic and usage. Generally speaking, aim to sweep or vacuum once or twice weekly (more often in high-traffic areas), mop weekly, and deep clean (including grout) monthly.
• Clean spills immediately: This can help you prevent stains. Use a soft, damp cloth for quick cleanup.
• Place rugs or mats: Place them in entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms to catch dirt and moisture, reducing wear in high-traffic areas.
• Seal grout: Apply a sealant to grout lines annually to create a barrier against stains and moisture.

Conclusion

Cleaning porcelain tiles effectively means you need to understand the nuances of different tile types and finishes. Following our tailored cleaning methods will help your tile remain clean and protected, and retain its beauty and value over time.

If you’re planning a new project or looking for high-quality porcelain tiles, especially for outdoor spaces, Stone Center is here to help you choose the best products! For the past 72 years, we’ve helped countless customers achieve their design goals through our passion and high-quality products. Contact us to start exploring our various porcelain tile options.