Cleaning Porcelain Floor Tiles
If you are a kind of person, who has no time to take care of your flooring, then you should probably opt for porcelain tile flooring. This flooring is highly durable, has stain resisting properties and is very easy to take care of. Regular sweeping or mopping is enough to keep the porcelain floor shining for years. However, if your flooring has become particularly dirty or you want to get rid of some stubborn stains, then you may have to follow some proper cleaning methods, in order to clean your porcelain tile flooring.
Cleaning Porcelain Floor Tiles
Porcelain tile flooring comes in three types - polished, unpolished and textured. The cleaning methods differ for each type of porcelain tile flooring.
Unpolished Flooring
Clear the room of furniture, so that you can easily clean the floor. Sweep the floor properly, to get rid of dirt and other garbage. Now mix a non-bleach cleaning solution in a bucket of hot water. Leave the solution on the floor for some time, but do not let it dry. Start working in smaller areas, so as to facilitate cleaning. Mop the area clean and then scrub it off with a soft brush. Wipe the floor clean with a piece of cloth. Now mop again with clean water. Repeat the procedure for the entire room, until you get rid of all the stains.
Polished Flooring
Sweep the dust off the floor, with a dust mop. Do not use a broom, as it can damage the polish of the tiles. Pour one quarter of mild cleaning solution in a bucket. Fill the bucket with hot water. Now clean the tiles with a mop and then wipe it off with a piece of rag. If required, you can add the cleaning solution. Repeat the procedure for the whole floor covering. Dry the floor with a clean cloth so as to preserve its luster.
Textured Flooring
Textured porcelain flooring is pretty tedious to clean. Dirt often gets accumulated in its textured pattern. Use a broom and sweep it in every direction, to get rid of dirt from bumps and ripples. Use a detergent solution or any other neutral solution in hot water, to clean the floor. Take a hard bristled brush and scrub it off the tile flooring. Dab a napkin on the wet tiles and pat them dry.
Porcelain Tile Care Tips
Cleaning porcelain tile flooring is easier compared to other flooring types. You only need to take occasional care of it, so as to retain its shine. Following are some general tips on caring porcelain tile flooring.
- Do not allow people to walk with dirty shoes on porcelain tiles.
- Sweep your floor with a broom or vacuum it, at least twice a week.
- Never use a bleach or ammonia based cleaners on porcelain tiles, as they tend to discolor the tiles.
- A general all-purpose cleaner can effectively clean porcelain tiles. However, make sure you do not allow the cleaner to dry on the floor.
- Mix 1/4th cup vinegar in two gallons of water and use this solution to clean the flooring. It instantly cleans the tiles and gets rid of undesirable odors.
- Do not let any spills to sit on the floor for a long time. Wipe them as soon as possible.
- While using any new product for your porcelain tiles, always conduct a patch test in an inconspicuous area to check how well it works.
