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Every day, porcelain tiles become more common in Brazilians’ homes. With several models, formats and styles, this is a thinner and extremely versatile ceramic floor. However, it is also more delicate and for this reason it is necessary to know correctly how to clean porcelain tiles.
These tips can be used both for daily cleaning and at specific times, such as post-cleaning or for cleaning porcelain tiles with stains on the grouting.
Have you just moved into a house with porcelain tiles or do you want to take better care of your floor? See the most important tips we’ve separated!
Oh and don’t miss it until the end of the post, because there’s a video with a very simple tip to clean porcelain tile and always leave it shining.
1- Tips for daily cleaning
For the daily cleaning of porcelain tile, start by removing the surface dust with a broom with hair or vacuum cleaner.
In a bucket, mix 1 tablespoon of neutral detergent for 5 liters of water. Wet a soft cloth in this solution and wipe over the surface.
Finish using a soft cloth with alcohol to dry and avoid stains.
2- Cleaning of porcelain tile with vinegar
Cleaning porcelain tile with vinegar is a great way to leave your floor shiny and well disinfected.
For this, use alcohol vinegar mixed with water. Then just apply with a cloth and dry the surface well.
But be careful, vinegar should not be applied on polished porcelain tiles, as in time it may stain.
3- Cleaning of polished porcelain tiles
Polished porcelain tiles are one of the most used in homes. It has the smoothest surface, because it receives a polishing and a protective cover. They are indicated for dry areas because, in contact with water, they are slippery.
To clean, start by removing the dust with a soft-bristled broom or vacuum cleaner.
Then apply neutral detergent mixed with water with a damp cloth and finish with a soft dry cloth to avoid staining.
4- Satin porcelain tile cleaning
Satin porcelain tile is the one with a matt finish (no gloss). It is more resistant to scratches and stains.
The cleaning tip is the same as for polished porcelain tiles, first removing the dust with a broom or vacuum cleaner and then applying the mixture of water and neutral detergent.
The difference is, with that floor, it’s best to let it dry on its own.
5- Cleaning of rustic porcelain tiles
The rustic porcelain tiles are the most used in external and humid areas like sauna, bathroom box, garages and pool decks.
It has a slightly abrasive surface and is more resistant than all types of porcelain tiles.
Therefore, they can be cleaned more “aggressively”, for example by rubbing a broom with soap and water if they are dirty. For everyday use, use the same solution of water with detergent.
6- Cleaning of Wooden Porcelain Tile
The porcelain tile that imitates wood is on the rise, because it brings the elegance of wood floors, with the ease of porcelain tile.
To clean this floor, use the water and detergent solution and apply with a damp cloth.
Dry with a soft dry cloth.
7- Cleaning porcelain grouting
Another very common question is how to clean porcelain grouting which, in time, can become dull or yellowish.
You can do the cleaning with an after-work product or with creamy soapy. In this case, apply the product with a sponge and let it act for 10 minutes. Then, clean with the yellow part of the sponge.
But beware, apply the soapy powder only to the grouting, or it may stain the floor. Another option to clean grout is vinegar.
8- Heavy cleaning
If your porcelain tile is very dirty, it will need a heavier cleaning than the application of detergent with a damp cloth.
In this case, use: 1 tablespoon of neutral detergent mixed with 2 liters of water along with a few drops of a clean glass solution.
Rub the solution with a soft-bristled broom or brush and then finish by drying with a soft cloth.
9- Cleaning after work
The first cleaning of the floor should be done 15 days after the grouting has been applied. It will avoid stains and facilitate the maintenance of the floor.
Start by passing a damp sponge slowly to remove traces of cement, mortar and grains of sand.
Then use a specific post-cleaning product suitable for porcelain tiles. These products remove the heaviest dirt without staining or scratching the floor.
10- Paint Splashes
After painting the house, did you notice any splashes of paint on the porcelain tiles?
Use solvent to remove them. But always apply them first on a cloth and then on the floor.
Finish by passing a damp cloth.
11- Remove stains
Some stains can be difficult to remove from porcelain tiles.
Like pen ink, hydrocolor pen, nail polish and other pigments that should be removed with alcohol.
Other options are acetone and thinner. But be careful, apply the products in a cloth and pass only over the stain, drying immediately to avoid spoiling the floor.
12- Coffee and alcohol stains
Alcoholic drinks and coffee can stain the porcelain tiles if they are knocked over.
To clean, dilute a little sanitary water in a container with 200 ml of water.
Apply the mixture with a soft sponge only in the spotted spot. Clean well with pure water.
13- Grease and oil stains
Some stains can be more difficult to remove, such as grease and oil.
In that case, the tip is to use hot water with alkaline detergent. By the way, hot water is usually indicated for various types of stains.
But be careful, always apply only to the stain and then dry well.
14- Know what to avoid when cleaning porcelain tiles
Although it is not very difficult to clean the porcelain tile, it is important to avoid products that might stain it.
Products to be avoided are: soapy powder, hard bristle brushes, liquid or paste-like wax, soap powder, ammonia, sanitary water, caustic soda, products containing hydrofluoric acid and steel wool.
If you have to use any of these items, try to dilute them in water and apply only on the stains or grouts, then remove them immediately.
15- Main conservation care of porcelain tiles
To keep your porcelain tiles beautiful for longer, some tips are important.
For example: always clean as soon as you spill something on the floor, use carpets to reduce dirt on the floor, avoid mixing cleaning products, put felt under the furniture to avoid scratching and never use rough utensils.
See a very simple tip to clean porcelain tiles and always let it shine!
It doesn’t take much to make your porcelain tiles shine, with this simple and easy tip you’ll leave your house shining.
Now you know how to clean porcelain tiles?
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