Caring for Porcelain Tile 101

The quality characteristics of porcelain tiles ensure that they are relatively easy to maintain and should last for many years. To ensure the longevity of the tiled floor, here are some recommended cleaning procedures to keep them looking beautiful over time.

For routine cleaning, wet a cloth with warm water, then wipe down the tiles. You can also use specific commercial tile cleaners instead of water. Take care to avoid strong or aggressive acid cleaners as these may leave scratches or reduce the shine of tiles with glossy surfaces. After cleaning with tile cleaner, rinse thoroughly with clean warm water to remove any leftover residue. Failure to remove residue results in sticky floors that collect dirt. 

To reduce the chances of staining, clean all spills immediately. Do not use acidic or alkaline cleaners, bleach, abrasives or ammoniated cleaner to clean up the stains as it will discolour grout.

When mopping, make sure to change the water frequently. Otherwise, all that is achieved is the spread of dirty water around the floors. In addition, always ensure that sand and dust are swept away gently before mopping as these can scratch the surface of the tiles.

Textured tile surfaces may trap dirt so a more intensive and comprehensive cleaning routine may be required. Mild scrubbing with a soft brush or electric polisher/scrubber may be required. Factors such as foot traffic, environmental conditions, and product colour should also be considered when planning tile maintenance.

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Information sourced from Surface Project - Singapore