To maintain the beauty and cleanliness of your porcelain tile, you must be very careful in cleaning as well as preventive maintenance. Every situation such as grout lines, water stains, efflorescence and scratches must be dealt with. Use the right cleaning agent and the right methods; also remember to be environmentally conscious. There are tile finishes such as glossy and matte which will dictate the cleaning procedures.
Avoid porous porcelain even when glazed porcelain is used on external walls as it is prone to weathering and accumulates dirt. In commercial premises, cleaning methods must be modified to aid in cleaning high-traffic spaces that are generally used a lot. It must be remembered that prevention is the best cure. By following these guidelines and seeking professional advice when necessary, you can ensure that your porcelain tiles remain beautiful and clean even after several years.
Benefits of Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, longevity, and waterproof properties. These qualities make it an ideal material for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Here are some additional benefits of installing porcelain tile:
- Bacteria Resistance: Porcelain tile is a highly hygienic flooring material due to its non-porous surface, which prevents bacteria and molds from penetrating the tile’s substrate. This makes it an excellent choice for areas like hospitals and other public spaces where cleanliness is paramount. Its durability and resistance to harsh cleaning agents allow it to withstand rigorous cleaning practices while maintaining its hygienic properties. While porcelain tile is inherently hygienic, following proper cleaning routines is still essential to ensure their cleanliness and appearance.
- Hypoallergenic: Porcelain tile is a hypoallergenic flooring option that is ideal for individuals with allergies or asthma. Its non-porous surface prevents allergens from penetrating the tile, making it a less hospitable environment for dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens. This, combined with its easy cleaning and durability, makes porcelain tile a great choice for creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
- Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is an exceptionally water-resistant flooring material, making it ideal for areas prone to moisture. Its durability, stain resistance, and resistance to mold and mildew make it a reliable and long-lasting choice for bathrooms and kitchens. With its high waterproofing rating and impervious quality, porcelain tile is a dependable flooring option for wet areas in your home.
- Easy Cleaning: Porcelain tile is a low-maintenance flooring material that is remarkably easy to clean. Unlike other flooring materials, porcelain tile often requires only water for routine cleaning, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. Its natural stain resistance and durability make it a practical and convenient flooring option that is both easy to clean and long-lasting.
Post Installation Cleaning for Porcelain Tile
To clean porcelain tiles after installation, first mix a cleaning solution with water. After applying the cleaning solution to the tiles, let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate and break down dirt and grime. If necessary, scrub the tiles gently with a soft brush or sponge. Finally, rinse the tiles with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution, and then dry them thoroughly to prevent water spots.
To remove epoxy residue from grout, wait for the grout to heal completely. Then, apply a specialized cleaning product like Fila CR10 to the affected areas. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then scrub with an abrasive sponge or spatula. Rinse thoroughly. Avoid this method on glazed polished tiles. For stubborn residue, repeat the process.
Protection
To protect your polished porcelain tiles, use a special product like FILA MP/90. First, make sure your tiles are clean. Then, put the product on the tiles and rub it in with a soft cloth. Let it dry completely. This will help protect your tiles from stains and water damage.
Application
- Apply undiluted paint on a clean, dry floor for at least 4 hours post-washing.
- Ensure even coverage, including grouting.
- Remove dry excess with a clean cloth, machine polisher, or single-brush machine.
Advantages
By applying a protective product to your porcelain tile, you can create a waterproof barrier that protects both the surface and the grout from stains and water damage. This makes regular cleaning easier and more effective, simplifying maintenance.
Coverage: 1 litre/30 m² approx.
1. PROTECTION FOR LAPATTO SURFACE: To protect your lappato surfaces, use a specialized product like FILA PD15. First, clean the surface thoroughly. Then, apply the product evenly using a cloth or applicator and rub it in. Finally, let the product dry completely. This will help protect your lappato surfaces from stains and water damage.
Application
- Clean the tiles: Ensure the tiles are clean and free of moisture.
- Apply the product: Put the product on the tiles with a brush or cloth. Spread it evenly everywhere, including the grout.
- Rub it in: Rub the product into the tiles to make sure it goes in well.
- Remove excess: After 10 minutes, wipe away any extra product with a clean cloth.
Advantages
By applying a protective product like FILA PD15 to your lappato surfaces, you can create a waterproof barrier that protects them from dirt and stains. This not only helps maintain the surface’s appearance but also makes regular cleaning easier. Additionally, the product can help restore the surface’s sheen, giving it a fresh and vibrant look.
Coverage: 1 litre/70 m² approx.
2. Protection for Natural-Textured Surfaces: Rough floors can be difficult to keep clean as dirt tends to build up. This will be prevented by using a specially designed product such as FILA STOP DIRT or similar products. Such a protective barrier can enhance maintenance performance and reduce the amount of dirt penetrating the surface.
Application
- Clean the tiles: Make sure the tiles are clean and dry.
- Apply the product: Put the product on the tiles with a brush or cloth. Spread it evenly everywhere, including the grout.
- Rub it in: Rub the product into the tiles to make sure it goes in well.
- Remove excess: After 10 minutes, wipe away any extra product with a clean cloth.
Daily Cleaning of Porcelain Tile
To clean ceramic tiles, promptly wipe up spills with plain warm water to prevent stains on the grout. Plain water is the best cleaner as it leaves no residue when dried thoroughly. For stubborn stains, use a mild acidic solution like white vinegar or a neutral detergent like FilaCleaner. Dilute the solution based on the severity of the stain. Highly diluted solutions may not require rinsing.
Intense Cleaning of Porcelain Tile
For stubborn stains, use a specialized degreasing detergent or stain remover. FILA PS/87 or a similar product is recommended for deep cleaning. Dilute the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For tough stains, apply the product undiluted and leave it on for 20-40 minutes.
Ceramic Tile Routine Care & Maintenance
Initial Clean
To ensure the long-term health and aesthetic enjoyment of porcelain tiles, it is essential to clean the surfaces properly after installation. The importance of professional surface cleaners such as Fila’s Porcelain Cement Residue Remover must be stressed to prevent any complications in the future. This can be done periodically with just warm water and some mild soap or with some gentle, all-purpose spray cleaner. Do not clean with products containing acids or ammonia and consider your grout when choosing cleaning products. After washing the porcelain tiles, make sure they are dry. With regard to unglazed tiles, strong grease removers and oils from spills require pH-balanced concentrated cleaners.
Routine Care
To clean glazed and unglazed tiles, use a low VOC cleaner compatible with grout joints and avoid harsh chemicals like acids and ammonia. For unglazed tiles, use a concentrated, pH-neutral cleaner. Regular maintenance includes dust mopping, sweeping, or vacuuming. Use warm water and mild soap for routine cleaning, avoid products containing acids or ammonia, and dry porcelain tiles thoroughly after cleaning.
Removal of Sealers, Waxes, and Floor Finishes
To get rid of any ceramic tile sealer or floor wax, use tile sealer and adhesive removers that are specifically designed for that purpose. Make sure to do a spot test first to avoid damaging the tile. Using the remover in its concentrated form (without any water), apply it to the area where the coating/residue is and leave it to soften the coating/residue. If necessary, scrub it off gently with a non-chlorine scrub sponge. Using a cotton cloth or sponge, remove loose residue and rinse thoroughly. One thing to keep in mind is not to use ceramic-based sealer removers on natural stones.
Grout Care
Grout is the essential material used to fill the gaps between tiles. It comes in various colors and is a permanent part of the installation. While color is important for aesthetics, it doesn’t affect grout’s primary function: filling the joints and providing space for tile movement, which reduces breakage.
Grout is often the most challenging aspect of maintaining porcelain tile floors. It tends to accumulate dirt and darken over time, requiring specialized cleaning and maintenance beyond that of the tiles themselves.
To preserve and protect grout, which tends to darken over time, regular sealing is recommended. Staining grout can help restore its color and appearance, especially in older installations.
Grout Installation
To ensure proper grout curing and protect newly installed tiles, cover the surface with brown paper and dampen the grout joints daily for the first seven days. Avoid using non-absorbent materials like plastic. After 12-24 hours, remove grout haze using a specialized haze cleaner. Remember, sulfamic acid or grout removers should not be used on natural stone products.
Sealing
Cementitious grout needs to be sealed after being used for a period of time to prevent it from absorbing stains and moisture. A silicone-free penetrating/impregnating sealer is quite effective in this aspect. Grout sealing helps prevent grout staining, thereby increasing its resistance to weather. Grout does need to be sealed, but there is a hierarchy of factors that determine the need for re-application of the treatment.
This means that some sealers can work for many years, however, product information should be referred to for more specifications. It should be kept in mind that glazed tiles do not need to be sealed and epoxy grouts are water retaining, spill and stain resistant by nature. If a porous matrix such as cementitious grout is sealed the benefits to performance and life of the material will be obvious.
Protecting Porcelain Surfaces
In general, porcelain tiles do not need to be sealed, although in most cases sealing the grout is recommended to provide greater durability and resistance to stains and moisture penetration. Select a safe product designed for use on both tile and grout.
When working porcelain tile that needs to be sealed, wax or any other potential floor finish needs to be removed, a special porcelain tile sealer and adhesive remover has to be used. Do not apply the product directly to the user’s face unless the person has tested the product in a small area. Pour a generous amount of the undiluted removal agent onto the surface and allow it to sit until the coating or debris is loosened. If necessary, use a gentle motion with a nylon grade abrasive pad. You can also use a cotton towel or sponge to remove soft debris and rinse the area with clean water. Natural stone products cannot be treated with ceramic sealer strippers.
Cleaning
Regular grout cleaning is essential to remove surface buildup. Use a concentrated household or commercial cleaner for routine cleaning, adjusting the product based on the application’s needs. For heavy-duty cleaning, opt for a professional-strength tile and grout cleaner capable of removing tough stains like grease, soap scum, oils, mildew, algae, and synthetic or acrylic waxes. Prioritize non-polluting chemicals with low VOC levels. These products are available at home centers or through local flooring dealers. Consider professional grout cleaning companies for specialized services.
Penetrating/Impregnating Sealer
To protect cementitious grout from stains and discoloration, seal it after installation using a silicone-free penetrating/impregnating sealer. This helps preserve the grout’s natural color, simplifies maintenance, and prevents staining. Epoxy grouts do not require sealing.
Choose a high-quality sealer and refer to the manufacturer’s warranty and product information for specific details on lifespan, reapplication frequency, and application instructions. Remember, only the grout needs to be sealed, not the glazed tiles.
Grout Maintenance
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining grout’s appearance, even with sealed or epoxy grout. Use a concentrated household or commercial cleaner for routine cleaning, or opt for a professional-strength tile and grout cleaner for heavy-duty cleaning. Prioritize non-polluting chemicals with low VOC levels. For grout protection, use a specialized cleaner like Fila’s Grout Cleaner to remove stains and dirt. Applying a grout sealer can also protect grout from stains and make cleaning easier. For more information on grout protection, refer to our dedicated guide.
Grout Color Restoration
Grout staining is a solution for grout that cannot be restored through cleaning. These epoxy-based products penetrate grout and provide a permanent color. Before applying a grout stain, clean the grout joints thoroughly with a professional-strength tile and grout cleaner. Once stained, grout no longer needs additional sealing, as the stain provides a permanent seal, eliminating the need for further treatments. This method effectively restores grout’s appearance and gives it a fresh, new look.
Natural Stone Tile Routine Care & Maintenance
Natural stone is a durable and long-lasting flooring material when properly cared for. With regular maintenance, your stone floors can retain their beauty for many years. The following guidelines provide helpful tips on cleaning and maintaining marble, granite, limestone, travertine, and soapstone flooring.
Routine Care:
- Use stone-specific cleaners: For natural stone floors, use cleaning products specifically formulated for stone. These cleaners are typically pH-neutral.
- Mix according to instructions: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the cleaner with water.
- Apply and wait: Apply the solution to the stone surface and let it sit for the recommended time.
- Scrub and rinse: Gently scrub with a sponge or soft bristle brush, then rinse with clean water.
- Dry: Buff the floor dry.
Heavy-Duty Cleaning:
- Use a heavy-duty cleaner: For deep cleaning, use a concentrated stone cleaner and degreaser.
- Apply and wait: Apply the solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let it sit.
- Scrub and rinse: Gently scrub, rinse with clean water, and dry.
- Change the solution: Replace the cleaning solution every 100 square feet to avoid reintroducing dirt.
Stain Removal:
- Use poultice: Poultice is a non-acidic clay powder for removing stains and light grout haze.
- Apply and wait: Apply poultice to the stain and let it sit.
- Remove and rinse: Remove the poultice and rinse the area with water.
- Restore shine: If the poultice dulls the shine, use a stone polish.
Restoration:
- Consult a professional: For damaged or worn natural stone, consider consulting a stone restoration company.
Sealing:
- Seal regularly: Sealing is recommended for all natural stone, especially marble, granite, and limestone.
- Choose a high-quality sealer: Protect your stone with a high-quality sealer.
- Consult your fabricator: Refer to your fabricator for specific sealing recommendations.
- Reseal periodically: Seal every couple of years to maintain the stone’s appearance.
Types of Sealing Products
There are two main types of sealing products for natural stone:
- Penetrating/Impregnating Sealers: These sealers provide a natural look without a sheen. They can be water-based or solvent-based and are suitable for both interior and exterior use. High-quality penetrating/impregnating sealers can protect stone for several years. They are often the preferred choice for polished or honed natural stone.
- Stone Enhancer Sealers: These sealers also have a no-sheen, penetrating/impregnating formula. They are designed to darken, enrich, and highlight the natural color of stone. They can rejuvenate worn or weathered stones but may darken seams and joints. Which are generally suitable for both interior and exterior use and offer long-term protection.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s literature for specific information on the sealer’s protection duration and application instructions. By following these guidelines, you can effectively protect your natural stone and maintain its beauty.
Acid Sensitivity of Natural Stones
Natural stones, especially calcium carbonate and calcite-based stones like marble and limestone, are susceptible to acid etching. Exposure to relatively mild acids, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or sliced tomatoes, can cause an etched spot on the stone surface. Unlike stains, etching cannot be removed without refinishing the stone. In polished stones, an acid attack often results in a dull spot within the glossy surface.
Considerations for Natural Stone Tile
- Variability: Due to its natural origin, natural stone tile exhibits variability. To avoid matching difficulties, it’s recommended to purchase a 10% overage at the beginning of a project.
- Translucence: Some white or lightly colored marbles and onyxes may display translucence, an attractive feature that is not considered a defect.
- Mixing Stone Types: Combining stones with different physical properties can lead to challenges in wear, maintenance, and re-polishing, especially in outdoor applications. Customers should be aware of these limitations and consider long-term maintenance requirements.
Choosing the Right Detergent for Different Types of Dirt
For stain removal, specific detergents are often used. The instructions for these detergents are typically grouped by product type and clearly indicated on the product labels. These detergents are readily available from most retailers.
Technical Specifications for Happy Floors Tiles:
- Technical Specs: Full specifications are in each product’s brochure, available on the Happy Floors website.
- 50% Staggered Layout: Not recommended due to the natural bowing of tiles, which may cause a shadow effect.
- Grout Joint Size: There is no standard size; it depends on the tile and sizing variations. Refer to the TCNA guidelines.
- Rectified Edge: A tile with machine-cut, straight edges for precise installation.
- DCOF: Dynamic Coefficient of Friction measures slip resistance.
- PEI Rating: Porcelain Enamel Institute rating from 1 (softest) to 5 (hardest) for wear resistance.
- Acid Cleaning: Not recommended. Acid-based cleaners can damage the tile or cause glaze discoloration.
- Porcelain Tiles: Strong, durable, with low water absorption and superior chip resistance. Regular cleaning keeps them in good condition.
- Post-laying Cleaning: Use specialized detergent to remove grout residue and dirt. Follow manufacturer instructions.
- Regular Cleaning: Sweep, vacuum, and mop with warm water. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners. For polished tiles, buff to restore shine.
- Stain Care: Clean spills immediately with warm water. For stubborn stains, use non-abrasive cleaners. Avoid products with strong alkaline pH or waxes as they affect the tile’s slip resistance. Avoid hydrofluoric acid (HF) as it can permanently damage porcelain.
Get in Touch!
Upgrade your home or business with porcelain tiles. They’re strong, beautiful, and easy to care for. Choose from many styles, colors, and textures to match your taste and design.
Connect with us:
- Email: Support@balajiexpoindia.com
- Phone: +91 9711497319
- Address: 70/1/1 , MARBLE MARKET, DELHI 110085
Let us help you pick the perfect porcelain tiles to make your space look amazing.