Porcelain tiles are renowned for their strength, durability, and water resistance, making them the second most popular (after ceramic) for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas subject to high moisture and wear. They come in a wide variety of colours, patterns, and finishes, allowing the creation of a customized look. You can find porcelain tiles that mimic natural stone, wood, or even fabric textures, smooth or rough.
Their durability ensures the tiles will be long-lasting, even with daily exposure to water and cleaning products. However, porcelain’s shortcoming is its density, which makes it more brittle and thus more susceptible to breakage through impact.
The non-porous nature of glazed porcelain makes it resistant to stains, which is particularly beneficial in a shower area where soap scum and hard water deposits are common. Porcelain can also withstand temperature changes, where hot showers create fluctuating temperatures.
Porcelain is easy to clean and maintain using the simple procedures described here.
How Porcelain Tiles are Made
Porcelain tiles are primarily made from refined clays, including kaolin (China clay), feldspar, and silica. Other additives may include pigments for colour and materials or additives to improve plasticity or other tile properties. These components are finely ground to a uniform size, and water is added to produce a slurry according to forming requirements.
Forming is primarily done by pressing the slurry into moulds under high pressure or extrusion into large shapes to be cut later into shapes, then dried in a controlled environment to prevent warping or cracking. If the tiles are to be glazed, they are coated with a liquid glass layer that can provide different colours, patterns, and finishes, enhancing the tile’s resistance to staining and moisture. The tiles are fired at very high temperatures (1200°C —1400°C) to vitrify them. This is done in two stages: the bisque firing to harden the tile, and the glaze firing to melt the glaze and fuse it to the tile surface.
Cleaning Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles have the lowest maintenance requirements of all tiles. The easiest way to clean porcelain tiles is to wipe them with a shower squeegee after each use.
Regular Cleaning
Glazed porcelain tiles have tough, smooth finishes that normally require only a wipe-down using a soft cloth and a bucket of warm water with some mild detergent added. In bathrooms, where soap residue or limescale begins to accumulate, adding 10%—20% white vinegar may help prevent buildup. High-gloss tiles are more likely to show dirt, watermarks, and fingerprints and so may require special care.
After cleaning, always rinse the tiles thoroughly with fresh water and wipe dry to prevent streaks. This is especially important with high-gloss tiles.
In time, even with regular cleaning, soap scum or other contaminants will accumulate, requiring a deep cleaning.
Deep Cleaning
Equal amounts of water and white vinegar should be mixed into a bucket or spray bottle by stirring or shaking. The vinegar’s acidity will react with the soap’s alkaline, breaking it down.
Using a sponge or rag, generously apply the mix to the entire tile surface and let it soak while occasionally testing spots with a rag until the tiles can be easily wiped clean. Stains may be removed by using baking soda as a mild abrasive and wiping gently, which is seldom required on porcelain tiles.
Again, always rinse with warm water and wipe dry after cleaning to prevent smears or streaks.
Cleaning The Grout
The grout surrounding porcelain tiles should be cleaned using the regular and deep tile cleaning methods above. A toothbrush works well for scrubbing the cleaners into the grout directly.
Unfortunately, grout is more susceptible to contamination than hard tiles, so with time, your grout will diminish no matter how clean your tiles may look. Try these grout tile deep cleaning methods before giving up.
Deep Cleaning The Grout
A toothbrush is the most recommended tool for cleaning grout, and the procedures described so far should leave you with clean grout, but when your grout has been left too long, or the build-up has gone too far, try these methods:
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the grout lines. Spray the paste with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then scrub it with a toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda: Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a paste for more stubborn stains. Scrub the paste into the grout lines, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub again with a toothbrush. Rinse well with clean water.
Note: in all deep cleaning solutions above, it is imperative to rinse the grout completely with fresh water and wipe it down with a dry rag after
WARNING: Limitations of Home Cleaners
- Water/Dish Soap (tile/grout):
- Effectiveness: It may not be strong enough for tough stains or heavy grime.
- Residue: This can leave a soapy residue if not rinsed thoroughly.
- Vinegar/Water (tile/grout):
- Acidity: The acidic nature of vinegar can damage certain types of tiles, such as natural stone (marble, travertine, granite).
- Odor: The pungent smell of vinegar can be unpleasant and linger in the bathroom.
- Toothpaste (grout):
- Limited Use: Effective only for minor, localized stains rather than large areas.
- Abrasiveness: Some toothpaste can be abrasive and may scratch certain types of tiles.
- Hydrogen Peroxide (grout):
- Effectiveness: Works well on grout but may not be as effective on tile surfaces.
- Discoloration: Prolonged use can sometimes cause discoloration of grout or tiles.
- Chlorine Bleach (grout):
- Harshness: Can be very harsh and potentially damaging to tiles and grout over time.
- Health Risks: Requires careful handling and proper ventilation due to strong fumes and potential health risks.
- Environmental Impact: Not eco-friendly and can contribute to environmental pollution.
Commercial Tile Cleaners
Cleaning tiles with common household products can be quite labour-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring substantial effort to achieve satisfactory results.
As safe and on-hand as these products are, they may be limited in effectiveness and not have disinfectant properties. This may leave bacteria and germs behind. Commercial cleaners are generally faster and more powerful, providing a deeper cleaning, and may even disinfect – in a fraction of the time (following safety guidelines).
You may want to consider one of the tile cleaning products available at your local grocery store, home supply center, or online. Research online reviews to help you shop.
Consider using safe products for regular cleaning in the manner described above. When build-up becomes a problem or your house needs absolute cleanliness, call in an expert like Pink’nClean. You’ll get a professional job done quickly, without any mess, at a reasonable price.
Preventative Maintenance
- Seal the Grout: Apply a grout sealer after deep cleaning to protect it from stains and moisture. Reapply the sealer every 6 to 12 months.
- Wipe Down: After showers or baths, wipe down the tiles and surrounding glass with a squeegee or a dry towel to prevent water spots and mildew growth.
- Ventilation: Ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated to reduce humidity and prevent mould and mildew.