If you want to transform your space into a stylish and elegant area, matte porcelain tiles are the best choice. But, do you know how to clean matte porcelain tiles?
You might be thinking that its cleaning process will take longer and you will damage them. You may be worried that the dirt and grime will trap in its rough texture, or the darker color tiles will collect soap residue on its surface. All these problems can be solved.
Although it takes longer to clean matte porcelain tiles, the safe and effective ways given here will clean dirt, grime, and other particles. Keep reading to learn exciting tips.
Tools and Materials Required
- Bucket
- Water
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
- Mild-detergent
- Dishwashing soap or any home-made cleaner
Best Cleaning Method for Matte Porcelain Floor Tiles
Due to the matte finish of these tiles, the dirt and dust are not visible. Therefore, they are not easy to clean. Follow the tips below to clean porcelain tiles.
Step 1. Remove Dirt and Dust
Pour warm water into a bucket. Now add mild detergent and wash the matte tiles with this solution. This will remove all the dirt and dust particles from the surface. Removing the particles is very important because they scratch the tiles.
As a porous material, it quickly absorbs dirt and dust. So, Washing it thoroughly to remove these particles is the best way to clean porcelain tile floors.
Step 2. Deep Cleaning
The matte porcelain tiles use a sponge with dishwashing soap to deep clean. If your surface has a lot of stains, you can use vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. Gently rub the cleaner on the surface with a sponge. A homemade solution is the best cleaner for porcelain tile because it does not damage it.
Do not use a scouring pad to rub the surface because it will scratch it. Always rub it with a sponge.
Step 3. Avoid Excess of Water during Cleaning
Do not use too much water while cleaning the matte porcelain tiles because they will absorb it and damage the tiles. Paper towels can be used to remove excess liquid.
Sometimes the grout of the tiles absorbs water and causes cracks and pits. Therefore, clean matte porcelain tiles with the minimum amount of water.
Step 4. Dry Matte Porcelain Quickly
To prevent matte porcelain from getting damaged, dry it quickly after washing. Don’t let it air dry in an open area because matte porcelain will absorb moisture from the atmosphere, and it will damage.
Step 5. Wipe with Microfiber Cloth
When you have washed the matte porcelain tiles with a sponge and removed the liquid with paper towels, dry the area with a microfiber cloth because it absorbs liquid better than other rags.
Use a clean cloth to wipe the floor, not the same cloth you used to remove stains from the matte tiles.
Step 6. Keep Matte Porcelain Dry
A little moisture can damage the matte porcelain surface if not dried well quickly. Dry any accidental spills as quickly as possible. Keep mats in high moisture area and walk on these tiles while wearing off your shoes.
If you follow these rules, you will be able to protect your tiles from expanding and contracting. If porcelain tiles are installed over wood or ceramic tiles, they require special care because they are not waterproof.
Step 7. Avoid Installing High-Moisture Areas
Do not install these tiles in humid areas such as bathrooms or kitchens. Try installing other waterproof tiles because the kitchen and bathroom are high moisture places, and it is difficult to protect the tiles from humidity.
You can protect the tiles from damage by installing a layer of glass over them or installing a waterproof subfloor before matte porcelain tiles like rubber flooring coverings.
Try to clean the dirty textured floor in the shower made of porcelain with a mop of baking soda solution. Dry the surface with paper towels.
Daily Prevention and Safety Measures
- Avoid using a porcelain tile cleaner that contains ammonia and bleach because they can discolor your tile.
- Do not use cleaners that contain wax or oil-based detergents. The build-up of these substances on the surface will be difficult to remove.
- While cleaning porcelain tile, do not use steel wool for rubbing the surface because the small particles of wool will trap into the rough texture of the surface or grout, causing rust stain.
- Scrubbing the surface with hard brushes can damage the tile surface. Hence, avoid using them.
- Cleaning agents that contain colors or dyes must be avoided.
- Place mats at the home entrance to avoid dust particles or grime entering inside.
- Clean the surface from dirt and grime quickly because the dirt build-up may cause a risk of slipping.
Matte vs Glossy
Glossy porcelain tiles have a shine. They create an appearance of a larger room and reflect light.
They are easy to clean and shiny, so many people like them—best for bathrooms or smaller areas.
However, the dirt particles, stains, and other imperfections are easily visible on these tiles. Hard water leaves a limescale residue, so you have to clean it frequently.
Unluckily, glossy tiles do not have much grip, and there are chances of slipping on them. It is not recommended to install them in the bathroom. They are also not recommended for high-traffic areas.
Matte porcelain tiles offer better grip because they are slip-resistant. The rough texture of its surface offers a better grip. They do not reflect light, so dirt particles and other imperfections are not visible.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Clean Matte Porcelain Tiles Easily?
Matte porcelain tile is not easy to clean because it takes longer than glossy tiles.
Is it Possible to Make My Matte Porcelain Tiles Shiny?
Make a solution of ¼ cup of vinegar and 2 gallons of warm water in a bucket. Soak a mop in this solution and clean the tiles using this mop. It will create shine on the surface. You can also use soapy water, ammonia solution, or baking soda.
Is Vinegar Harmful to Porcelain Tile?
Vinegar is a natural and safe cleaner for your tiles. If you use it properly, it will not damage your tiles.
What is the Procedure for Cleaning Unglazed Porcelain Tiles?
Mix dishwashing powder with construction sand and make a paste by adding a small amount of water. Rub the unglazed porcelain tiles with this paste by using a scouring pad. This method is safe for these tiles.
Does Matte Porcelain Tile Need to be Sealed?
It does not need to be sealed, but it is better to apply a sealing layer to close its small pores. Because the small pores easily pick up dirt and grime.
Final Thoughts
This guide has explained different ways to clean matte porcelain tiles. All the cleaning steps are easy and can be done by hand. It is not necessary to clean it daily, but you must clean it every week.
Once a week, you must clean it deeply. Although it is time-consuming, cleaning will prevent tiles from being damaged. Follow all the ways to avoid dirt and dust particles from entering your tile surface.
