To clean porcelain tile:
- Start by sweeping or vacuuming the tile surface to remove dust, dirt, and crumbs. Use a soft-bristle broom if sweeping and avoid vacuum beater bars to prevent scratches.
- Wipe or mop the tile with clean water or warm water to remove light soil. For routine cleaning, water alone is often sufficient.
- For unglazed or unpolished porcelain tile, use a vinegar-and-water mixture or a mild commercial cleanser. Scrub stubborn spots gently with a soft-bristle brush and rinse with hot water.
- For glazed or polished tile, after sweeping and dust mopping, mop with hot water, then use a tile cleaner or vinegar-water mix. Mop again with hot water, dry thoroughly with a towel or microfiber cloth, and buff the tile with cheesecloth for extra shine.
- For textured tiles, sweep twice and vacuum, soak with vinegar-and-water for 5-10 minutes, scrub with a soft brush, rinse with hot water, mop, and dry promptly.
- Always dry the tile thoroughly to prevent water spots and moisture damage around grout.
For deep cleaning or tougher grime, specialized porcelain tile cleaners or a paste of baking soda and water can be used, followed by gentle scrubbing and rinsing. Regular cleaning, at least weekly, helps keep porcelain tile looking fresh and prolongs its life.
