How to Clean Porcelain or Ceramic Surfaces

Ceramic and porcelain tiles often get dirty with rust stains, food and beverage spills, hard water and grease stains. These tiles are mostly installed in countertops, showers and floorings. You need to maintain them properly to enhance the aesthetics of your interiors. Here is a guide on how to clean porcelain and ceramic surfaces the right way.

First, let us understand their basic structure.

Basic Structure of Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

Ceramic and Porcelain tile are not as porous as natural stone tile. Yet, stubborn stains occur on their surfaces. As they are not very permeable, there is no much risk of moisture penetration into the pores of these tile, which leads to mold. But, if water is stagnant in the chips and cracks of ceramic and porcelain tile, mold may occur on its surface.

Common Mistakes Made in Cleaning Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

• Acidic Cleaners

Many people use acidic tile cleaners to clean dense stains. These cleaners can cause etch marks on the surface. Etch marks are rough spots on the tile, which look patchy and whitish. They are also quite rough and harbor more stains and dirt easily.

• Abrasive Scrubbers

Another common mistake is using abrasive steel cleaners or scrubbers to scrub the surface. Such scrubbers rip off the top enamel coat and form scratches on the tile.

Best Way to Clean Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Surfaces

• Professional Tile Cleaning Service

If your tile is deeply stained and you are finding it tough to clean it, then you can hire a professional tile cleaning service. Such experts have patented procedures and premium-quality products to render a beautiful sheen and lustre to your tile.

• Do-It-Yourself

If you want to clean your porcelain or ceramic tile yourself, you can also do-it-yourself, by using the right porcelain and ceramic tile cleaner. You can, alternatively, clean the tile with some simple home remedies. Few remedies are mentioned below:

• Hydrogen Peroxide:

If you find your ceramic and porcelain tile stained, you can get a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and make your own cleaner by mixing baking soda. Hydrogen peroxide has to be used with baking soda in 1:3 ratio. Make a paste and apply it on the stained tile surface. Using a soft bristled brush, scrub the tile and then wipe clean with a wet cloth or mop. You can also add some dishwashing liquid to the paste to make a soapy solution.

• Baking Soda:

This is one of the most common home remedies used to clean tile and grout. Baking soda is alkaline and cheap. It is an easy way to get rid of stains on tile. Just make a paste of baking soda with a little vinegar and apply it over your tile. You can even add baking soda – ½ cup, vinegar – ¼ th cup and 2 tablespoons dishwashing liquid in half a bucket of water. Use this water with a scrubbing tool to scrub your tile. Then mop again with fresh water. You can also add some essential oils in the bucket of liquid to add a fragrance to your surfaces.

• Salt Scrub

This is an economical home remedy. Salt has shown effective results in killing microorganisms and mold. Salt brings about osmosis and dehydrates the germs. Just sprinkle lots of salt on the tile and scrub the surface with a scrubbing brush. Let the salt sit overnight on the tile, if it is badly stained. This will help to remove all the stains properly. Then scrub the surface with a scrubbing brush. Then, just mop clean the next day to remove all residue.

• Borax

Borax is a good option to clean tile and grout. It can be used as a multi-purpose cleaner that can efficiently remove all stains. All you need to do is to mix ¼ cup borax with half cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Wipe the floors with this mixture. You can then scrub the tile and grout after applying borax. Then mop again with clean water.

Try these home remedies if you are wondering how to clean your porcelain and ceramic surfaces.