Pro Tips for Professional Matte Porcelain Tile Care
Matte porcelain tiles are a beautiful and durable choice for your home, but keeping them clean requires a gentle touch. These tiles offer a refined, non-glossy finish, adding sophistication to any room. Because of their textured surface, matte tiles can trap dirt and grime more easily, so they need specific care.
Tools and Products You’ll Need
Vacuum cleaner: Regular sweeping or vacuuming keeps dirt from accumulating. A vacuum with a soft brush attachment is ideal.
Mop: A soft microfiber mop is perfect for gently cleaning your tiles without scratching them.
Soft Brush: Have one handy for dealing with stubborn spots or stains.
pH-Cleaner: select a cleaner that’s safe for matte porcelain tiles and not harmful to the grout.
Hot Water: Hot water works best for cleaning without any kind of damage.
HOW TO CLEAN MATTE-FINISH PORCELAIN TILES
REGULAR CLEAN
If you matte tiles in your home, you will need to clean the porcelain tile floors regularly to maintain a tidy appearance, and also prolong their lifespan.
You should aim to do a simple cleaning of the tiles at least 2-3 times a week. This method can also be used to clean unglazed ceramic tiles, as the textures are similar.
REMOVE DUST
First, you will need to get rid of any loose dust or debris from the tiles. We find that this generally prevents the dust from sticking to the tiles when liquid is added during the process, which makes cleaning even more challenging.
You can either use a broom or a vacuum to remove the dust. Dust can often stick to matte tiles, so a broom is often preferable to lift and clear these particles.
MIX CLEANING SOLUTION
Next, prepare your cleaning solution. For a regular clean, our experience has found that you can get away with a simple combination of water and any liquid soap or detergent that you have at home.
In a small bucket, mix four parts of warm water with one part of the soap. You can make as much as necessary, depending on the size of the area that needs to be cleaned.
APPLY SOLUTION
Dip a mop or cloth into the mixed cleaning solution, and wring it out to remove any excess liquid. This is important, as too much water can damage the matte tiles, which is not always the case when cleaning polished tiles.
If you are cleaning a big area, it is easier to use a mop. For smaller patches of tile, a cloth will do just fine.
Use the cloth/mop to wipe down the tiles with the cleaning solution, giving extra attention to areas with stubborn marks or stains. You could also use a tile-cleaning machine for this step.
LEAVE TO DRY
Leave the area to dry for 15-30 minutes before walking on the tiles or putting furniture back on.
How to Clean Matte Porcelain Tiles using a Tile Cleaning Machine
Alternatively, use a tile cleaning machine. For example, a steam tile cleaner could effectively clean AND sanitize.
If you use a tile cleaning machine, follow the manufacturer’s directions for the type of tile cleaning machine you use.
Some machines require a cleaning solution to be added, while others do not.
Additionally, it’s always a good idea to test the machine in an inconspicuous spot on your tile first to make sure that your tile cleaning machine will not damage your particular tile.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Matte Tiles
The minerals from hard water can build up on the tile and turn into a grey/white film. This is especially noticeable on darker tiles — for example, those black hexagonal tiles that have been very popular in bathrooms.
Step 1: Soak a sponge with vinegar
Soak a sponge with household vinegar.
Note: Make sure you have sealed grout for this method and that you have porcelain or ceramic floors. Do not use this approach if you have natural stone floors (travertine and marble). It can cause etching. Use a natural stone cleaner for these materials.
Step 2: Apply vinegar to the tile
Wipe and gently scrub the tile with your vinegar-soaked sponge, concentrating on stained areas. Soak problem areas, if necessary, by laying a vinegar-soaked cloth on the stain.
Step 3: Rinse clean
Rinse and wipe the tile clean with water and a cleaning cloth.
Step 4: Dry tile
Dry the tiles with a soft cloth so they don’t remain wet.
FAQs
1. Can I use vinegar to clean matte porcelain tiles?
* While vinegar is a natural cleaner, it is acidic and can damage the protective coating on matte porcelain tiles. It’s best to stick to pH-neutral cleaners for regular maintenance.
2. How often should I seal my matte porcelain tiles?
* The frequency of sealing depends on the level of foot traffic and wear the tiles experience. It’s recommended to seal matte porcelain tiles annually for optimal protection.
3.Are matte porcelain tiles suitable for outdoor use?
* Matte porcelain tiles are typically designed for indoor use as they may not withstand extreme weather conditions or outdoor elements. It’s best to consult with a professional to determine the suitability of matte tiles for outdoor applications.