How do you clean porcelain tile floor and glass subway tile walls?

Question

How do you clean porcelain floor and glass subway tile in bathroom and in shower?

Jill Feigelman · Answer

You have to squeegee it :)

Lisa · Answer

What products do you use so that it won't ruin the porcelain? I heard that ammonia and bleach and vinegar are not good for porcelain.

Jill Feigelman · Answer

Check out this question that got a lot of answers: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/house/q-how-to-clean-porcelain-tile-5377587 It seems like vinegar & water with ONE drop of blue dawn works or you can buy a store-made porcelain title cleaner.

Sherrie · Answer

SOLISTONE COMMERCIAL Curved Glass Subway tiles must be regularly cleaned and maintained to extend the life and beauty of the tile. The tiles can be cleaned with a neutral mild detergent, or glass cleaner. Any spills should be cleaned quickly to lessen the degree of the stain to the grout. Do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool or sandpaper.

Sherrie · Answer

Glazed tile walls in your home will easily keep their lovely look with simple routine care, just wipe regularly with a clean damp cloth or sponge. A non-abrasive, neutral cleaner can be used (abrasive cleansers will cause scratching to shiny tile and polished marble surfaces). Highly polished tile and stone surfaces should be polished dry with a soft absorbent cloth after cleaning to eliminate the buildup of hard-water residue and to maintain the high polished finish.

For glazed tile floors, sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and gritty particles. Follow with a mop or sponge dampened with a neutral pH cleaner. If a cleaner is used, be sure the surface is rinsed thoroughly with clean water and dried. For textured or uneven tile or stone surfaces, substituting a soft scrub brush or white nylon scrub pad for the mop or sponge will quicken the cleaning process. Unglazed tile floors and porcelain tile floors can also be maintained in this same manner.

Tiled surfaces in your bathroom may require a more thorough routine cleaning because of a build-up of soap scum, body oils or hard-water stains. Use a clean, damp cloth, or sponge with a neutral pH cleaner, allowing it to stand about five minutes before rinsing and drying. Specialty bathroom cleaners may also be used (always test first). Clean shower regularly with the appropriate tile and stone cleaner. Dry with a towel after each use and leave curtain or door open between showers to allow for maximum ventilation and moisture escape.

Heavy Duty Cleaning

For high traffic areas or when tile has been neglected for a long time, heavy-duty cleaning may be required.

Glazed walls and countertops should be cleaned with an alkaline-based cleaner (high pH, non-acidic). Use a white nylon scrub pad, followed by a clean water rinse. Poultice may be used in combination with any appropriate cleaner, if needed, to restore seriously soiled areas. Poultice is a very fine powder that serves as a mild abrasive, yet cannot cause scratching to even the most delicate glazed tile and polished marble surfaces. Unglazed tile and natural stone can be treated in the same manner as glazed when heavy-duty cleaning is required. Once the tile or stone has been effectively restored and is dry, it is recommended that the appropriate sealer be applied to protect from staining and ease ongoing maintenance.

To clean badly soiled countertops, an appropriate alkaline cleaner is recommended. Poultice can be lightly sprinkled onto the wet cleaner solution and scrubbed with a white nylon scrub pad or medium nylon scrub brush to facilitate cleaning. Rinse thoroughly. For glazed tile floors, the same products and procedures are recommended.

For showers, tub surrounds, or other wet areas, light acidic cleaners are recommended to remove hard water mineral deposits. These acidic cleaners are not recommended on acid-sensitive surfaces such as metallic glazes or polished marble. For acid-sensitive surfaces, a neutral or alkaline cleaner, used in combination

with Poultice is recommended. Never use harsh acids such as hydrochloric (muriatic) or hydrofluoric, as these acids, and even the acid fumes, can cause damage to tile, stone, grout, humans and pets! The accepted acids (use sparingly) for homeowners use are mild citric, sulfamic and phosphoric. Always test first for desired results.

Do’s and Don’ts
Do use a grout joint. Due to inherent size variations in porcelain and ceramic floor tiles, a grout joint must be used. Your installer will be able to recommend a suitable grout joint for the product you’ve selected
Do regularly apply a water based penetrating sealer on all natural stone products
Always do a small test with sealers & cleaners to insure desired results
Do use a sealer on grout joints; except for 100% solid epoxy grout
Do read and follow label directions for all cleaners and sealers
Do not combine ammonia and household bleaches
Do not use harsh cleaning agents such as steel wool pads or strong acids, which can scratch or damage the surface of your tile
Do not use a cleaning agent that contains color on unglazed tile, natural stone, or white grout, as these porous surfaces may absorb the color

How do you clean porcelain tile floor and glass subway tile walls?

How do I clean porcelain tile

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How do you clean porcelain tile floor and glass subway tile walls?

How do I clean porcelain tile

Suggested Project Book