Cleaning Porcelain Tiles
A Quick Guide to Cleaning Porcelain Tiles
Attractive tiled floors are extremely popular options for flooring material, especially once the homeowner discovers the ease in cleaning porcelain tiles. Finding easy and fast ways to clean leaves much more time for spending quality time with family and friends.
The best types of flooring for a home are those which are attractive, long lasting and easy to maintain. Many families spend a great deal of time in kitchens, using the room as a social gathering place as well as a room in which many meals are prepared and eaten. With so much activity going on here, it is understandable that homeowners would seek a floor that is not only good looking but durable as well. And, since most people have extremely busy lives with work, social responsibilities and children, having a floor that is a snap to clean is a great benefit. Porcelain tile has all of these attributes.
Porcelain may not be a material that many associate with good flooring material. It is often heard most when referring to dishes, statues or even toilets; it is also the material used for the tiles that line the shower or bathtub. Porcelain tiles are constructed from dense clay that is then fired in kilns at a high temperature, with the opportunity to create beautiful diverse colors and designs that are compatible with any type of décor. It also results in a tile that is much harder than one would likely expect, lending to its extreme durability.
One of the best attributes of porcelain lies in its easy maintenance needs. Unlike some other tiles, the surface of porcelain is largely impenetrable. This means that, for the most part, there need not be any worries of liquid or food spills causing any unsightly stains to develop. A simple wipe up with a clean cloth results in a sparkling clean floor once again. Of course any floor needs regular cleaning; porcelain tiles are no exception. For a light cleaning, the floor can be mopped with just warm water. When a more comprehensive cleaning is required, any mild floor cleaner combined with the warm water will return the floor to its natural, shiny appearance.
It is important to use only soft cloth or sponge type mops for cleaning porcelain tiles. Despite the hard surface they possess, they can be scratched if stiff bristled brushes are used for any reason. Also, avoid using cleaners with rough abrasives included in the ingredients, which may also cause fine hair-like scratches in the porcelain surface that could begin to accumulate dirt and grime. With the natural easy cleaning needs of the porcelain floor, these issues should never be a concern.
Most types of tile floors require a substance called grout to be placed between the tiles for cohesive joining. This grout provides a bond that strengthens the flooring and prevents water or dirt from penetrating the joining. Grout is used between porcelain tiles as well, and may require more maintenance than the tiling itself. It is best to apply a sealant to the grout so as to decrease the possibility of it discoloring. It will also need to be cleaned on a regular basis using a good, concentrated cleaner. Resealing of the grout should be done on a yearly basis to keep a solid seal from detracting from the beauty of your floor.
Porcelain tile is a popular flooring option for kitchens, bathrooms and entry areas due to its beauty, durability and most importantly, porcelain’s easy maintenance requirements. With only light cleaning needed of this lovely floor, the homeowner is able to get out of the kitchen to spend quality time with family and friends.