Let’s be real – keeping high gloss porcelain floors looking shiny and new is no easy feat. As soon as you get them professionally installed, it seems like the shine starts to dull from normal wear and tear. Trust me; any little smudge, scuff, or dirty shoe print gets highlighted.
So, maintaining porcelain tile floors between kids, pets, parties, and plain old dirty shoes can sometimes seem downright impossible! But the secret is using the proper techniques and products formulated for delicate tiles.
And with a gentle approach, you can clean porcelain tile floors without damaging that coveted reflective sheen. Ready to learn how to clean high gloss porcelain floor tiles? If Yes, then continue reading.
How To Clean High Gloss Porcelain Tile
Things You’ll Need
Before getting started, assemble the necessary supplies:
- Broom or vacuum cleaner
- Mop and bucket
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- A small amount of rubbing alcohol
- Soft rags or microfiber cloths
- Tile cleaning brush or scrub pad
It’s also helpful to have gloves to protect your hands. You may also want to wear knee pads if you’ll be scrubbing on your hands and knees.
Preparing the Floor
Sweep or Vacuum
Start by giving the floor a thorough sweep or vacuuming to remove any loose debris or dirt. This prevents anything from being smeared around in the mopping process.
Pay attention to corners and crevices where dust can accumulate. And move furniture if needed to get into all areas.
Remove any Stuck-On Debris
Check for any stuck-on debris or stubborn dried spills. Use a plastic scraper or the edge of a credit card to lift off any material adhering to the tile gently.
Don’t use anything too sharp or hard that could scratch the surface. For highly stubborn spots, allow a dampened cleaning pad or cloth soaked in vinegar to sit on it for 5-10 minutes to help loosen the debris before scraping.
Clean with Vinegar and Water
Mix the Solution
Make a cleaning solution of 1/2 cup white vinegar per gallon of warm water in a bucket.
In this case, the acidic vinegar helps dissolve soap scum, hard water deposits, and other grime. Warm water activates the cleaning power. For especially dirty floors, you can use up to 1 cup vinegar per gallon of water.
Mop the Floor
Dip a mop into the solution and wring it out so it is barely damp. It’s important not to oversaturate the tiles.
Apply the vinegar solution over small sections of the floor at a time. Use a back-and-forth motion to scrub areas with built-up dirt lightly. Work systematically across the whole floor.
A microfiber mop pad lifts dirt effectively. If you notice lots of dirty residue on your mop, rinse it frequently in clean water to remove the grime.
Let the vinegar solution sit for a few minutes before rinsing with a clean, damp mop.
Use Alcohol for Stubborn Stains
Apply the Alcohol
For stubborn oil, grease or wax stains, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Dampen a soft rag or paper towel with the alcohol and rub gently on the stain. Take care not to wipe aggressively, as this could create scratches. Then, allow it to soak in for 2-3 minutes before wiping.
Rub with a Soft Cloth
After rubbing with alcohol, wipe the area with a clean soft cloth. The alcohol helps break down and dissolve residues while the cloth lifts it away. You may need to repeat this process 3-4 times for tough stains. Follow up by rinsing with the vinegar and water solution.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
It’s best to avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, or acidic cleaners on porcelain tile floors. These can damage or dull the surface over time. Mild solutions of vinegar and water or rubbing alcohol are effective for cleaning without posing harm.
You may want to invest in a steam mop if you have a large tile area. The heat and steam help sanitize floors without the need for additives. Likewise, check the manufacturer’s instructions first to ensure steam won’t damage the finish.
Finish with a Dry Mop
When the floor has dried after mopping, go over it once more with a clean, dry microfiber mop or cloth. This helps wipe away any haze and results in a streak-free shine. Work in small sections, using a fresh part of the mop or flipping the cloth frequently to prevent redepositing grime.
Polish Occasionally
Every month or two, restore shine and protection by applying a porcelain tile floor polish specifically formulated for high gloss finishes. Choose a no-rinse product to simplify the process. Apply a thin, even layer with a soft cloth or applicator pad. Buff lightly with a microfiber cloth once dry.
Maintain Regularly
Sweep and Mop Weekly
Get into a regular cleaning routine to prevent dirt from building up. Sweep or vacuum daily and mop with diluted vinegar at least once per week. Increase frequency to 2-3 times weekly in high-traffic areas. Always use clean mops and water to prevent the spread of leftover dirt.
Use Floor Mats and Area Rugs
Use floor mats around entrances and area rugs in key places to catch dirt and debris from feet and shoes. This protects floors in between mopping. Wash mats and rugs regularly to keep them dirt-free. Rotate area rugs periodically to minimize uneven wear patterns on the tile.
Bottom Line
There you have it – tips and techniques we’ve picked up for keeping my high gloss porcelain floors looking new. It takes some regular maintenance, but the results are so worth it! Your floors will look amazing if you stay on top of cleaning and care.
I hope these steps help you keep your porcelain tile floors looking fabulously glossy and beautiful.
