- Assemble the Right Cleaning Tools
Good cleaning starts with having the right tools at hand. Some of the equipment you will need for cleaning porcelain tiles include a mop and bucket, mild detergent, soft brush, sponge, a broom or vacuum cleaner, and a rubber squeezer or a large towel. A mild detergent could be an all-purpose household cleaner, vinegar, or a recommended porcelain cleaner.
- Sweep or Vacuum the Floor
The first step is to remove any loose dirt and debris on the floor. Although you can still get the floor clean by mopping it with the dirt, it will not give a shiny sparkle like it should if you started with a sweep or a vacuum. You also risk rubbing the dirt into the grout lines or and you may leave scratches on the floor surface if you were dealing with hard debris like sand. Although a broom can still help you get rid of dirt, it takes a lot of time, unlike a vacuum that is fast and can get dirt in the corners and ridges.
- Apply Your Preferred Detergent
If you prefer a green option, then consider using vinegar or other natural cleaning solutions. Not only are they affordable but they are also mild and do not cause any damage to your porcelain tiles. Create a solution by mixing a quarter cup of vinegar with two gallons of warm water. Use a mop or sponge to apply the solution onto every inch of the floor and allow it to settle for about 15 minutes. If you are using a porcelain tile cleaner or an all-purpose household detergent, remember to follow the instructions to ensure the mixture is not too concentrated.
- Scrub the Floor
Once the detergent has already worked its way through stubborn dirt and grime, you can now start the scrubbing. The tools or equipment you will use for this task may vary depending on the intensity of dirt on the floor. You can use a sponge mop if you are dealing with regular dirt. However, if you have black marks or stains on the grout, then consider using a soft brush and work on small spaces at a time. Avoid using a hard brush to scrub the grout lines as you may leave scratches on your porcelain tiles.
- Dry-Mop the Floor
Dry the floor to get rid of dirty water that is left after scrubbing. You can either use a large towel or fasten things up using a wet vacuum. A rubber squeezer may come in handy as you can use it to push the dirty water to a collection area or a drain where you can suck it up with a wet vacuum or a large towel.
- Rinse it with Clean Water
It is important to rinse your porcelain tile flooring to get rid of residue or leftover detergent as it can affect the brightness of the floor once you are done with the cleaning. There are also chances of leaving some dirt behind that will dry and pale your floor. For this task, you need to fill your bucket with clean water and use a sponge or a clean mop to remove any leftover detergent and residue.
- Dry Your Floor One Last Time
Leaving your floor wet to dry over time can easily attract dirt, especially when there are many activities going around in your house. After rinsing with clean water, it is important to dry the floor again. Although you can use a large towel for the task, a wet vacuum can handle the job faster leaving your porcelain tiles looking clean and sparkling.
It is important to sweep or vacuum your porcelain tile flooring every day to make your work easier when cleaning. Always leave your windows open or ventilate the area to promote good air circulation. Learning how to clean your porcelain floor tiles not only keeps your house looking at its best but is also good for your overall health and hygiene.