Porcelain flooring is a great home decor idea. It has a charming look, high durability and is water-resistant. Porcelain flooring is available in two varieties — glazed and unglazed.
Glazed porcelain is topped with a layer of glass, giving it a smooth finish and also makes it durable and easy to maintain. The unglazed variant is, however, not topped with glass making the flooring susceptible to dust and dirt and a tad bit difficult to clean.
Don’t worry; knowing the right way to clean unglazed porcelain will help you care correctly for your flooring and keep it in pristine shape!
Here is a detailed step-by-step method to clean your unglazed and glazed porcelain flooring the right way.
Read: 10 best cleaner for porcelain tile
How to Clean Unglazed Porcelain Floor Tile
Table of Contents
Clean The Floor Surface
Because unglazed porcelain tiles lack a protective glass layer like glazed floors, any abrasive cleaning tool should be kept off the floor.
Instead, opt for a microfiber dust mop to remove dust and dirt from the floor surface before you wet mop.
Use a Mild Solution
You need a pH neutral or mild cleaner for unglazed porcelain tiles; this is to prevent any damage. You can make a simple vinegar cleaning solution or use a commercial product suitable for unglazed tiles.
Slightly dampen the floor with a mop and scrub spots or stains using a small brush. Once you achieve a clean floor, rinse with clean water.
Read: How to clean matte porcelain tiles
Allow the Floor Dry Thoroughly
You do not want any moisture left behind as it could penetrate your unglazed tiles. Dry off the water on the floor after cleaning using a microfiber cloth or towel.
How to Clean Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Eliminate Dust And Dirt
To achieve a successful cleaning regimen, always start by eliminating dust, dirt, and debris on the floor with a good broom, dust mop, or vacuum; this will enable you to get a better result.
A soft broom or dust mop with a microfiber pad is more suited for porcelain flooring as it attracts and collects fine dust, dirt, and hair better than other pads. It is also gentle on glazed tiles surfaces and easy to handle.
If there’s any stubborn stain on the floor, use a small nylon brush to gently scrub the dirt away. You can also pour some hot water onto the dirt first to soften it before scrubbing. Scrubbing on dry dirt or stain might damage the finish on the tile.
Read: Homemade tile floor cleaner
Remove Stains
If, after giving your glazed porcelain tiles a total wipe down and you discover some stains, there are easy ways to remove such stains as long as you are equipped with the right tools and solution.
You can purchase a commercial cleaning product suitable for glazed tiles or make a white vinegar cleaning solution by combining a quarter cup of white vinegar and two gallons of warm water.
Mop the floor with the solution and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with clean water. When using a commercial product, apply according to packaging instructions.
If you are dealing with stubborn stains such as coffee or red wine, a baking soda and water paste can be used to remove them.
Mix equal parts of baking soda and water and apply to the stain before giving the area a light scrub with a small brush until the stain is lifted. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water, and if the stain persists, you can repeat the steps.
Mop the Floor Surface
Once all the stains and spots have been removed, you can mop the entire floor. You can make use of the vinegar and water solution you made earlier. Vinegar is great for cleaning glazed porcelain as it restores its shiny gleam without leaving a soapy film or residue.
Begin mopping at the farthest end of the room and work your way towards the exit. When the entire floor is mopped, run through the floor once more using fresh water and rinse the floor. This will remove any residue and ensure your floors look flawless.
Read: How to clean tile floor naturally
Dry the Floor
Once the entire floor surface has been mopped, you need to dry the floors. Ensuring glazed tiles is dried thoroughly after cleaning is essential as any standing water could cause watermarks.
Wipe the floor dry with a cloth or clean towel or place a fan in the room; you can also open some windows to allow in some fresh air and hasten the drying of your tiles.
When the floor is dry, buff it with a porcelain tile polishing pad and rub in circular motions, this revives the tiles and restores their shine.
Read: How to make porcelain tile shine
Conclusion
Cleaning unglazed porcelain isn’t any different from how to clean glazed porcelain tiles; you only need to be mindful of the product used as unglazed variants of porcelain flooring lacks a protective layer of glass making it prone to dust and dirt.
