How to Clean Porous Ceramic

Knowing how to clean porous ceramics will not only save money, it will also prevent you from damaging them. Many homes have ceramic tiles in the bathroom, kitchen and other rooms that require periodic cleaning. These tiles add elegance and charm to the home's flooring so it is necessary to preserve their beauty and finish. Using the correct products to maintain beautiful ceramic tile involves common sense and careful application.

Step 1, Dust Floors

Using a dust mop thoroughly mop all ceramic floors and use the dust cloth to clean up bordering baseboards. If necessary, use a vacuum cleaner to ensure all the dust is removed from the floor and walls before cleaning. Next, use a slightly damp mop and mop the ceramic flooring from right to left moving backward. Let this moisture evaporate before proceeding further.

Step 2, Mop Floors

Using a squeegee bucket, wet micro-fiber mop and ordinary dish soap will generally take care of cleaning most floors. It is also suggested that a pleasant smelling disinfectant be used to further clean the porous ceramic flooring, while also leaving a streak-free finish on it. A word of caution; never use abrasive cleaners or steel wool pads to clean ceramic tiles as these can scratch the finish and leave unsightly marks.

Step 3, Water and Vinegar

Use a diluted application of warm water and vinegar for difficult stains, crayons or scuff marks. A mop with a sponge on the end will work well for this application as slightly greater pressure can be brought to bear on scuff marks and more resistant strains. Additionally, stronger dish soap with grease removing power will also aid in ridding ceramic tiles of more difficult stains. This will also remove hard water stains.

Step 4, Brushing out Grout

A time-consuming method for cleaning grout is through the use of very hot water, grease-removing dish soap and a toothbrush. This lather should be removed by wiping it up quickly with a dry towel to keep it from staining the ceramic tile. An application of ammonia will also work well for grout and ceramic tile, but it should only be used with adequate ventilation and heavily diluted, at least a 50-50 solution of water and ammonia.

Step 5, Waxing Ceramic Tile Flooring

Although there are several schools of thought regarding waxing floors, the safest, most recommended wax for ceramic tile flooring is general liquid floor wax. It is easy to apply an even coat, is very durable and can be removed easily for additional applications.

Apply liquid wax as evenly and as lightly as possible, overlapping slightly. Allow the wax to dry for approximately one hour before applying a second application. Apply the second application in the opposite direction, being sure to overlap the first coat.

Use either a buffing machine or dry towels to buff out the dried liquid wax. Work from side to side, again moving backward, being sure not to tread on the buffed area. Be careful not to over-buff.