Top tips for keeping your tiles looking great by our expert tilers.
Tiles are generally very low maintenance, hard wearing and easy to keep clean. There are some maintenance and cleaning tips you can apply to ensure your tiles stay in great condition and last for decades to come.
Important: These tile cleaning and maintenance tips should be used as a guide only. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations specific to your tiles. If you’re unsure, contact our tilers for helpful advice.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are made from dense clay fired at high temperatures. Known for their exceptional durability, porcelain tiles are hard-wearing and resistant to scratches. Porcelain tiles are stain and moisture-resistant making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Cleaning and caring for porcelain tiles
- Regularly remove dirt, dust, and debris using a broom or vacuum cleaner. This will prevent scratches on the tile surface.
- Mop floors with a damp mop and a mild, PH-neutral cleaner that is suitable for porcelain tiles.
- Don’t use acidic or abrasive cleaners which can damage and scratch the surface of porcelain tiles. Don’t use bleach as this can degrade the tile grout.
- Tile grout can be cleaned using a mixture of baking soda and water or a commercial grout cleaning, scrubbing gently with a soft brush to remove stains.
- Add felt pads or coasters under furniture to prevent damage to the tile surface.
- Clean up spills immediately to avoid the potential of staining.
- Avoid using wax or acrylic-based products, as they can make the tile surface very slippery.
- Steam cleaning of porcelain tiles is not recommended as the high heat and pressure can damage the grout, leading to potential waterproofing problems.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are made from clay and other natural materials. Glazed ceramic tiles have a protective layer that makes them resistant to water and stains. Unglazed ceramic tiles are more porous and may require sealing. Ceramic tiles are not as durable as porcelain so care needs to be taken to prevent chipping and cracking under heavy impacts.
Cleaning and caring for ceramic tiles
- Regularly remove dirt, dust, and debris using a broom or vacuum cleaner. This will prevent scratches on the tile surface.
- Clean ceramic wall tiles with a mild PH-neutral detergent or household cleaner.
- For best results cleaning ceramic floor tiles, they should be washed regularly with hot, clean water and a small amount of neutral, soapless household cleaner.
- Never use abrasive cleaners or an acidic or alkaline cleaner. Don’t use abrasive cleaners as these can cause minute scratches that attract dirt and make the tiles harder to keep clean.
- Highly glazed tiles are particularly susceptible to scratching by abrasive cleaners.
- Stubborn stains can usually be removed with a paste of bicarbonate soda and water.
- Avoid wearing spiked shoes on high gloss floors and avoid dropping heavy objects on tiles.
- Add felt pads or coasters under furniture to prevent damage to the tile surface.
- Tile grout can be cleaned using a mixture of baking soda and water or a commercial grout cleaning, scrubbing gently with a soft brush to remove stains. Avoid steam cleaning as the high heat and pressure can damage grout, leading to potential waterproofing problems.
Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta tiles are made from natural clay and are prized for their rustic, earthy tones. Their unique variations of colour and texture give them a natural, warm appearance. They require sealing for improved durability and stain resistance.
Cleaning and caring for terracotta tiles
- Regularly remove dirt, dust, and debris using a broom or vacuum cleaner. This will prevent scratches on the tiles.
- Avoid using wax or acrylic-based products, as they can create a slippery surface and may discolour the terracotta over time.
- Terracotta tiles are porous and should be sealed to protect them from stains and moisture. Apply a penetrating sealer suitable for terracotta, and reapply as needed based on usage and manufacturer recommendations.
- Avoid using a wet mop on dry tiles as this can cause the tiles to absorb moisture and become discoloured. Use a dry dust pop to pick up fine particulates and dust.
- Clean terracotta tiles with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the tiles. Dilute the cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach as it can damage the finish and discolour the tile.
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining as liquids can penetrate terracotta quickly.
- Keep grout lines clean by using a mild solution of water and a pH-neutral cleaner, avoiding excess water use. Avoid steam cleaning as the high heat and pressure can damage grout, leading to potential waterproofing problems.
- Terracotta tiles can chip or break upon heavy impact. Take care with heavy objects and use gliders and coasters under furniture to prevent damage to the tile surface.
- If you notice cracks, chips or scratches on your terracotta tiles, contact our tilers for advice.
- If removing stubborn stains, use a soft brush or sponge. Never use abrasive scourers or steel wool which can damage the tile surface and scratches.
Natural Stone Tiles
Marble, Limestone, Granite and Travertine
Natural stone has a timeless quality and is often considered a long-term investment. The unique colours, patterns and characteristics of natural stone give it a unique appearance. When properly maintained, natural stone can last for decades.
Cleaning and caring for terracotta tiles
- Regularly remove dirt, dust, and debris using a broom or dust mop. This will prevent scratches on the tiles. Avoid using a vacuum with beater bars as this can scratch marble tiles.
- Clean with a damp mop using a mild, pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for natural stone. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that can damage the stone.
- Avoid steel wool, scourers or rough brushes which can scratch the tile surface.
- Natural stone is porous so wipe up spills with a soft cloth immediately to prevent staining and discolouration.
- Depending on the type of natural stone, your tiles may require sealing to protect against stains. Contact the manufacturer or speak to our tilers for assistance.
- Keep grout lines clean by using a mild solution of water or a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft brush or old toothbrush. Avoid steam cleaning as the high heat and pressure can damage grout, leading to potential waterproofing problems.
- Do not use common household cleaners that contain acids (such as vinegar or lemon) or abrasive agents. These can etch the surface and dull the natural shine of the marble.
- Add felt pads or coasters under furniture to prevent damage to the tile surface.
- Periodically inspect the tiles for cracks, chips or stains. If you notice problems, contact our tilers for advice.
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