How to clean porcelan tiles?

Talking Dreams · 12-05-2008, 10:38 PM

Eighteen months ago, I had porcelain tiles installed around my tub/shower. These tiles have/had a very high gloss. I was really looking forward to easy cleaning!

Unfortunately, I do not seem to be able to clean down to the shine. Once in a while I’ll use some gel soft scrub, but I still can’t get through what I think is a layer of hard water residue. I don’t even have especially hard water, though my water is pretty high in acid. It’s almost enough to make me install a water conditioning system, but I just can’t give up the wonderful taste of my pure well water.

I am afraid to use any harsh chemicals or abrasives but no amount of elbow grease seems to get the tiles completely clean. My first question is how to get them clean and of course, the next question is whether there is any product that would make them easier to clean in the future.

Thank you in advance for any comments or suggestions!

JazMan · 12-05-2008, 11:37 PM

I saw your post about problems cleaning your marble floor too. I'll bet the main problem is your water, especially for the porcelain tiles. You should not have any problems with glazed tiles, whether ceramic or porcelain.

You probably do not wipe the tiles after showers, do you? Well OK, most people probably don't, but all those minerals do build up. You need to get an acidic tile and grout cleaner and just follow directions. DO NOT use this type of cleaner on your marble though.

You can apply a penetrating sealer on the grout and also some on the tiles to fill the microscopic pores. Be sure to wipe off any excess before it dries on the tiles. Aside from sealer, some people have used Gel-Gloss or even Rain-X to protect the tiles from minerals? I know the sealer route works and is safe to do.

Jaz

Talking Dreams · 12-06-2008, 02:49 PM

>>You probably do not wipe the tiles after showers, do you?

I spray them with Tilex but I don't wipe them down daily. I must say though, this problem occurred within the first month I had the tile.

>>You need to get an acidic tile and grout cleaner and just follow directions.

Will this harm the original shine at all? It sounds like it is pretty harsh stuff.

>>You can apply a penetrating sealer on the grout and also some on the tiles to fill the microscopic pores.

Because I used an aerosol grout sealer, the tile was covered with the sealer twice when it was brand new. The sealer was not the kind that leaves a haze. Shouldn't the tile be VERY well sealed already?

>> Aside from sealer, some people have used Gel-Gloss or even Rain-X to protect the tiles from minerals?

I ever get to see the shine again, I am going to try Rain-X.

Thank you for your help!

tokmik · 01-19-2009, 04:58 AM

Don't use vinegar or bleach. I just looked it up! I would have suggested the vinegar but the care section said to use a PH neutral solution. It just didn't list any home solutions since they were trying to sell their product.If nothing else go with clear water.All spills ect. should come off easily with marble.

LINK REMOVED

ccarlisle · 02-08-2009, 10:01 AM

Porcelain is not marble...

You can use acids or bleach on porcelain. Neutral cleaners are for natural stone.