How to Clean Different Types of Tiles

Whether you have glossy tiles, matt or any other finish in your home, regular cleaning will ensure that they remain in tip-top condition and keep them looking their best. It’s always recommended that you check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before using any strong chemical cleaners on your tiles, however, in case of damage.

If you’d like to find out more about how to clean a variety of tile types, then read to the end of the blog for an overview on what we recommend.

Always hoover up any surface dust and dirt before washing your tiles.

Cleaning ceramic and porcelain tiles

Porcelain and ceramic are two of the most popular materials used for bathroom tiles – and often appear elsewhere throughout the house as well, due to their robustness and versatility. Hard-wearing and, in the case of porcelain in particular, non-porous, tiles made from these materials are generally pre-sealed, making them easier to clean. No matter what type of tiles you have, however, it’s always best to patch-test a small area with your chosen cleaning solution, just to ensure that it doesn’t damage the tiles.

For porcelain and ceramic, a mild detergent mixed with water is often ideal for cleaning – or you can simply opt for soap and water, if you prefer to use something even gentler.

When it comes to the cleaning process, the first thing to do is a surface-clean, sweeping away or vacuuming up any dirt from floor tiles (and brushing away any dust etc. from wall tiles), before preparing your cleaning solution. We always recommend using simple soap and water, but a gentle detergent or tile cleaner can work with water as well, if you’ve already tested it on the tiles.

Again, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to clean your specific tiles, if these are provided. It’s best not to use anything too abrasive to clean the tiles, so avoid scourers or hard bristle brushes in favour of soft cloths and sponges, using a gentle circular motion to remove stains and dirt. Once cleaned, you can then rinse the tiles with clean water to remove any soap or other residue, before toweling the tiles dry.

Clean Porcelain tiles like the Caracalla Beige Porcelain Tile with a gentle solution and soft cloth.

Looking after glass tiling

If you have gloss-finish glass tiles – a material often used in mosaic tiling, for example – then using a non-abrasive cleaning solution is again recommended. Soap and water also remains a good choice in terms of a cleaning solution, although you could also mix together equal parts water and white vinegar with this type of tiling to give them a more sparkling shine. As glass has a smooth, non-porous surface, it won’t easily damage but it’s always worth testing out a small area of your tiles first, before cleaning the entire wall or floor.

Simply spray your cleaner onto the tiles and then wipe them down with a soft cloth or sponge, taking care to dry them off with a lint-free cloth to prevent streaks.

Often used for splash-backs or as accent tiles, glass mosaics tend to have more grout lines, due to their smaller size, so it’s worth bearing in mind that you may need to spend a little longer cleaning these. You could use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the grouting, again, being careful not to apply too much pressure.

NB If your glass tiles have a matt finish, like the Hex Frisia Silver Non-slip Mosaic Sheet below, then it’s best to use a mild mixture of soap and water, as matt surfaces can be damaged by more abrasive cleaners.

The Hex Frisia Silver Non-slip Mosaic Sheet is made from strong glass.

How to clean natural stone tiles

If you have real stone tiles in your home – for example, marble, granite or slate – then these require a bit more TLC when it comes to cleaning, due to their more porous surfaces. Again, always clean off any surface dust and dirt and then use a gentle pH-neutral stone-cleaner specifically designed for the type of stone that you have. You can check the tile manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the tiles and always doublecheck the cleaning solution guidelines as well.

With natural stone tiling, be sure to avoid harsh chemicals such as acidic cleaners, vinegar and any strong chemical cleaners, as these can damage the stone. Gently scrub the tiles with a soft brush or mop and then rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue before drying them with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots and streaks.

If you like the stone look but want something which is easier to maintain then stone-effect tiles are the perfect solution. Often made from hard-wearing porcelain, these can be easily cleaned, as detailed above, giving you the appearance of real stone but with all the benefits of tiles.

For example, the Stonehenge Oxide Porcelain Wall and Floor Tile in Grey is a large-format stone-effect tile with a dark grey colour which will give you that stone look but with the benefits that come from porcelain. Suitable for walls and floors these rectangular tiles can be used in your bathroom or throughout the home, so are very versatile, with the colour palette complementing a range of décor.

The Stonehenge Oxide Porcelain Wall andf Floor Tile in Grey gives you the stone-effect look without the cost and maintenance of real stone.

Source a wide range of tiles at Tileshack

If you need new tiles for your home then we have a great selection available at Tileshack, with something to suit all tastes in terms of size, shape, colour and finish. Our expert team can also provide guidance on matching and contrasting certain tiles – and if you need any further details on how to keep them clean and in good condition, then we’re happy to talk about that too.

To view our full range of tiles, visit Tileshack.com and if you have any queries, just email us at info@bathshack.com, call us on (028) 9077 0188 or use our online chat.