May 02, 2023

How to Clean Unglazed Porcelain Tile

Have you noticed dirt and grime collecting on the surface of your unglazed tiles? These tiles have microscopic pores which can easily collect dust and other debris.

The rough surface area of the tile also makes stains slightly more difficult to deal with.

The good news is that we are here to teach you exactly how to clean unglazed porcelain tile. In this article, we will show you what to use to clean porcelain tiles.

We will also discuss the best way to remove stains from porcelain tiles.

How to Clean Unglazed Porcelain Tile

Step 1: Sweep

Based on our research, the first step when cleaning unglazed tiles is to get rid of the residual dust build-up.

Luckily, unlike when cleaning glossy porcelain tiles, you can use a sturdy and hard-bristled broom or brush for this purpose. This is because the tile’s surface is more forgiving when it comes to scratches.

Our experts recommend something like the TMF grout brush or a stainless-steel grout brush for the best results. But any sturdy broom will do.

Step 2: Choose And Prep Your Cleaning Solution

When it comes to dealing with grimy tiles, professional carpet and floor chemicals are often your best bet. You will find some amazing tile and grout cleaners that will work very well for this purpose. And using it is easy, just follow the instructions for dilution on the label.

Alternatively, you can opt for an alkaline cleaner (we recommend this Alkaline Rinse)

Our evidence suggests that alkaline cleaners work wonders for removing excess grout from porcelain tiles or cleaning porcelain tile grout, which makes them especially useful for cleaning porcelain tiles after installation.

You can also mix a solution of a cup of white vinegar, a gallon of warm water, and a teaspoon of dish soap.

Step 3: Scrub

Once you have your cleaning solution, it’s time to scrub your tiles.

Even though unglazed tiles are more scratch-resistant than polished tiles, you still want to take care during this process.

Use a soft-bristled brush and scrub the tiles with your cleaning solution. You can also use a squeegee mop (we recommend the Westpak Tile Blaster) or a specialized tile-cleaning tool.

You can also use a damp cloth. Just take care to not introduce too much water at this point as the water may react with the grout and damage it.

For persistent stains, you can mix equal parts of vinegar and water or hydrogen peroxide and water for a more targeted stain-cleaning approach.

Apply your stain remover directly onto the stain, allow it to work into the stain, and then scrub it until the stain disappears.

Step 4: Wipe Down & Dry

After cleaning, take a cloth dipped in warm water and wring out the excess water. Use the damp cloth to wipe all your tools until all the remnants of your cleaning solution are removed.

Allow the tiles to thoroughly dry to avoid water marks or water damage. You may want to use a dry cloth or towel to dry them. You can even place a fan on them or open some windows to speed up the drying process.

Conclusion

So, cleaning unglazed tiles is not all that hard.

Yes, they may have a rough and porous exterior that makes them prone to collecting dirt, but with a little elbow grease and the right combination of products, your tiles will be looking good as new in no time at all.

Did you find our blog helpful? Then consider checking other guides:

How to Clean Unglazed Porcelain Tile

Step 1: Sweep

Step 2: Choose And Prep Your Cleaning Solution

Step 3: Scrub

Step 4: Wipe Down & Dry

Conclusion

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