How to clean ceramic tiles

Ceramic and porcelain stoneware are some of the most popular wall covering materials because they are the most practical. All it takes is simple routine care to ensure that they remain as perfect as when they were first installed.

As a design choice they offer a perfect compromise between aesthetics (thanks to the infinite material options), durability and ease of maintenance.

CLEANING CERAMIC FLOORS: OUR ADVICE

Let’s start with an important premise: cleaning ceramic tiles, whether for indoor or outdoor use, will be quicker and easier the more timely and effective the post-installation wash, an essential step that is often underestimated or omitted. We discussed the subject in depth in this post.

Ceramic floors and walls that are properly treated at the end of installation will be very easy to clean using readily available detergents and tools.

Cleaning ceramic tiles: tools

Only standard household appliances and tools are required for routine cleaning of ceramic and porcelain stoneware floors.

Before washing, it is always advisable to remove dust and dirt residue with a vacuum cleaner, broom or robot and to clean the joints thoroughly (this is what the brushes on hoovers are intended for).

When washing with water, you can opt for either the traditional solution with a bucket (using a classic mop, cloth mop or sponge mop as preferred) or a floor washer or robot. Technical porcelain stoneware can also be steam-washed. Outdoor coverings, moreover, can also be treated with the most powerful jet cleaners, particularly if the surface is rougher and difficult to wash with other tools.

Cleaning ceramic tiles: detergents

To wash ceramic or porcelain stoneware floors, simply use warm water and a detergent chosen based on the type of tile.

For ordinary ceramics (single-fired and double-fired) or honed and glossy tiles – as well as those with metallic or iridescent inserts – it is best, for example, to opt for neutral, well-diluted detergents. Porcelain stoneware, on the other hand, can also be washed with more acidic detergents. It is best to avoid products with added fragrances or excessively foamy products. Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, ceramic tiles can also be washed with mixed solutions of water and alcohol, water and bleach, or water and ammonia.

A final rinse with a clean rag is always recommended to avoid streaks and residue.

A last note on cleaners for removing specific stains: acidic products should be used to remove lime deposits, rust or metal traces from ceramics. However, other types of stains (from drinks, animal or vegetable fats, inks, oils, dyes, rubber and shoe marks) can be removed with alkaline detergents.

Moreover, it is advisable to periodically maintain the joints between the tiles using specific detergents. All the detergents and stain removers mentioned can be purchased at large DIY chains or building supply stores and sometimes they can also be found at large retailers.

CLEANING CERAMIC WALLS

It is also quick and easy to maintain wall tiles. In the vast majority of cases we are talking about bathroom and kitchen walls: depending on the position of the wall, the most suitable detergent for the type of dirt it is subjected to can be used.

In the case of kitchen walls in contact with grease and food juices (or even porcelain stoneware kitchen tops), you can use a kitchen degreaser to apply with a sponge and rinse.

In the bathroom, however, it is preferable to use detergents that also have anti-limescale properties, or products specifically created for this room that are also suitable for removing residue from soaps, oils and cosmetics.

In both cases, we do not recommend the use of very aggressive detergents or acids: if cleaning is routine, this will not be necessary.

One final note about wall tiles that are not in contact with water and/or other soiling agents: the latest interior trends also propose large ceramic slabs for living rooms, headboards, other rooms in the home or furniture coverings.

In this case, after the first post-installation cleaning, it will be sufficient to periodically dust the covering and then to use a damp cloth (with only water or a detergent spray without rinsing).

To remove streaks from glossy coverings, it is always best to dry thoroughly with a cotton or microfibre cloth.
 

Maximum hygiene with antibacterial tiles

One of the latest innovations offered by Marazzi is Puro Antibacterial: a complete range of tiles treated in a way that guarantees maximum hygiene for ceramic surfaces. The use of silver ion technology enables the elimination of up to 99.9% of bacteria and other harmful micro-organisms on the tiles. These are ideal solutions not only for public areas, but also for kitchen tops or wall coverings in bathrooms and living areas where people need to pay special attention to hygiene. Discover Puro Marazzi Antibacterial here.