Glazed porcelain tiles provide a fresh and elegant finish to any area. Their shiny surfaces add radiance and sophistication. But they may lose their glow over time due to stains and dirt. Simple cleaning can keep them in good condition, but polishing ensures that their complete gloss comes back.
Proper techniques of polishing safeguard the surface and beautify the tiles. Applying the correct materials and techniques provides a lasting shine without harming the tile. These practices can restore your tiles to their original look and leave your space looking stunning. Follow these steps for effective and effortless polishing of your glazed porcelain tiles.
Overview of Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Glazed porcelain tiles have been used for centuries. There are instances of historical applications in the 15th-century Porcelain Tower of Nanjing as well as in Europe during the same period. These tiles are made through the process of vitrification, where kaolin clay, feldspar, and fill sand are subjected to very high firing temperatures. This gives the tiles their density, strength, and waterproof nature with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%.
Glazed porcelain tiles are highly resistant to scratches and stains and, hence, are a good choice for both interior and exterior flooring. Many people get it confused with ceramic tiles. But porcelain tiles are tougher and more elegant when it comes to porcelain vs ceramic tiles. They are perfect for both domestic and business use with their toughness and silky smooth surface.
Ways to Make Glazed Porcelain Tiles Shiny
Below are the top 5 easiest means of maintaining the glossy look of your glazed porcelain tiles.
Begin With a Soft Broom and Mop
Start by using a soft-bristled broom when cleaning your tile. You want to sweep dirt and dust off a surface without scratching it. Do not use hard bristles or abrasive brooms. This will scrape the tiles. Once you remove dirt from the floor using the broom, switch to a mop made of soft cotton or nylon. You only need warm water and a mild soap to clean your tile surface and make it shine. Just sweeping daily and mopping every other day without heavy scrubbing will not only restore the look of your tile, but also preserve it.
Brighten Up With Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a chemical-free, natural method to restore the lustre of your porcelain tiles. Its gentle acidity causes grime to be cut through and leaves a nice citrus smell behind. Spray a diluted lemon juice on the tiles and leave for a few minutes before cleaning, following sweeping and mopping.
In case of deeper cleaning, combine lemon juice with baking soda or vinegar. This mixture gives a brighter shine to dull spots and makes the flooring look fresh without the use of harsh chemicals.
Use Mild Liquid Cleaners
Liquid cleaners such as those with vinegar or ammonia can be quite effective for a thorough cleaning of the tiles and removal of stubborn dirt and stains. Ammonia removes stubborn yellow spots, residue, and microbial activity effectively. Be sure to ventilate the area well if you are using ammonia, and always dilute it in water. Both treatments preserve the original finish and are safe for glazed tiles if applied in the right proportions.
Mild Detergent and Borax for Tough Grease
A wax-free neutral cleaner is best suited for glazed porcelain tiles since it prevents any film build-up and still cleans up greasy spots effectively. Mild floor cleaners are excellent for the upkeep of gloss.
Borax is a powder that is also a natural cleaning agent and can be used to restore the shine. It is used the same way as baking soda and can be combined with vinegar for an added cleaning effect. Spread this mixture over the tiles, let it sit for some time, and mop it to obtain clean and shiny tiles.
Gently Scrub with Baking Powder
Baking powder is also a great and safe way to clean glazed tiles. It contains a blend of baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch. It can easily remove dirt and grease from the surface of the tile and grout lines. Mix it with warm water and make it into a soft scrubbing paste. Apply it over stained spots and leave it on for approximately 10 minutes, and then clean with warm water. This solution removes grime and also brings out the natural sheen in the tile.
Care and Maintenance of Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Regular Maintenance Tips
- Sweep and Mop Daily: Clean with a soft broom or microfiber mop. Mop with warm water and gentle soap. Dry with a cotton cloth to enhance shine and avoid water spots.
- Scrub the grout lines with baking soda paste. This can be done with a toothbrush or a small brush. Seal the grout later to stop dirt from settling.
- A pH-neutral cleaner that is specifically designed for tile surfaces can be very helpful to preserve and maintain the glaze.
- A smooth and lint-free cloth to dry the tile can help avoid streaking or water stains.
- Using entryway doormats can reduce tracking dirt on the tiles and protect its natural look.
- If you have spills, promptly cleaning them up, especially if they are liquids that can stain, such as coffee and wine, can eliminate permanent stains.
- Make a dense paste by combining baking soda and water for stubborn stains, allow it to sit briefly, and then softly clean the area with a gentle fabric.
- Occasionally, apply a suitable tile polish. This helps to preserve its original look and guard the surface against wear.
Final Thoughts
Glossy glazed porcelain tiles offer an elegant, stylish finish. But this finish can only be retained through the right maintenance regime and treatments. Glossy glazed tiles require constant maintenance where spills are wiped up quickly, and cleaning products that are gentle on tiles are used to retain the glossy finish. Polishing with the right product can bring back their shine, remove scratches, and restore their original charm.
With simple tools such as a white pad and a polishing machine combined with simple home solutions for common stains, you can be guaranteed that your tiles will remain flawless. You can maintain your porcelain tiles to be bright, spotless, and elegant with little effort and regular upkeep, enabling any room to look clean and properly kept for years.