Our top maintenance and cleaning tips for porcelain floor and wall tiles | What you need to know

Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile that is fired at higher temperatures, making it denser, harder, and less porous than standard ceramic tiles. Many homeowners style their spaces with porcelain tiles due to their versatile aesthetics and high durability, as they are known for their strength and resilience. To ensure your porcelain tiles look the same as they did when installed, it's crucial to follow proper maintenance and cleaning guidelines to help with longevity and to maintain their timeless beauty.

This guide will offer homeowners insights into the best maintenance practices and cleaning techniques for porcelain floor and wall tiles.

Where are the best areas to showcase porcelain tiles?

Porcelain tiles are incredibly versatile and can elevate the look and feel of various areas within your home. Here are some ideal spaces to showcase the beauty of porcelain:

Kitchens and splashbacks

Porcelain floor tiles are an excellent choice for kitchens due to their resistance to stains and ease of cleaning. Consider large-format porcelain tiles for a seamless and contemporary look. Think about using porcelain kitchen tiles for:

• Hob splashback

• Kitchen sink splashback

• Kitchen floors

Exclusive to Fired Earth, the Sorrento range contains aesthetically pleasing and highly decorative porcelain tiles designed to add depth to all types of rooms. Whether this is to create a modern, country kitchen feel, or to express the classic monochrome look, these porcelain tiles are perfect for making a statement in your home.

Browse through the entire Sorrento range here.

Bathroom luxury

Both floor and wall porcelain tiles are perfect for bathrooms. Their moisture resistance makes them a practical and stylish option for showers, floors, and walls. Choose textured tiles for added slip resistance. Consider using porcelain bathroom tiles for:

• Wet room floors

• Create an accent wall

• Shower walls

• Splashbacks

Find out more about bathroom tiles with our expert guides on the Advice Centre.

If you are unsure where to use your porcelain tiles, consider a bespoke design service. Fired Earth provides a unique design service that provides customers with 3D visualisations and mood boards to help them envisage the final outcome. Our tile experts can advise you at every stage and offer ideas you may have not thought of.

Book your design service appointment today to speak to our tile experts.

Maintenance tips for porcelain floor tiles

To make sure your porcelain floor tiles keep looking fresh and damage-free, regular maintenance is essential.

1. Regular Sweeping or Vacuuming: Remove dirt and debris promptly to prevent scratches. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.

2. Damp Mopping with a Neutral Cleaner: Mop your porcelain floors regularly using a damp mop and a neutral pH cleaner. This helps maintain the tiles' shine without causing damage.

3. Spot Cleaning for Stains: Address spills immediately to prevent stains. For tough stains, we recommend our Intensive Cleaner for porcelain and ceramic tiles.

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can dull the surface of porcelain tiles. Stick to mild, porcelain-friendly cleaning solutions.

Maintenance tips for porcelain wall tiles

The same maintenance techniques can be used for porcelain wall tiles, along with regular attendance.

1. Wipe Down: Regularly dust your porcelain wall tiles using a soft, dry cloth. For a deeper clean, wipe them down with a cloth dampened in water and mild soap.

2. Gentle Cleaning Solutions: Use mild cleaning solutions specifically formulated for porcelain. Harsh chemicals can damage the glaze on the tiles, affecting their appearance.

3. Grout Maintenance: Pay attention to the grout lines. We recommend cleaning them with our Grout Cleaner. Regularly sealing the grout prevents discolouration.

What are the best ways to clean porcelain tiles?

Choosing the right cleaning products is crucial to ensure your porcelain tiles remain beautiful and you don’t cause them any harm. As porcelain tiles are water resistant, cleaning them is a breeze. However, aggressive chemicals can damage the tiles, consider using warm water, a microfibre cloth and a lot of elbow grease when cleaning porcelain floor and wall tiles.

Wipe the porcelain tiles with a clean damp cloth, squeezing out any excess water. Scrub a little more firmly in dirtier spots or use a small amount of the correct detergent.

To make cleaning easier, use tile cleaning and maintenance products specially designed for the tile material.

Our cleaning and maintenance products are ideal for extending the longevity of porcelain floor and wall tiles, ensuring they keep a good-looking finish to your home. When looking for cleaning products, make sure to follow the guidelines to check the product can be used on porcelain.

Browse our entire range of porcelain tile cleaning and maintenance products here.

With more than 40 years’ experience, Fired Earth is here to help! We continue to lead the field and design a variety of tiles in different materials, finishes and colours. Our experts can advise you on the best tile cleaning and maintenance routines for the range you choose.

Contact Fired Earth for more information, or visit one of our many showrooms across the UK.

Frequently asked questions

What cleaning products can you use on outdoor porcelain tiles?

For outdoor porcelain tiles, make sure you sweep any debris to remove any loose dirt or leaves. Then, use a stiff-bristled brush with clean water to scrub the tiles. For tough strains we recommend using our Intensive Cleaner product.

Can you use bleach to clean porcelain tiles?

Though porcelain tiles tend to be harder and more resilient than other materials, you should avoid using harmful chemicals, such as bleach or any type of acid-based cleanser, when cleaning porcelain tiles. After some time, this type of product can erode with the use of bleach and damage the grout or loosen the tiles.

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