Cleaning After Installation

Wax On Porcelain– Sometimes the manufacturer will coat their tiles with a protective wax layer. Talk to the people who sold you the tiles about when and how this should be removed.

Physical Protection Layers – Often, manufacturers will apply a film to the tiles to protect them during transport. Depending on the type of film used, we recommend that this layer should be removed from the tiles before they are grouted in most cases.

Slip Resistant Tiles – In general, slip-resistant tiles have a more textured surface which can prove more difficult to clean. Depending on the type of surface, it may be necessary to use scrubbing equipment and cleaning products. If required, clean slip-resistant tiles with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Initial Cleaning – The first cleaning may take a concerted effort as there may be some grout haze present. The tile contractor should not leave any adhesive or grout residue on the tile surface, but normally you will need to do some post-installation cleaning.

General Maintenance

All surfaces require a regular cleaning so that contaminates do not build up.

Glazed Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles – You can maintain these kinds of surfaces by sweeping or vacuuming and then washing them with a specialised tile cleaning agent, which is available from most tile merchants. Rinse the surface thoroughly afterwards with clean water. Residual streaks, detergent marks and films can result from excessive use of cleaning agents. In some instances, and ONLY when advised to do so by your tile merchant, an acidic cleaner may be needed for optimal results. DO NOT use an acid-based product to clean fully glazed tiles unless it's recommended by your tile merchant as this may damage the tile surface!

Polished Porcelain – Generally cleaning and maintaining polished porcelain tiles is similar to how you clean ceramic tiles. However different brands of polished porcelain tiles may recommend varying methods of cleaning and maintenance. Ask your tile merchant what the most suitable cleaning product is for your particular tiles. DO NOT use an acid-based product to clean polished porcelain tiles unless it's recommended by your tile merchant as this may damage the tile surface!

Glass and Metallic Tiles – When cleaning glass or metallic tiles, be careful not to use anything abrasive such as scouring sponges etc.

Unglazed Tiles – All unglazed tiles have a certain level of surface porosity which usually means you have to pay more attention to keeping them clean. Spills or accidents that leave contaminates on the surface may cause staining. This is why unglazed tiles are often sealed for easier cleaning and maintenance.

1. What is a Porcelain Tile?
Porcelain tiles are a form of ceramic tile. While the preparation of both types of tiles are similar, it is the pressing and firing process which gives porcelain tiles their superior characteristics of being much stronger and much less porous (with a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less).

2. What are the main types of Porcelain Tiles?
a) Polished/Semi-Polished - As the name suggests, and elaborate technique is used to finish the tile after the firing process. Generally the process means that the tiles must be sealed, unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. A polished surface is not the same as a glaze.

b) Glazed Porcelain - Various techniques are used by different manufacturers to glaze tiles. Once a porcelain tile has been glazed no further treatment is required, as these tiles are considered non-porous.

c) Matt, Honed or Natural Porcelain - Generally speaking, this type of product comes out of the kiln in this form and undergoes no further processing. Normally, sealing is not required.

d) Rockfinish or Structured Porcelain - This type of porcelain is extremely textured and is quite often used externally. Sealing is not normally required.

3. What about sealing porcelain tiles?
a) The first step is to ask your tile supplier whether the product you have purchased needs to be sealed or not. If it does, you then need to determine what kind of sealer is best suited to your porcelain tile. Generally, porcelain tiles are sealed to help prevent staining. As a rule, due to the low level of porosity in porcelain tiles, a penetrating sealer is often used. Normally it is polished porcelain
tiles that require sealing, as the process of polishing can cause minute surface micro-pores.

b) Where a dark-coloured grout is to be used on porous tiles, pre-sealing should be carried out prior to grouting. This will ensure that the grout colour does not bleed into the tile. In some instances, you may wish to pre-seal dark porcelain tiles where a light-coloured grout is to be used.

4. How should porcelain tiles be laid?
In all cases the appropriate type of adhesive must be used. The substrate must also be adequate for the material to be used - the flatness of the surface is paramount. If not, tile lipping may occur.
Uneven floor surfaces may be levelled out through the use of a floor leveller. Your tiler will be able to guide you through any concerns you may have, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. And feel free to contact us here at Tile Solutions at any time if you have any concerns about your tiles.