Glazed porcelain tiles are made from refined clay and fired under high temperatures, making them extremely durable. While ceramic tiles have high rates of absorption, porcelain has water absorption rates of below 0.5%. Hence, it can resist moisture, stains, and even frost damage. Thus, glazed porcelain tiles are mostly suited for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. The surface is often treated to chemical and/or fade resistance in addition to the durability. The hardness of the tiles makes them resistant to scratches, and they can withstand foot traffic with noticeably less wear and tear. In this guide, we will discuss how to care for your tiles, prevent damage, and keep them looking their best.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
The most important thing in achieving good looks and durability of glazed porcelain tiles is the regular cleaning process. For routine maintenance warm water and mild soap will be sufficient. Cleaning should be done with a soft mop or cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, such as acids or ammonia, because that would be damaging to the grout or the tile’s finish. Using cleaning products containing bleach or other aggressive agents can cause discolouration over time.
Use a gentler multipurpose spot cleaner on tougher dirt and stains. Remember to dry the surface thoroughly after cleaning to avoid water spots or streaks. Avoid mopping dirt and debris onto the surface by sweeping or vacuuming tiles regularly.
Face-Impex tiles are high glazed porcelain tiles and the maintenance needed is very little to keep them looking great.
How to Prevent Scratches and Stains
Although porcelain tiles exhibit rather great resistance to stains, cleaning of any spillage should happen the moment it occurs. Foods like juice, coffee, or wine create stains on the grout or tile surface if left unattended. Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean up spills and if required, follow up with a mild cleaner.
Always use cutting boards while chopping vegetables or doing any food preparation on the countertops/floors. Though porcelain has quite a scratch-resistant tendency, cutting directly on the tile may cause damage over time. Heavy furniture and appliances should also not be dragged over the tile surface.
Face-Impex assures that its glazed porcelain tiles come with the best finishes and toughness because it lies so to protect them from damage at high-traffic sites.
Care for Porcelain Surfaces
Glazed porcelain tiles are unlike most other flooring types as they do not require sealing. However, sealing the joints with grout may keep them looking fresh and free from stains. When the porcelain tiles are unglazed, sealing gives more protective features against spills and stains. A best practice is using a sealer compatible with the tile and the grout to reduce future issues.
If you want to remove waxes or other finishes that are built up on your tiles. You can use tile sealer and adhesive remover because it softens without damaging the porcelain surface. Be sure to test on a small area before applying it to the entire floor. Always rinse thrice after cleaning to avoid any residue.
Grout Maintenance
Grout is perhaps the most challenging aspect of maintaining a porcelain tile installation. While the tiles are easy to clean, the grout absorbs dirt and darkens with time. After newly installed glazed porcelain tiles, keep the grout damp for the next seven days to ensure proper curing. This will help keep the colour and strength of the grout.
If a haze forms after grout installation, it can easily be buffed out with a sulfamic acid-based grout haze cleaner. Use a speciality epoxy haze cleaner for epoxy grout. The key to keeping these joints in good condition and retaining their original colour is to clean them with a soft brush and mild cleaner regularly. Sealing the joints after installation would also help protect them from staining and moisture.
Face-Impex knows the importance of grout maintenance, which is why we offer quality glazed porcelain tiles that make your grout lines easy to clean and maintain.
Preventive Measures for Longevity
Not difficult to maintain the longevity of glazed porcelain tiles; however, this requires regular attention. Regular sweeping/vacuuming dust and dirt are necessary to prevent scratching on the tile surface. Mop tiles with warm water and a mild detergent for shining them up. For hardy dirt stains, non-abrasive cleaners are designed for use on porcelain tiles.
If you have unglazed porcelain tiles, you should also seal them every few years to keep the surface protected. Read the seal frequency for your particular style of tile from the manufacturer. Notably, grout lines between the tiles are more susceptible to dirt and stains, hence requiring more cleaning to avoid discolouration.
Set mats at entryways to further protect your glazed porcelain tiles from dirt and debris-shoe grits that find their way into your house, thus minimizing the risks of scratches and damage.
Solution of Common Tile Problems
Although these tiles are durable and made to last, they too are not untouched by the effects of time; among the problems that they can be subjected to is chipping. A heavy object can fall on porcelain tiles, chipping the edges or cracking it. Although hard, porcelain is not scratch-proof and, alas, a heavy object can deface it. Thus, we recommend that tiles be installed on a surface that is solid and stable.
If a tile does crack/chip, it is possible to remove and replace it without alterations to the rest of the floor. You should always have some extra tiles on hand after installation to make replacement easier.
Another common problem is the discolouration of the grout. One of the main reasons is the traffic in that particular area or an area where moisture builds, such as a bathroom. Regular cleaning and resealing would ensure that discolouration due to these factors is minimized.
Glazed porcelain tiles can become slippery in wet areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Tiles can either be selected with a slip-resistant surface or treated with an anti-slip treatment to help prevent slips and falls.
Face-Impex manufactures glazed porcelain tiles that are designed to last, for form and function.
Wrapping Up
It is likely that taking care of glazed porcelain tiles will not be that hard, and with good care, such tiles can last long in their beauty and durability. Maintaining the tiles as new can be achieved by regular cleaning with mild products, avoiding spills on the tiles, and sealing grout lines. In addition, if needed, a tile can be changed or grout restored without having to redo the entire flooring.
Investing your flooring needs with Face-Impex brings you quality, durable tiles built to last a lifetime. With optimal care, your glazed porcelain will improve your home or office for years.