Vitrified tiles are great for areas that see a lot of foot traffic or moisture. If you are looking for the best way to clean them, look no further. This post will cover how to clean these resilient tiles and how to remove stains from them.
Here are the steps to clean vitrified tiles:
- Gather your cleaning materials
- Remove dirt and debris
- Mop or wipe down the tiles
- Scrub any problem areas
- Rinse the tiles
Here are the steps to remove stains from vitrified tiles:
- Clean the tiles
- Apply a vinegar solution
- Allow the solution to sit
- Wipe the stain away
- Rinse the tiles
- Dry the tiles
The good thing is that vitrified tiles or relatively easy to clean and maintain. However, they can become subject to stubborn stains from time to time and may require more diligent cleaning efforts. Continue reading to learn how to maintain these tiles and remove tough stains.
Steps To Clean Vitrified Tiles
Whether you're cleaning vitrified tiles on the wall or the floor, the process is pretty much the same. However, these tiles are highly polished, and caution should be used to avoid slipping when cleaning the floor tiles.
Things you'll need:
- Broom
- 2-gallon Bucket or Spray Bottle
- Dry cloth
- Rag or Chamois Mop
- All-purpose cleaner or Dish Soap
- Warm water
1. Gather you're cleaning materials
You can use all-natural cleaning materials or gentle commercial cleaning materials for vitrified tiles. However, it is not advised to use any acid or bleach-based materials to damage the grout between the tiles or cause the finish of the tile to wear down over time.
2. Remove dirt and debris
Sweep the tiles to remove any dirt and debris. You can use a regular broom and or Swiffer for this task.
Find this Swiffer broom on Amazon.
3. Mop or wipe down the tiles
Pour your cleaning solution into a bucket, and then use a mop to apply it to the floor. Be sure to concentrate on any heavily stained areas at this time. Also, be sure not to over-saturate the water with the cleaning solution, as it can cause residue to remain on the tile. In which case, you may need to rinse the tile a few times to remove them.
4. Scrub any problem areas
If you have any hardened debris on the floor, take your cleaning solution and apply it directly to the area, allowing it to soak for a few minutes. Sometimes you'll need to soften up the debris if it's been sitting for a while. You can also use a soft scrub brush to help remove tough grime. Avoid using scrapers or utility knives, as they can easily cause permanent scratches to the tile's surface.
5. Rinse the tiles
After cleaning the tiles, go back over them with clean, warm water to remove the cleaning solution. This will help to remove any residue and alkalinity that may be lingering on the tile. This step is essential to helping restore the tile's shine and preventing sticky areas. It's best to let the tiles are dry for 2 to 4 hours before allowing any traffic on them again. It's also important to dry the mop thoroughly before the last rinse to ensure little to no residual moisture left on the tiles.
Steps To Remove Stains From Vitrified Tiles
The best way to prevent stains on vitrified tiles is to clean any noticeable stains immediately. The longer the stain sits on the tile, the more difficult it'll be to remove. Let's look at how to remove stains from the tiles.
Things you'll need:
- Scrubber Brush
- Vinegar
- Broom
- 2-Gallon Bucket or Spray Bottle
- Dry cloth
- Rag or Chamois Mop
- All-purpose Cleaner or Dish Soap
- Warm Water
1. Clean the tiles
Before attempting any stain removal, it's important to first clean the towels thoroughly with an all-purpose cleaner or natural cleaner. Be sure to remove any dirt and grime or the residue that may be on the tile's surface.
Learn more about this all-purpose cleaner on Amazon.
2. Apply a vinegar solution
Combine equal parts of water and vinegar, and then pour the solution into a spray bottle. Next, apply the solution into the stained area, making sure to saturate it completely.
3. Allow the solution to sit
Let the solution sit on the stain for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the vinegar to break up the particles within the stain so that you can remove them.
4. Wipe the stain away
Use a soft cloth or a soft bristle brush to scrub the stain away. If there are stains on the grout between the tiles, a small disposable toothbrush will work best to remove them. Be sure not to apply the brush too harshly, as you don't want to scratch a tile's surface during this process.
Check out this soft-bristled brush on Amazon.
5. Rinse the tiles
Wipe the tiles down with a clean microfiber cloth and then rinse them with warm water. If you notice that the stains are still present, reapply the vinegar solution and allow it to sit for another 5 to 10 minutes, then repeat the above-mentioned steps.
6. Dry the tiles
Once the stains have been effectively removed, take a clean cloth and buff the tiles dry to remove any streaks or water spots. Make sure that the area is completely dry before allowing any foot traffic in the area.
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What are vitrified tiles?
Vitrified tile is very similar to typical clay or ceramic tiles, but it includes silica in its composition. During the tile formation process, clay and silica are blended to perform a hard glass-like material. This material gives the tile its glass-like finish and allows it to remain resilient over a period of several years. You can find vitrified tile and a wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles, the most popular ones being granite or marble.
Overall, you'll find that vitrified tile is more expensive than ceramic tile, given its durability and resistance to stains. The tile also has a very low porosity which makes it both frost and water-resistant. Some vitrified tile products are coated with an anti-skid solution to offer even greater abrasion resistance. If you're looking for a long-lasting tile that is durable and can hold up to heavy traffic and water, and vitrified tile is definitely one of the top contenders.
Where are vitrified tiles used?
Because of its durability, vitrified tile is best used outdoors or in areas prone to heavy moisture, traffic, or potential damage. You'll often find the tiles in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, or lobbies. And they are also very popular in public business spaces such as in corporate settings, banks, and restaurants.
Are vitrified tiles scratch-proof?
Vitrified tile is not completely scratch-proof. It does, however, have a high scratch-resistant. Its outer coating is very hard, which makes it almost impervious to surface stains and light scratches. It isn't as brittle as your typical ceramic tile and can withstand heat for a longer period of time. Vitrified tile has very low porosity, which contributes to its stain-resistant and strength.
Should you polish vitrified tiles?
Due to its silica-based makeup and durable coating, vitrified tile does not need to be polished as frequently or as thoroughly as typical ceramic tiles. The tile is highly polished, and its non-porous surface is more resilient than most clay tiles, meaning that it's less likely to become dull from food, cleaning products, or hard water minerals.
That being stated, it should be re-polished if the original polish begins to wear off--though this would normally take years to occur. The best way to do this is to apply a specially formulated polish for ceramic tiles using a soft cloth or small paintbrush. You'll know that the tiles are due for a re-polishing when they start to develop stains are become dull or discolored.
Learn more about this tile polish on Amazon.
Wrapping Things Up
Properly cleaning your vitrified tile can help to extend its lifetime and maintain its appearance. Remember, though the tile has high scratch resistance, it's best not to use harsh materials to remove stains from it. This includes scouring pads and wool scrub brushes.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:
Is A Shower Base Better Than Tiles?
2 Fool-Proof Methods To Remove Rust Stains From An Acrylic Tub Or Shower