How to Clean Tumbled Porcelain Tile

Homemade Cleaner

• 1

  Use a vacuum or dust cloth to clean tumbled porcelain tile on floors, walls and counters before applying a cleaning solution. Remove any dust and dirt trapped in the crevices of the tile.

• 2

  Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 2 gallons of warm water in a 3-gallon bucket. Liberally apply the mixture to the tile surface with a sponge or sponge mop. Let the solution sit on the surface for 5 to 10 minutes.

• 3

  Scrub any stains on the tile with a nonabrasive nylon brush. Wipe away the vinegar solution with a dry sponge or soft, white cloth. Avoid colored cloths, because they could transfer their color to grout or unglazed tiles.

• 4

  Dump the vinegar mixture in a sink, and fill the bucket with warm water. Saturate the tile with the water using a sponge or sponge mop to rinse off the vinegar. Dry the surface with a soft, white cloth to prevent streaks and water spots.

Commercial Cleaners

• 5

  Follow the manufacturer's instructions for diluting any commercial cleaners you use on tumbled porcelain tile. Some instructions say to dilute 2 to 4 ounces of cleaning solution per gallon of warm water in a bucket. Use the larger percentage of cleaning solution indicated if the tile is heavily soiled.

• 6

  Apply the mixture to the tile surface with a damp sponge or sponge mop. Be aware that some manufacturers' instructions say you should not rinse off the solution and should let the surface air dry.

• 7

  Put warm water in a 3-gallon bucket, and rinse the surface anyway if it appears a commercial cleaner left a dull film on the tiles after it dries. Take a soft, white cloth and wipe the surface dry to prevent water spots and streaks from forming.