Removing Stains From Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are fired at a very high temperature to enable a hard wearing and stain resistant finish. But, accidents do happen. Although lighter fluid remove most of the stubborn stains from porcelain tiles, here are a few examples of stains and other floor hazards and the ways to clean them:

Coffee: Dip a damp cloth in a mixture of water and baking soda and scrub over the stain.

Fruit Juice/Tea: Wash the area with a solution of 1 tablespoon Trisodium phosphate and 1 quart (2 pints) hot water. Rinse with water and than wash with a solution of 3 tablespoons laundry bleach in 1 quart of warm water.

Grease: Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the affected area with a strong solution of household detergent or a solution made of Trisodium phosphate and very hot water.

Hard Water Scum: A solution of non-precipitating water softener or baking soda in warm water can remove soap scum and soil.

Mildew: Mix 1 cup laundry bleach with 1 quart (2 pints) water and apply with a sponge. If the mildew remains, use a commercial mildew remover that contains sodium hypochlorite and sodium carbonate. Wear gloves and keep the room well-ventilated.

Oil: Mix a thick paste of household scouring powder and water. Apply the paste to the stain and allow it to stand overnight. Clean it later and dry as well.

Paint: Remove fresh oil-based paint with a cloth dipped in turpentine or paint thinner. For fresh water-based paint use a cloth dampened with warm water and mild household detergent; such as dishwashing liquid. Scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush.

Shoe Markings: Scuff marks by shoe heal and rubber burns by sneakers can be cleaned by mopping the floors with a cloth dipped in neutral floor cleaner diluted at one ounce per gallon of water.

• Test scouring powders on a small area or a sample tile before starting the entire project.

• Use only the recommended dilution of detergent. Higher concentration of detergent in the cleaning solution may make it difficult to rinse.

• Allow the detergent solution to stand on the effected area to act on the soil load. Usually 5-10 minutes is sufficient.

• Scrub with a nylon pad or a bristle brush.

• Rinse thoroughly with clean, clear water to remove the dirty detergent solution and stain. Clear the rinse water with a dry mop. If dirty detergent solution is not removed and is allowed to dry on the surface, a coating will form which is very difficult to remove.