Porcelain Tile Cleaners: What Really Works

One of the things we are most often asked is, “What’s the best way to clean porcelain tile?” The 
good news is that porcelain is one of the easiest flooring and wall materials to clean and 
maintain. That’s because it’s extremely dense and non-porous, so it resists staining far better than 
many natural materials. That said, the right cleaning supplies depend on what you’re trying to 
remove.
For everyday cleaning, simply use warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. It’s all you need. Avoid 
products that leave behind waxes, oils, or soaps, because these can create a dull film over time 
that actually attracts dirt. A microfiber mop is often the best choice because it lifts dirt without 
scratching the surface.
Occasionally, however, a newly installed tile or a shipment from overseas may require a little 
more attention. We’ve seen porcelain from Spain arrive with a light mineral or calcification 
residue caused by moisture during ocean transit, or a light wax coating to protect the tile. 
Likewise, installers sometimes discover leftover thinset, grout haze, paint, silicone, or even 
caulking on the tile surface after installation.
In those situations, it’s important to use a cleaner designed specifically for porcelain rather than 
reaching for harsh household chemicals. One product that several of our Italian and Spanish 
factory partners frequently recommend is Fila DETERDEK PRO. It’s formulated to remove 
cement residue, grout haze, mineral deposits, and many installation-related contaminants without 
damaging quality porcelain when used according to the manufacturer’s directions. We recently 
had a customer whose tile had what appeared to be either paint, thinset, or caulking residue, and 
this was the exact product the factory suggested.
Just as important as knowing how to choose the right product for each scenario, is knowing what
not to use. Stay away from abrasive scouring pads, steel wool, oil-based cleaners, waxes, and 
products that contain hydrofluoric acid. These can leave residue, alter the appearance of the 
surface, or potentially damage certain finishes.
When in doubt, always test any cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area first, and if you’re unsure 
what’s on the tile, ask your supplier before trying multiple chemicals. The solution for grout haze 
is often different from the solution for paint, adhesive, or mineral deposits.
One of the many advantages of high-quality European porcelain is its durability. With the right
cleaner and a little routine maintenance, your tile can look just as beautiful years from now as it 
did the day it was installed.