How To Clean Wall Tiles
By Zoe Bert & May
Jul 19, 2022
Cleaning wall tiles usually sits pretty low on people's to-do list. However, showing your wall tiles the love they deserve not only keeps them looking their best, but also helps to protect them. This guide takes you through the best ways of cleaning, removing stains, and maintaining cement, terracotta, porcelain, terrazzo, and marble wall tiles.
Take a look at our collection of tile protection products specially designed to preserve the look and structure of our tiles, ideal for cleaning and maintenance.
How to clean cement and terracotta wall tiles
Remove any surface dust with a microfibre cloth to ensure any dirt isn't transferred to the grouting when wet cleaned. If you have a hoover with the a soft-headed attachment, you can this instead providing you have suitable reach and aren't put off balance.
Due to the porousness of cement tiles, it is important to use a pH-neutral cleaner (i.e., avoid vinegar, bleach, or citric soaps) to avoid damaging the tile's surface or eroding the sealer.
Dilute your pH-neutral cleaner (we recommend Fila Cleaner Pro) and using a non-abrasive sponge, clean the tiles and wipe them down with a cloth and clean water.
Wipe away any remaining residue to ensure the tiles are left dry.
Removing tougher stains
For more obstinate stains, use a product such as our Cleaner Pro and dilute as instructed with water. Scrub with a cloth or nylon brush (avoid wire brushes to prevent tile scratching). Rinse off thoroughly with water then dry the surface to finish.
Maintaining cement and terracotta tiles
To protect your cement and terracotta tiles, it's best to deep clean and reseal them every 2-3 years.
How to clean porcelain wall tiles
Remove surface dust with a microfibre cloth. This ensures no dirt is transferred to the grouting when wet cleaned. You can also use a vacuum with a soft-headed attachment that prevents scratches.
Using a soft nylon brush, remove localised stains using warm water and a pH neutral cleaner, cleaning in a circular motion. Prevent scratching the tile by avoiding wire brushes and brushing on dry areas.
Using a pH neutral cleaner and water, wipe the tiles.
Allow the tiles to dry.
Removing tougher stains
Our porcelain tiles are unglazed and textured and whilst the material does not require sealing, over time some deeper staining can occur. For more obstinate stains, use a product such as our Cleaner Pro and dilute as instructed with water. Scrub with a cloth or nylon brush (avoid wire brushes to prevent tile scratching). Rinse off thoroughly with water then dry the surface to finish.
Maintaining porcelain wall tiles
A key advantage of porcelain tiles is they are very durable tiles and low maintenance. However, to keep them in good condition, follow these tips:
Give your tiles a regular clean as per the instructions above.
When cleaning, use soft brushes or cloths to avoid scratching the porcelain surface.
How to clean terrazzo wall tiles
Remove any surface dust with a microfibre cloth or vacuum (if you have suitable reach and soft-headed attachments to avoid scratching) to ensure this any surface dirt is not transferred to the grouting when wet cleaned.
Using a pH-neutral cleaner and water, wipe your tiles.
Wipe away any remaining residue with an old cloth to ensure the tiles are left dry.
Removing tougher stains
Terrazzo tiles are crafted from two base materials, natural stone and cement, both of which are porous. Sealing during installation will help to protect them but over time tougher stains can occur. Follow these tips on how to remove them:
For stubborn stains, use a product such as our Cleaner Pro and dilute as instructed with water. Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or fine nylon brush (avoid wire brushes to prevent tile scratching), rinse off thoroughly with water then dry the surface to finish.
Maintaining terrazzo wall tiles
A key advantage of terrazzo tiles is they are very durable and low maintenance. However, to keep them in good condition, follow these tips:
Give your tiles a weekly or monthly clean depending on the frequency of room use.
Use pH-neutral products free of harsh chemicals whilst avoiding the persistent use of ammonia, bleach, or acids.
Every 3-5 years, the tiles can be deep cleaned and resealed in order to reinstate their protection.
How to clean marble wall tiles
Remove any surface dust with a microfibre cloth. You can also use a vacuum providing you have suitable reach and a soft-headed attachment. The trick is to ensure no dirt is transferred to the grouting when wet cleaned.
Dilute a pH-neutral cleaner with warm water (we recommend Fila Cleaner Pro) into a spray bottle.
Spray the solution over your marble wall tiles and wipe the tiles down with a cloth. Clean off any cleaner residue with clean water.
Lastly, dry the tiles thoroughly with an old cloth for a final buff.
Removing tougher stains
Marble is a natural stone and can be subject to staining. Clean up any spills as soon as the spill happens. If any stains remain, don't worry, they can be brought out:
Use our Cleaner Pro and dilute as instructed with water. Scrub with a cloth or nylon brush (avoid wire brushes to prevent tile scratching). Rinse off thoroughly with water then dry the surface to finish.
Maintaining marble wall tiles
Due to the porousness of marble, it needs more care than other tile options:
Should anything spill onto your marble wall tiles, wash it up immediately using paper towels, dabbing rather than wiping to contain a potential sustain. Then use a pH neutral cleaner and water to clean the area.
To protect your marble wall tiles, seal them every 3-5 years.
Avoid the persistent use of chemical cleaners that contain ammonia, bleach, or acids.
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