How to Clean Porcelain Tile, According to a Flooring Expert

Porcelain tile is a favorite flooring choice—and for good reason! Porcelain tiles are highly durable, resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, making them ideal for both high-traffic areas and wet environments, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Porcelain tile may be tough, but it’s not maintenance-free. Learning how to clean porcelain tile properly can help preserve the beauty and function of your floors for years to come.

We consulted a flooring expert for tips and tricks on caring for porcelain tile and keeping your floors looking their best.

How to Clean Porcelain Tile: Your Complete Routine

“Proper care of porcelain floors involves a consistent routine,” explains Leah Howell, cleaning and flooring expert. Howell’s method involves a daily, weekly, and monthly routine to keep floors as beautiful as the day they were installed.

“As always, with any kind of floor care, the amount of foot traffic or daily use will dictate how to best care for the floor,” she reminds. To minimize the amount of debris on the floor, ensure that every entrance has a doormat both inside and out. Encourage your family to remove shoes at the door, and be sure to vacuum or sweep visible debris promptly. 

Once a Day:

A quick daily sweep or dry mop can make all the difference. "While porcelain tile is known for durability, fine particles can still cause scratches over time, leading the floors to look dull," Howell explains.

Use a soft, microfiber mop for best results. There are many suitable choices on the market, but Leah recommends Bona’s Premium Multi-Surface Sweep & Clean Mop. (Its gentle material lifts debris without grinding it into the floor, preserving the tile’s natural shine.)

Once a Week:

Once a week, it’s time for a more thorough clean. Choose a pH-neutral tile floor cleaner that’s specially formulated for hard surfaces. Howell advises avoiding traditional mop-and-bucket methods, which can actually do more harm than good.

“Dirty water can seep into grout lines and leave behind residue,” Howell warns. Instead, she suggests a spray mop with a hard surface cleaner. This combination delivers a safe, streak-free clean without any leftover film or stickiness.

Once a Month:

Howell recommends applying a tile-safe floor polish every 1 to 4 months, with the exact frequency based on the area's floor traffic. The polish will act as a protective barrier against scuffs, dulling, and general wear, making your monthly upkeep time well spent. (Remember to follow the instructions on the polish bottle.)

“While polishing can mean a bit of extra effort, it will go a long way to help maintain a new, glossy look to your porcelain floors,” says Howell. Following this simple daily, weekly, and monthly schedule can help you keep your porcelain tiles looking their best for years to come.