Basic cleaning and care of tiles

Porcelain stoneware floor tiles are a ceramic product with excellent properties, such as durability in use and easy cleaning. Porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles are very hard, frost-resistant and waterproof materials that are particularly resistant to chemicals. They are ideal for flooring in restaurants, airports, schools, hospitals and shopping centers, and are also increasingly used in private homes. 

Porcelain stoneware is available in different surface finishes: 

• natural porcelain stoneware

• structured porcelain stoneware

• polished porcelain stoneware

• “lappato” surface

The following information is intended to help you enjoy your flooring for many years to come. Please note that once the tiles have been laid, the pattern and structure of the tiles may appear different due to the way the light falls (side light) than on the individual sample tiles in your advisor's showroom. Dark, black and rough floor coverings require more cleaning. The tiler is obliged to hand over the flooring “sponge-clean”. All further cleaning work is at the expense of the client.

Natural porcelain stoneware is a ceramic product with a compact paste and an unglazed surface. Normally, natural porcelain stoneware is not absorbent and therefore does not require protection, only appropriate cleaning. However, if the surface proves difficult to maintain, a dirt-repellent treatment may be considered. To ensure proper cleaning after installation, an acid detergent must be used. In the case of metallic porcelain stoneware, the acid resistance of the materials must be tested in advance.

Textured porcelain stoneware (e.g. wood-look or slate-look porcelain stoneware) is characterized by a relatively rough, matt surface and is used for both indoor and outdoor floor coverings. The use of an acid cleaner is practically essential for correct initial cleaning after installation. If the material is laid indoors, a protective treatment can be recommended to reduce new soiling and facilitate conventional maintenance.

Porcelain stoneware can be subjected to a grinding treatment during production. This results in the so-called “polished” finish, which is characterized by its mirror-like appearance. After this treatment, the material may absorb more and become more susceptible to stains. Therefore, a stain protection treatment with solvent-based products is recommended.

Lappato porcelain stoneware has a smooth and shiny surface, but it is not completely reflective. However, due to the glossy surface, it is less resistant to the penetration of water and staining substances. It should therefore be protected with an anti-dirt and stain protection treatment that restores its original shine after a proper basic cleaning after installation with an acidic cleaning agent (after checking the material resistance).

We have had very good experiences with Fila products and therefore recommend the Fila products available from us for all cleaning work. We recommend that you thoroughly clean the porcelain stoneware covering for the first time. This work is not included in the final cleaning and would have to be ordered additionally. With the right equipment, you can do the work yourself or have it done by a specialized building cleaner or possibly by your tiler. 

Why do we recommend this cleaning? The newly laid covering has a partially invisible film of grout residue (cement and plastic components). This film can attract dirt and affect maintenance cleaning (greater cleaning effort) or be noticeable as a cloudy appearance in the sidelight. 

For this work, you will need the following materials: bucket, scrubbing brush, cleaning cloths and, if possible, a water vacuum to absorb the dirty water. A single-disc machine that does the scrubbing for you and also saves you time is ideal. 

For the first basic cleaning after installation, use Fila - Deterdek - cement residue remover. Note: black, anthracite or colored cement joints can be lightened by acids.

The underfloor heating must be completely switched off for this work! Pre-wet the floor covering well with water, especially the joints. Dilute Fila – Deterdek 1:5 in a bucket. Spread the cleaning solution over the floor with a scrubbing brush, mop, or similar and brush by hand or with the single-disc machine. Leave on for 5 minutes. Polish briefly again with a little water. Collect the dirt (preferably with a wet vacuum cleaner) and then rinse 2–3 times with clean water. 

Use Fila - PS 87 to remove any protective components such as wax that are applied after the panels are produced or for periodic basic cleaning. 

Use undiluted to remove stains, or dilute the product 1:10 – 1:20 for a general clean, spread the cleaning solution over the floor with a scrubbing brush, mop or similar and brush through by hand or with a single-disc machine. 

Leave to work for 5–10 minutes. 

Brush again briefly with a little water. Remove the dirty solution (preferably with a wet vacuum cleaner) and then rinse 2–3 times with clean water. 

(Improper use of chemicals can attack the grout and adjacent materials).

Clean the floor covering with a damp cloth, not wet. Too much water on the floor will dry up through the underfloor heating and can cause streaks. For maintenance cleaning, we recommend Fila Cleaner combined with a microfiber mop. Dilution: as per label.

Use, as well as cleaning agents with care additives and cleaning solutions with too high a dosage, can cause a film to form on the surface, making the flooring look neglected or streaky. From time to time, depending on use and soiling, we recommend a basic cleaning with Fila PS 87 to remove care product residues. 

We will be happy to provide you with further information in person, or you can simply visit the homepage of our partner company www.filasolutions.com.

 There you will find recommendations for every type of cleaning or protection problem.