# How to Clean Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Floors: A Commercial Guide to Cleaners, Grout and Machines

> How to clean commercial ceramic and porcelain tile floors: sweep, damp-clean with a pH-neutral cleaner, rinse or recover the solution, protect the grout, and match the machine to the floor.

- **URL:** https://janitori.com/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-clean-ceramic-tile-floors

**In this guide**
- [What is the right routine for ceramic and porcelain tile?](#routine)
- [How do you damp-clean tile floors step by step?](#steps)
- [Which cleaner is safe for tile and grout?](#cleaner)
- [How do you clean grout without damaging it?](#grout)
- [Which machines work on tile floors?](#machines)
- [What damages tile floors?](#avoid)
- [Are tile floors slippery when wet?](#traction)
- [FAQ](#faq)

To clean a commercial ceramic or porcelain tile floor, sweep or vacuum first, damp-clean with warm water or a pH-neutral cleaner, then rinse or pick up the solution and let the floor dry. The grout between the tiles needs more care than the tile does.

This guide is for facility and custodial teams caring for tile in lobbies, restrooms, corridors, schools and food-service areas. It covers the routine, the cleaner, the grout, and the machines that fit each floor size.

 **Key takeaways**
- Glazed tile is easy to clean and often needs only warm water. The Tile Shop says regularly maintained tile can be restored with a warm-water mop, with a pH-neutral cleaner for built-up grime.
- Grout is the weak point. The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) says cementitious grout is porous and dissolved by acids, so avoid vinegar and acid cleaners on it.
- Rinse or recover the solution. TCNA says even good alkaline cleaners leave a sticky film that attracts dirt if not rinsed, and the best method is to apply cleaner then vacuum up the dirty water.
- An auto scrubber applies, scrubs and recovers in one pass on large floors, while a hand-held scrubber suits restrooms and tight corners.

## What Is the Right Routine for Ceramic and Porcelain Tile?

The routine is a dry pass, a damp clean, and a dry finish. Remove grit first, because dirt and grit scratch the surface when walked over or mopped.
- **Sweep or vacuum regularly.** The Tile Shop advises this so grit does not scratch the tile ([cleaning guide](https://www.tileshop.com/resources/how-to/how-to-clean-ceramic-tile)).
- **Mop with warm water first.** For tile that is maintained regularly, the same guide says this is often enough to restore shine.
- **Use a pH-neutral cleaner for built-up grime.** Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, which can damage the tile.
- **Dry the floor.** Excess moisture left on the tile can leave water spots.

## How Do You Damp-Clean Tile Floors Step by Step?

Dry-clean, apply the cleaner, rinse or pick up the solution, and dry. Keep the section wet while you work so dissolved dirt cannot dry back on.
- **Close the area.** Put out wet-floor signs and keep foot traffic off the section being cleaned.
- **Sweep or vacuum.** Remove loose dirt and grit before any liquid goes down.
- **Apply warm water or a pH-neutral cleaner.** Mix it at the rate printed on the product label.
- **Scrub where needed.** Use the brush or pad the tile manufacturer recommends, and avoid abrasive cleaners.
- **Rinse and pick up.** Use a wet vacuum, squeegee or auto scrubber to lift the dirty water. TCNA calls applying cleaner and then vacuuming up the dirty water the best way to clean grout, because it lifts dirt out of the joint.
- **Check the recovery tank.** If you use a wet vacuum or scrubber, look for foam on the first fill, because foam pulled into a vacuum motor damages it.
- **Let it dry or dry it off.** A clean cloth or mop removes remaining water so the floor does not spot.

 **Run it with JANITORI chemistry**

 [Floor Cleaner No.61](/products/floor-cleaner-janitori-no-61)

The routine damp-clean product. It is pH-neutral, low-residue and low-foam at label dilution, and is labeled for mop or cleaning-system use on concrete, stone, ceramic, wood, laminate, marble, granite and terracotta. Ceramic is named on the label. For porcelain, unglazed or textured tile, test a hidden area first and confirm with the tile manufacturer. The label says no rinse under normal conditions, but because TCNA warns that unrinsed cleaner can leave a film in grout joints, rinse or recover the solution on grouted floors.

## Which Cleaner Is Safe for Tile and Grout?

A pH-neutral cleaner is the safe routine choice. Manufacturer guidance warns that acids can damage grout and the glazed surface, and that ammonia can discolor grout.

 | Product type | Use on tile? | Why

 | Warm water | Yes, for regularly maintained tile | The Tile Shop says it is often enough to restore shine

 | pH-neutral cleaner | Yes, first choice | Recommended for routine and deep cleaning of ceramic tile

 | Vinegar and acid cleaners | Avoid, especially on grout | TCNA says cement grout is dissolved by acids and grout makers do not advocate them

 | Ammonia | Avoid | [Marazzi care guidance](https://www.marazziusa.com/style-and-design/resources/care-and-maintenance) says ammonia can discolor grout

 | Oil- or wax-based cleaners | No | TCNA says they leave a waxy or oily film in the grout

 | Abrasive cleaners | No | The Tile Shop says they are likely to damage the tile

Where the tile maker or installer names a maintenance product, follow that. TCNA also notes that for glazed floor tile it is not a good idea to spray anything on the tile, because the glaze is easier to clean and longer-lasting than any coating.

## How Do You Clean Grout Without Damaging It?

Apply a suitable cleaner, scrub the joint, then vacuum up the dirty water and rinse. TCNA says cementitious grout is porous and can absorb stains, and that sealing it or using epoxy grout protects it.
- **Know which grout you have.** TCNA says epoxy grout is virtually as stain-proof as the tile, while cementitious grout is porous.
- **Prefer alkaline or neutral over acid.** TCNA says it is better to clean cementitious grout with an alkaline cleaner than an acid-based one, because cement is dissolved by acids.
- **Vacuum, rinse, vacuum.** TCNA says to apply cleaner, vacuum up the dirty water, apply rinse water and vacuum that up to remove soap film.
- **Seal cementitious grout.** TCNA says sealing is generally a good idea for regular grout. Sealers can wear off, so ask the supplier how often to reapply.
- **Stubborn stains.** TCNA says some stains that resist cleaners respond to pressurized steam, and that cutting out and re-grouting is a last resort.

## Which Machines Work on Tile Floors?

An auto scrubber suits large open floors, a hand-held scrubber suits restrooms and tight corners, and a floor machine suits mid-size rooms. All of them pair with a wet vacuum for pickup where the machine does not recover.

 | Floor size or task | Machine | Notes

 | Restrooms, tight corners, spot work | [Dapper Supply DP-HFS1240](/products/dapper-supply-hand-held-floor-scrubber-machine-17-brush-17-5-squeegee-1-2-gal-tank-dp-hfs1240) | 17 in brush and 17.5 in squeegee, so it scrubs and recovers in confined spaces

 | Small retail, gyms and lobbies | [Dapper Supply DP-WPFS1204](/products/dapper-supply-mini-automatic-floor-scrubber-machine-15-brush-17-squeegee-dp-wpfs1204) | 15 in brush and 17 in squeegee

 | Schools, corridors, larger tile floors | [Dapper Supply DP-WBFS1218](/products/dapper-supply-walk-behind-floor-scrubber-machine-20-brush-31-5-squeegee-dp-wbfs1218) | 20 in brush and 31.5 in squeegee. [How to size a commercial floor scrubber](/blogs/equipment-guides/best-commercial-floor-scrubber)

 | Mid-size rooms, scrubbing and buffing | [Floor machine](/collections/floor-machines) such as the [Mercury Cleanmaster TS-19](/products/mercury-cleanmaster-dual-speed-floor-machine-19-apron-175-300-rpm-1-5-hp-d-c-rectified-model-ts-19) | 19 in apron, dual-speed 175/300 RPM. Use the pad the tile maker allows and pair with a wet vacuum. See [how to use a floor buffer](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-use-a-floor-buffer).

Replacement brushes are in [machine brushes](/collections/machine-brushes), pads in [floor pads and drivers](/collections/floor-pads-drivers), and pickup tools in [commercial vacuums](/collections/commercial-vacuums). For the full operating routine, see [how to use a floor scrubber](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-use-a-floor-scrubber).

## What Damages Tile Floors?

Grit, acids, filmy cleaners and unrinsed residue cause most tile and grout problems. Each scratches the surface, eats the grout or leaves a film that attracts dirt.
- **Skipping the dry pass.** Grit scratches the surface when it is mopped or walked over.
- **Acids on grout.** TCNA says acids attack the cement and strong acid can strip some color from grout, so re-grouting is sometimes the result.
- **Oily or waxy cleaners.** They leave a film in the grout.
- **Unrinsed cleaner.** TCNA says even good alkaline cleaners leave a sticky soap film that attracts dirt if not rinsed.
- **Abrasive cleaners.** The Tile Shop says they are likely to damage the tile.

## Are Tile Floors Slippery When Wet?

They can be, especially with cleaner residue on the surface. Rinsing well helps traction, and OSHA requires workroom floors to be kept clean and, to the extent feasible, dry ([29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2)](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.22)).

For new tile, ask for its published traction rating. TCNA notes that the 2017 edition of ANSI A326.3 set a minimum wet dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) of 0.42 for level interior floors expected to be walked on when wet ([TCNA DCOF FAQ](https://tcnatile.com/dynamic-coefficient-of-friction-frequently-asked-questions/)). The National Floor Safety Institute publishes wet-traction resources ([NFSI](https://nfsi.org/)). If a clean floor still feels slick, ask the installer or a floor-safety specialist about traction testing.

## Frequently Asked Questions

## What is the best way to clean ceramic tile floors?

Sweep or vacuum, mop with warm water or a pH-neutral cleaner, then rinse or pick up the solution and dry the floor. Avoid abrasive cleaners and acids.

## Can you use vinegar on ceramic tile floors?

It is best to avoid it, particularly where grout is cement-based. TCNA says cement is dissolved by acids and grout manufacturers do not advocate their use.

## How do you clean grout on a tile floor?

Apply a suitable cleaner to the joint, scrub, then vacuum up the dirty water, apply rinse water and vacuum again. TCNA calls this the best way to clean grout.

## Can you use an auto scrubber on ceramic or porcelain tile?

Yes, an auto scrubber applies solution, scrubs and recovers it in one pass. Use the brush or pad the tile manufacturer allows, and confirm with them for unglazed or textured tile.

## Why does my tile floor look cloudy after mopping?

Residue is a common cause. TCNA says unrinsed cleaner leaves a sticky film, so rinse with clean water and recover it with a vacuum or squeegee.

## Related Guides
- [How to Clean Linoleum Floors: A Commercial Guide to Routine, Cleaners, Pads and Machines](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-clean-linoleum-floors)
- [How to Clean Slate Floors: A Commercial Guide to Routine, Cleaners, Sealing and Machines](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-clean-slate-floors)
- [How to Clean Restaurant Floors: Kitchen and Dining Room](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-clean-restaurant-floors)
- [How to Clean Terrazzo Floors: A Commercial Guide to Routine, Cleaners and Machines](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-clean-terrazzo-floors)
- [How to Clean Epoxy Floors](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-clean-epoxy-floors)
- [How to Use a Floor Scrubber: Step-by-Step Auto Scrubber Guide](/blogs/equipment-guides/how-to-use-a-floor-scrubber)
- [Best Commercial Floor Scrubber: How to Pick One for Your Facility](/blogs/equipment-guides/best-commercial-floor-scrubber) [Shop Floor Scrubbers](/collections/floor-scrubbers) [Shop Floor Cleaner No.61](/products/floor-cleaner-janitori-no-61)