How to make kitchen floor tiles easier to clean?

[Orlando]

Hi folks, I have an off-white tile throughout my house which, for most purposes, is great. However, in the kitchen the same tile is not so user-friendly. It has a matt finish, is non-slippery, but has microscopic pits in it that accumulates dirt very easily. Washing only takes off the surface dirt; but it simply can't do a thorough job. If I spend a LONG time scrubbing with a floor cleaner, I can get the dirt out. What I'm looking for is a clear product (equivalent to a varnish) that I can apply (after thoroughly cleaning the tiles of course) that will soak into the tiles and fill those tiny pits, making future cleaning easier AND more effective. What would be the best product to buy, and does Bunnings have it? Many thanks as always, Orlando

[Jason]

Hi @Orlando,

Do you want to share some photos of the tiles so members can see what you are working with?

Also, can you do a quick test to see if the tiles are porous? Place some water on the tile and see if it soaks in. If it does, the tile might be porous and could benefit from a sealer.

Jason

[Orlando]

Hi Jason, thanks for the quick reply. Don't know if the photo helps, but it shows a couple of tiles that were really scrubbed clean, while the others just got normal treatment with a floor cleaner. Water doesn't soak in - I think it's just the normal pitting of that style of finish on the tile.

[EricL]

Hello @Orlando 

I suggest having a look at this discussion - How to seal white porcelain tiles? by @AnaB. If your tiles are porous then it will be possible to seal them with a product such as  Crommelins Diamond Coat Slate and stone sealer. The only sealer I'm aware of that can go on a glazed surface is the Davco 500ml Sanitized Tile And Grout Sealer. It is a solvent-based sealer that helps protect against stains, soiling, discolouration and efflorescence.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves and goggles when applying the sealer to your tiled floor. Please make sure to follow the application instructions printed at the back of the can.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Orlando]

Hi Eric, thanks. I will check that link. However, I established that my tiles are not porous as such, as the water test I did this morning (on Jason's suggestion - see thread) didn't show any water soaking in. When you say 'glazed' surface, I always imagine highly glossed tiles that are slippery - is that not the case? These tiles are what I could only describe (using paint as a comparison) as a 'satin' finish - definitely not glossy. As to what the tiles are made of, I've no idea, sorry. Orlando

[EricL]

Hi @Orlando 

Not to worry the sealer I've suggested will work on both gloss and satin tiles. But as always, I suggest doing a test on one of the tiles in the corner first to make sure that it will adhere properly to the surface of the tile. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Orlando]

Hi Eric, that's brilliant. Can I just check - were you speaking of the Davco or the Crommelins?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Orlando,

Eric is referencing the Davco 500ml Sanitized Tile And Grout Sealer. The Crommelin's product is only for tiles that can absorb a droplet of water.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Orlando]

Thanks Mitchell, you've all been really helpful.