Porcelain FAQ - Stone Care Questions
Porcelain - Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions about caring for porcelain
My unglazed porcelain tiles stain easily - why?
Unglazed (or 'full-body') porcelain tiles can be surprisingly absorbent despite appearing dense. The micro-pores in the surface can trap dirt, coffee, wine, and other staining agents. This is especially common with textured or structured surfaces. The solution: seal with Lithofin KF Protective Impregnator after installation. For existing stains: deep clean with KF Intensive Cleaner first, then seal. This is one of the most common tile care issues.
Recommended: Lithofin KF Protective Impregnator, Lithofin KF Intensive Cleaner
How long should I leave Anti-Slip on the surface?
Contact time is critical and varies by surface type: Marble/limestone/calcareous stone: 5-8 minutes maximum (acid-sensitive). Granite/basalt/slate: 10-15 minutes (acid-resistant). Porcelain/ceramic tiles: 10-15 minutes. Always test on a small area first to check the effect. Shorter time = less texture change, less anti-slip effect. Longer time = more texture change, more anti-slip effect. Rinse very thoroughly after the contact time.
Recommended: Lithofin Anti-Slip
How do I remove cement haze left after tile installation?
For ceramic/porcelain tiles: use Lithofin KF Cement Residue Remover, undiluted or diluted 1:3 for light haze. Apply, leave 5 minutes, scrub, rinse thoroughly. For acid-resistant natural stone (granite, slate): use Lithofin MN Builders' Clean diluted 1:3. For acid-sensitive stone (marble, limestone, bluestone): use MN Builders' Clean diluted 1:5 to 1:10, pre-wet the surface first, and work quickly. Always rinse very thoroughly after treatment.
Recommended: Lithofin KF Cement Residue Remover, Lithofin MN Builders' Clean
How do I get rid of mould in my bathroom grout?
Spray Lithofin KF Mildew-Away directly onto the mouldy grout lines. Leave 15-30 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush or grout brush. Rinse thoroughly. For deeply embedded mould in silicone joints: the silicone may need to be removed and replaced with mould-resistant silicone. Crucially: improve ventilation! Run the extractor fan during and 15 minutes after showering, open windows daily. Without better ventilation, mould will always return.
Recommended: Lithofin KF Mildew-Away, Lithofin KF Grout Cleaner, Lithofin KF Grout Protector
How do I remove limescale from my bathroom tiles?
On ceramic/porcelain tiles: Lithofin KF Ceramic-Clean is perfect - apply, leave 5-10 minutes, scrub, rinse. Safe and very effective. On granite/slate/basalt: KF Ceramic-Clean or MN Builders' Clean diluted - these stones are acid-resistant. On marble/limestone: DO NOT use acid-based limescale removers! Use Lithofin MN Power-Clean (alkaline) with gentle scrubbing. For heavy limescale on marble: carefully use a plastic scraper, then MN Power-Clean. Prevention: squeegee after showering.
Recommended: Lithofin KF Ceramic-Clean, Lithofin MN Builders' Clean, Lithofin MN Power-Clean
How do I clean and protect dirty grout lines?
Step 1: Clean with Lithofin KF Grout Cleaner - apply directly to grout lines, leave 5-10 minutes, scrub with a brush. Step 2: For mouldy grout, use Lithofin KF Mildew-Away first. Step 3: Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Step 4: Apply Lithofin KF Grout Protector to seal the clean grout lines - this prevents rapid re-soiling and water absorption. The combination of cleaning + protecting gives much longer-lasting results than cleaning alone.
Recommended: Lithofin KF Grout Cleaner, Lithofin KF Mildew-Away, Lithofin KF Grout Protector
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
Both are fired clay products, but porcelain is fired at higher temperatures (1200-1300°C vs 1000-1100°C for ceramic), making it denser, harder, and less water-absorbent (< 0.5% vs 3-6% for ceramic). Porcelain is suitable for outdoor use and heavy-traffic areas. Ceramic is typically used indoors. For care purposes, both are treated similarly with KF line products. Key difference: unglazed porcelain can still absorb stains and may need KF Protective Impregnator.
Recommended: Lithofin KF Protective Impregnator
What is the best way to maintain tiles in a shopping center?
For tiles in a shopping center, implement a maintenance schedule that includes daily cleaning with Lithofin KF Intensive Cleaner and weekly inspections for damage. Use Lithofin MN Stain-Stop for sealing to protect against stains and ensure the tiles remain attractive and safe for shoppers.
Recommended: Lithofin KF Intensive Cleaner, Lithofin MN Stain-Stop
How can I ensure child and pet safety when using Lithofin products?
To ensure child and pet safety when using Lithofin products, always apply the products in a well-ventilated area and keep them out of reach during and after application. It is advisable to wait until the treated area is completely dry before allowing children or pets to access it. Always check the product label for specific safety instructions.
Recommended: Lithofin MN Easy-Clean
What precautions should be taken when using Lithofin products in temperature extremes?
When using Lithofin products in temperature extremes, it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal application conditions. Avoid using products in freezing temperatures or extreme heat, as this can affect their effectiveness and safety. Always allow products to acclimate to room temperature before use.
Recommended: Lithofin MN Easy-Clean