Porcelain stoneware is considered one of the most practical surface materials due to its low porosity and resistance to mechanical stress, but that does not mean it requires no maintenance at all. Proper care of porcelain stoneware extends the service life of the surface, preserves its color and texture, and helps prevent streaks, scratches, and dullness — especially on polished and matte collections, which have their own maintenance requirements.

Below, we explain what to use for cleaning porcelain stoneware at home, how to deal with stubborn dirt, and what to consider when caring for different types of surfaces.

How to Care for Porcelain Stoneware: General Rules

Before dealing with specific stains, it is important to understand the basic principles of regular porcelain stoneware maintenance.

• Regular cleaning. Dust and fine sand act as abrasives and can cause micro-scratches over time, so the floor should be swept or vacuumed before wet cleaning.
• Soft cleaning tools. It is best to use a soft mop or cloth for washing — stiff brushes and abrasive sponges can damage the surface structure, especially on polished collections.
• Neutral cleaning products. Products with a neutral pH are suitable for most collections and do not damage the protective surface layer over time.
• Prompt stain removal. Stains are easier to remove immediately after they appear, before the substance penetrates the grout joints or pores of the material.

These rules are universal for any project — whether it is flooring from the ITUM porcelain stoneware catalog or wall and worktop cladding.

Porcelain Stoneware Care: What to Use for Everyday Cleaning

For everyday cleaning, warm water with a mild detergent free of chlorine and abrasive particles is usually sufficient. This type of porcelain stoneware care is suitable for most residential spaces, including kitchens, living rooms, and hallways.

For more stubborn dirt, specialized porcelain stoneware cleaners can be used. They are designed not to leave streaks or damage the glaze. It is important to avoid products with a high acid concentration without first testing them on an inconspicuous area, as some collections may be sensitive to aggressive chemicals, especially polished or satin-finished surfaces.

Every few months, it is advisable to carry out a deeper cleaning using a limescale remover, particularly in regions with hard water. Otherwise, a dull whitish film may gradually form on the surface.

Care of Matte Porcelain Stoneware: Key Features

Caring for matte porcelain stoneware differs from maintaining glossy and polished surfaces. Matte finishes are less prone to visible water streaks, but their more pronounced microtexture can trap dust and dirt more easily than smooth surfaces.

For matte porcelain stoneware, it is recommended to:

• use soft brushes or sponges without an abrasive layer to avoid clogging the texture with detergent residue;
• rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water after washing, as residue from poorly rinsed cleaning products may be more noticeable on matte finishes;
• periodically use more intensive cleaning for structured and rough textures, especially in high-traffic areas.

Such collections are often chosen for terraces, entrance areas, and rooms with high humidity. In these spaces, regular maintenance is particularly important to prevent dirt from accumulating in the textured surface.

How to Remove Stains from Porcelain Stoneware

Different types of stains require different cleaning methods.

• Grease stains and food residue can be removed with warm soapy water; for older stains, a degreaser designed for ceramic surfaces may be used.
• Limescale and water marks can be removed with mildly acidic products, such as a low-concentration vinegar solution or a specialized descaling cleaner.
• Marker, paint, or adhesive residue can be carefully removed with alcohol or acetone on a small area, after first testing how the surface reacts.
• Stains from metal objects such as rust marks from furniture or tools require specialized products for removing metal oxides, as ordinary household cleaners are often ineffective.

In all cases, avoid rubbing the stain forcefully with a dry cloth, as this increases the risk of scratches, particularly on polished surfaces.

How to Remove Scratches and Prevent Them

Porcelain stoneware is highly resistant to abrasion, but it is not completely scratch-proof. Deep scratches may appear due to sand trapped under furniture or contact with sharp objects. To minimize the risk:

• use protective pads on furniture and chair legs;
• regularly remove sand and small debris from the surface, especially in entrance areas;
• when moving heavy objects, use protective pads or sliders instead of dragging them across the floor.

If minor surface scratches appear on polished porcelain stoneware, they can sometimes be reduced through professional polishing. For deeper damage on matte collections, polishing is usually not required, as the textured finish makes such marks less visually noticeable.

Regular but gentle maintenance helps preserve porcelain stoneware in its original condition for many years. The material is designed for intensive use, provided that basic cleaning rules are followed and abrasive products are avoided.