How to care for Porcelain/Ceramic Tiles

Tiled hearths and surrounds are becoming increasingly popular, this is because they are stylish whilst still being durable. Tiled hearths and surrounds are generally simple to care for. 

Quick Cleaning

As with any hearth or surround, a quick clean before or the day after you use your fire will mean less work cleaning up later. If you use your fire daily, sweep or hoover any dust or debris up before every use, if you only light your fire occasionally, then we recommend cleaning up the day after use. 

Quick cleaning methods:

  • ·Dust hearth with a non-abrasive cloth:

This can be done dry or wet.

If using a wet cloth, dampen with water, and gently wipe. Pat dry with a non-abrasive cloth/towel. 

  • Sweep with a soft brush.
  • Hoover using brush adapter.
  • A clear household polish can be used to wipe surface.
  • Non-acidic disinfectant wipes can be used in replacement of the household polish however they can leave smearing. 

A quick clean of the hearth and/or surround with every use will reduce the amount of cleaning later. It can also aid in preventing issues arising. 

Thorough Cleaning

A weekly clean is one of the best forms of preventative maintenance because it helps protect against build ups of dust, ash and other residues. For this reason, we advise that you clean your slate hearth with a very dilute solution of warm, soapy water once a week. 

You will need;

  • A bucket
  • Washing up liquid (mild).
  • A non-abrasive cloth.
  • A towel/soft cloth for drying. 

Our recommended a thorough cleaning routine is as follows;

  • Put a few drops of washing up liquid into a bucket of hot water.
  • Wipe down hearth with a soapy solution.
  • Empty bucket and refill with clean warm water (no soap this time.)
  • Then wipe down again with clean warm water, leaving no soapy residue behind. 
  • Gently wipe/pat down with a dry cloth.
  • Allow drying overnight before using any additional cleaners or polishing.

Like in all our cleaning advice, the  regularity in which you do a thorough clean is dependant on how often you use your fire. During the winter period if you use your fire:

  • ·       Once or twice a week – We advise cleaning with soapy water every two weeks to 4 weeks dependant on build up.
  • ·       Three to seven days a week – We advise cleaning with soap and water once a week.

We do advise cleaning with soapy water once every month or so during the summer period even while the fire is out of use, to avoid any stubborn marks and stains forming. 

  If you feel it needs cleaning more often, then do not hesitate to do so.

 Deep Cleaning 

Like with all our cleaning directions, this depends on how often you use your fire. If you use your fire daily during the winter, then we recommend a deep clean once a month. If you use your fire once or twice a week then we recommend a deep clean every three months.


You will need;

  • Old toothbrush.
  • A kitchen/bathroom cleaner designed for grout.
  • Bucket.
  • Specialist tile cleaner or floor cleaner.
  • Rubber gloves.
  • Non-abrasive towel/cloth for drying.
  • Before doing a deep clean ensure any dust and debris is swept/hoovered away.


When deep cleaning tiled hearths and surrounds, always start with the grout. There is no use cleaning the tiles, only to get the dirt from the grout on them afterwards.


For grout cleaning we advise;

  • Use an old toothbrush and a bathroom cleaner and scrub along the grout.
  • Wipe with clean hot water (no soap).
  • Repeat until the grout is clean.

Once your grout is clean then you can deep clean the tiles. For deep cleaning porcelain or ceramic tiles we advise;

  • Wipe tiles down with a specialist porcelain/ceramic tile cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions.


Or you can use a dilute solution of floor cleaner that can be used on tiling;

  • Fill a bucket with hot water and the manufacturer’s recommended amount of floor cleaner.
  • Wipe hearth and/or surround with a solution and a soft non-abrasive cloth or sponge. For tough residue, the rough side of a kitchen sponge can be used.
  • Empty bucket and refill with clean warm water (no soap or floor cleaner).
  • Wipe down hearth, ensuring no soapy residue is left behind.
  • Repeat if needed.
  • Wipe/pat hearth down with a dry cloth.
  • Leave overnight to fully dry.


A deep clean should remove most stains and markings that can build up on a hearth. If you are having any issues removing suborn marks or stains, please contact us in the showroom and we will advise you the best way to proceed. 

WARNINGS

  • Do not use sharp object whilst cleaning, this can cause irreparable damage and scratches. 
Share by: