Tiles are not laminate - they require slightly different chemistry

Ceramic tiles and stone are more resistant to chemicals than laminate or parquet, but are also harder to clean without streaks (because the smooth surface reflects light and reveals every smudge). Therefore, for tiles:

• Slightly stronger concentration than for laminate (1:15 instead of 1:20) - general principles for choosing a robot cleaner: which mopping robot fluid to choose
• No rinsing - Vitaclean concentrate is low-foaming and evaporates without residue
• Dry microfiber after the cycle - especially on dark tiles (granite, black ceramic) where streaks are visible at an angle

Why tiles tolerate higher concentrations

Ceramic tiles and stone (excluding marble and limestone) have a pH tolerance of 4 to 11 - a wide range. Vitaclean concentrate, with a pH of 4.5, fits within the safe zone (4-11). You can use a higher dose:

• 1:20 (15 ml per 300 ml) - for daily maintenance like laminate
• 1:15 (20 ml per 300 ml) - standard for tiles (kitchen, bathroom, hallway)
• 1:7.5 (40 ml per 300 ml) - once a week for greasy grout
• 1:5 (60 ml per 300 ml) - occasionally for heavily soiled areas (areas with significant grease near the hood)

NEVER go higher than 1:5 for a robot - higher concentrations leave streaks and stickiness.

Procedure - daily tile care

1. Pour into the robot's tank: 20 ml of Vitaclean concentrate + 300 ml of lukewarm water (20-25°C) — full dosage table per robot model: how many ml of concentrate per tank
2. Check the pads - clean, wrung out, NOT soaking wet
3. Start the cycle in standard mode (not "intensive" for daily maintenance)
4. After the cycle wait 5-10 minutes for drying
5. Check under light - if there are streaks, a dry microfiber wipe after the cycle is usually sufficient

For dark tiles (granite, black ceramic): always use a dry microfiber cloth after the cycle, in 2-3 m² sections. Light reflection reveals every minimal streak.

Procedure - weekly grout cycle

Grout in the kitchen and bathroom accumulates grease, soap, and residue. Use a stronger cleaning dose once a week:

1. 40 ml of Vitaclean concentrate + 300 ml of water (1:7.5 ratio)
2. "Intensive" or "heavy soiling" mode in the robot's app
3. The robot works slower, dispensing more onto the grout
4. After the cycle, rinse the robot with clean water (stronger concentrations remain in the tubes)
5. Next cycle: standard 1:15

Comparison: Vitaclean vs homemade tile remedies

Gres / porcelain tiles - note

Porcelain stoneware (gres) is a popular tile type in kitchens. Features:

• Very smooth, polished surface
• Low water absorption (1-3%)
• Shows every streak

Procedure is the same as for regular tiles (1:15), but always use a dry microfiber cloth after the cycle.

Glazed stoneware has a slightly more porous surface - it handles stronger cycles (1:7.5) without issue, and streaks are less visible.

Marble and limestone - special caution

Marble, travertine, and limestone are calcareous stones - they react with acid (which dissolves them). DO NOT use:

• Vinegar (8%, 10%) - destroys the polish
• Citric acid - same result
• Cif Power & Shine - pH 9-10, not aggressive but not ideal
• Domestos - pH 11, aggressive

For marble, use:

• Vitaclean concentrate 1:30 (10 ml + 300 ml of water, weaker than standard) - safe, but not exceptionally effective on dirt
• Specialized natural stone cleaners - Akemi, HG, Lithofin - sold in stone supply stores
• Only clean water + dry microfiber - safest, but does not remove greasy stains

Tiled bathroom - frequency

A bathroom has 2 types of dirt:

1. Soap and cosmetics - easily soluble, standard Vitaclean concentrate 1:15 is sufficient
2. Hard water deposits - require periodic stronger cycles

Weekly plan:

• 2-3× standard cycle (1:15) - daily mopping
• 1× stronger cycle (1:7.5) - for grout and water deposits
• Once every 2 weeks: cycle with clean water only - to rinse away any residues

Monthly plan:

• Once a month a thorough 1:5 cycle - removes stains from grout and deposits
• Followed by: a rinsing cycle with clean water + a Vitaclean concentrate 1:15 cycle

Tiled kitchen - frequency

A kitchen mainly has grease - daily small splatters from the pan and under the extractor hood.

Weekly plan:

• 5-7× standard cycle (1:15) - daily mopping in the evening after cleaning up
• 1× stronger cycle (1:7.5) - Sunday, thorough cleaning under the table and by the stove

Monthly plan:

• Once a month a 1:5 cycle - for a kitchen in constant high-traffic use
• Followed by a rinsing cycle

Related articles

• Cleaning fluid for robot mops - a complete guide
• Streaks on laminate after mopping
• Dosing the concentrate for your robot
• Robot leaves a musty smell

Related product

Vitaclean robot mop concentrate 1L - approx. 66 uses, compatible with ceramic tiles, stoneware, stone (except marble - use 1:30)

Sources

• Vitaclean robot mop concentrate SDS safety data sheet (PDF)
• Tile manufacturer maintenance standards (Cersanit, Opoczno, Paradyż)