Maintenance Tips for Large Format Tiles to Keep Them Pristine in Commercial Spaces

Dec 2025

Their seamless scale creates an elegant, high-end visual impact that enhances customer experience and strengthens brand identity. 

However, commercial floors are exposed to a different level of stress. Constant foot traffic, trolleys, spills, and environmental dust demand a more structured maintenance approach.

Nevertheless, there is no reason to feel overwhelmed, because this guide outlines reliable and professional maintenance tips for large-format floor tiles to keep them pristine in commercial spaces.

Though before exploring the full list of maintenance tips, let us start with –

Understanding why commercial tiles need special attention?

Large slabs create uninterrupted surfaces with minimal grout lines, which enhances the luxury appeal of commercial spaces. At the same time, the smoothness and size of these tiles make any dirt, scratches, or installation issues more visible. 

Malls and large public spaces also experience:

• High footfall from morning to night.
• Trolley and cart movement across long corridors.
• Mud and dust are entering from outdoor zones.
• Spill-prone areas such as food courts and cafe corners.

A preventive and regular maintenance routine is essential to preserve the appearance and performance of 1200×1800 mm tiles in such environments.

Daily cleaning routine suitable for high-traffic zones

1. Frequent dry dusting

Regular dry dusting throughout the day removes abrasive particles before they can scratch the surface.

Industrial microfiber mops, sweeping machines, or soft-brush auto scrubbers are ideal for keeping polished and satin tiles free from micro-scratches in high-traffic areas.

2. Auto scrubber cleaning twice a day

Large commercial spaces benefit from auto scrubbers because they clean consistently and efficiently.

Use:

• pH-neutral cleaning agents suitable for porcelain tiles.
• Clean water in tanks to avoid streaks.
• Soft or medium pads that do not damage the surface.

High-quality tiles from Lavish Ceramics feature low-porosity surfaces, making machine cleaning safer and more effective.

3. Prompt spill management

Food courts, cafe seating areas, and trial rooms experience frequent spills. A quick response reduces staining, prevents grout discoloration, and enhances customer safety.

Weekly and Periodic Deep Cleaning

1. Machine scrubbing with neutral solutions

Use a neutral or mild cleaner to remove dirt that settles from constant foot traffic and trolley movement. Let it sit briefly before scrubbing. Avoid bleach, harsh acids, and strong alkaline chemicals because they weaken grout and dull the tile finish. You can do this deep cleaning once or twice a week.

2. Maintenance of polished tiles

Premium retail stores and hotel lobbies often use polished 1200×1800 mm tiles that require occasional restoration.

Use:

• High-speed polishing pads for shine recovery.
• Only approved polishing compounds.
• Soft pads to avoid swirl marks.

Lavish Ceramics’ polished slabs are designed with durable glazes that maintain their gloss even under frequent cleaning cycles.

3. Care for matte or textured tiles

Textured tiles in entry areas and restroom approaches offer better slip resistance but trap more dirt.

Go for:

• Soft nylon brushes for effective yet gentle scrubbing.
• Careful grout cleaning to reach every corner and remove trapped dirt.
• Thorough rinsing to wash away all detergent and keep the floor fresh.

Grout Maintenance: Essential for long-term durability

Even with fewer joints, grout plays a crucial role in tile performance.

1. Seal grout after installation

When you seal a floor, you’re giving it a shield against dirt. This makes maintenance easier and helps the floor keep a uniform look. In high-traffic areas (like hotels or malls), go for a heavy-duty, penetrating, or industrial-grade sealer for the best long-term results.

2. Quarterly grout inspections

Regular inspections help detect cracks, powdering, or moisture issues early. Timely repairs prevent tile lifting and damage to the subfloor.

3. Grout color selection

Choosing grout that matches or complements the tile tone keeps commercial spaces looking clean and uniform for longer.

Managing Traffic and Load Stress

1. Entrance mats and walk-off systems

A well-designed entry mat system reduces almost 70 to 80 % of outdoor dust entering the facility. Use a three-step system that scrapes, absorbs, and dries.

2. Protection for furniture and retail displays

Little things like felt pads or rubber stoppers on furniture and displays go a long way in protecting your tiles. When rearranging heavy items, try lifting them or sliding them over protective boards instead of dragging them across the floor.

3. Safe Trolley movement

Trolleys are used heavily in places like malls, supermarkets, and airports. Using rubber wheels, maintaining the casters, and keeping pathways clear helps protect the floor. If damaged wheels are used again and again, they can leave visible marks on polished surfaces.

Maintaining safety 

Slip resistance is a major priority in commercial areas. 

Maintain it by:

• Rinsing floors properly after cleaning.
• Avoiding greasy or wax-based cleaners.
• Using textured tiles in wet-prone zones.
• Installing anti-slip mats where needed.

Long-term protection and professional maintenance

1. Annual sealers, if recommended

Most porcelain tiles from Lavish Ceramics do not need regular sealing due to their low porosity. However, heavy traffic areas may benefit from periodic surface protection depending on the space and usage.

2. Professional polishing for high-end areas

In premium spaces like boutiques and hotel receptions, scheduling a professional polish once or twice a year helps maintain a clean, smooth, and flawless finish.

3. Expert Inspections

If the flooring starts making hollow sounds or tiles look uneven, it’s a sign to consult a certified technician. Addressing these issues early protects the subfloor and saves commercial spaces from heavy repair costs.

Why does tile quality matter?

Tiles used in malls and commercial spaces must withstand:

• Extreme foot traffic.
• Daily machine cleaning.
• Load from trolleys and displays.
• Constant maintenance cycles.

Choosing premium tiles from brands like Lavish Ceramics ensures:-

• Superior flatness for high-precision installation.
• Toughened glazed surfaces suitable for heavy use.
• Consistent sizing, crucial for seamless large-format layouts.
• Low-maintenance finishes.
• Strong technical support teams for post-installation queries.

Their 1200×1800 mm commercial-grade floor tiles are engineered specifically for high-traffic performance, which naturally reduces long-term maintenance challenges.

Wrapping Up

Large-format tiles, such as 1200×1800 mm, stay at their best in commercial spaces when supported by a consistent maintenance routine. Daily dusting, mild cleaners, scheduled deep cleaning, proper sealing, and timely grout care all help protect the finish and long-term performance.

Besides, if you are exploring high-quality 1200×1800 mm large-format tiles for your next project, Lavish Ceramics offers reliable and durable options worth considering.