cleaning old terracotta tiles
Old terracotta tiles have deep colors and a rustic texture that gives them a lot of charm. They often bring to mind an old country cottage floor, complete with wooden cabinets and a shiny old Aga range.
With that image in mind, let’s take a closer look at the floor itself.
Terracotta tiles have been used since ancient Greece. Italians also valued terracotta and used it widely for church floors during the Renaissance.
People have always loved the look of terracotta, and the Victorians used it in their kitchens, sculleries, and hallways.
Many of those original tiles, laid more than a hundred years ago, are still found in Victorian houses today.
Over the years, these tiles have held up well for homeowners, but they have also seen a lot of wear and have been treated with many different cleaning and protective products.
As you might guess, cleaning old terracotta tiles takes quite a bit of effort.
Most of the time, dirt has soaked into the rough, porous surface of the tiles, so cleaning them needs a careful approach.
The first step is to use a chemical solution to break down any old polish or wax that may have been applied.
Be sure to protect any nearby surfaces, since the stripping chemicals can remove paint or leave marks on stainless steel and similar materials.
After you’ve prepared the area, let the solution soak on the tiles. It can take a while for the chemical to start breaking down the old polish or wax. Keep the tiles moist and don’t let them dry out or soak up the solution.
Once the cleaning solution starts working, scrub the tiles both by hand and with a machine. You’ll probably need to go over the tiles and grout several times to loosen the dirt that has soaked in.
Old Terracotta Floor Tiles
It’s important to remove the slurry before it settles back onto the surface. The best way to do this is with a wet pick up vacuum.
A good extraction method will pick up the slurry and cut down on how much mopping you need to do.
Next, use clean water—changing it often—to mop the whole floor several times and remove any leftover residue.
After you finish this step, check the floor closely and focus on any spots that still need extra cleaning.
Keep in mind that the tile surface may never look completely perfect. These tiles have lasted for generations. Paying attention to small details will help you get the best possible result.
When you’re done cleaning, wash the floor a few more times to remove any leftover chemicals, then let it dry completely.
After putting in the effort to clean your old terracotta tiles, it’s a good idea to seal them. This helps protect the tiles from stains and keeps dirt from getting in.
There are several products you can use to seal terracotta tiles. Take some time to look into which finish you like best before choosing one.
Different products have different application methods, and the maintenance required can also vary.
If you need more advice or want to book our floor cleaning service, you can use the link below or call us at 0800 1013105.
Cleaning Old Terracotta Tiles