Cleaning terracotta tiles

If you also have terracotta tiles at home and when it comes to cleaning them panic attacks you, you absolutely must follow these simple and quick tips that will allow you to always keep the terracotta floor at the top! Follow our tips and cleaning time will be a breeze!

The terracotta floor has always been chosen, both to beautify the interiors and exteriors of a house. Material emblem of rustic houses mostly of country, with its color and texture confers immediately a sense of reception e of heat. Today these floor tiles I’m always in trend and enrich the homes of many Italians: terraces, courtyards, balconies, taverns and more.

Since it is a natural material, its beauty is unparalleled is to preserve it, is daily cleaning required which, however, if not done correctly, could cause damage that would compromise the characteristics and aesthetics of these tiles. Following however i right precautions, you will ensure a long life for your terracotta floor!

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Terracotta: that’s what it is

There terracotta, as the word “terra cotta” says one of the oldest floors obtained from aclay particularly porous rich in iron, from which the classic derives reddish color, is easily mouldable. During the process that is carried out to obtain these tiles, cooking is carried out at a temperature ranging from 600 to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, that confers its iconic porous texture.

Not everyone knows that terracotta generally exists on the market two types: high and low density. As for the high-density one, we can affirm that it is more resistant and recommended by sector workers for intensely frequented areas, while the second type is more porous, therefore not recommended in humid environments or for outdoors.

Terracotta tiles: general cleaning

Dedicate daily cleaning is without a doubt the best way to avoid making a big effort all at once, which would involve an enormous expenditure of energy as well as, so much time that it could be exploited in a more pleasant way. This is a general rule that applies to any type of housework, let alone terracotta tiles which, as mentioned so far, are at risk of stains and scratches due to their consistency.

The first step is remove dust and debris superficially, then with the help of a broom with soft bristles he goes on to clean the entire surface properly, the same thing it can also be done with the use of a vacuum cleanerwhen it comes to indoor environments.

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Terracotta tiles: washing

Essential for it next step get a bucket with warm water e a rag or a mop classic. Now the question arises, but which detergent to use? Well, it seems like a trivial question but, in the case of terracotta tiles, it is not. The classic detergent bought at the supermarket, for all surfaces, could irreparably ruin your beloved floor, so pay attention and look for a specific one for this material.

If your trusted supermarket does not satisfy you, take a tour of the hardware or do-it-yourself stores or even online and get one with a neutral pH to avoid damage from acid products.

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Squeeze well the cloth or mop, to avoid to leave in your path too much water on the surface e, if it is a large enough room, change the water a couple of times with the solution; also, be sure to do not leave halos and soap residues.

Terracotta tiles: drying

Very simple step but not taken for granted, to proceed to dry the floor properly after washing. Exact! With a sieve type towel or in any case, in soft material make this further pass focusing on the joints of your tiles.

Terracotta tiles: sealing

The vast majority of terracotta floors in recent years are subjected to a sealing treatment after installation, just to prevent humidity and any liquids from compromising this wonderful material.

Obviously after a long time the tiles lose this protective layer and it may be necessary to resort to a new one sealing, that can be done DIY at home, usually with the application of linseed oil and beeswax.

Those who do not want to try their hand at this operation alone, they can turn to specialized firms, which have tools suitable for both deep cleaning and to restore the surface patina and depending on your preferences, and therefore on the type of sealant used, you can obtain a satin or opaque effect.

Cleaning of terracotta tiles: photos and images

After following our tips on cleaning the terracotta floor, browse the image gallery to see how to clean the one that most resembles yours!