Terracotta Tile Maintenance Tips
Once restored, terracotta floors will continue to look beautiful with the right maintenance. As a soft, unglazed clay tile, terracotta needs a more gentle approach than modern flooring. Here’s how to protect your investment and keep your tiles in great condition for years to come:
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🧴 Use pH-Neutral Cleaners Only
Terracotta is sensitive to harsh chemicals. Avoid bleach, acidic, or alkaline cleaners, as these can eat into the surface and break down the sealant. Instead, stick to a mild, pH-neutral solution with warm water to lift dirt safely.
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🚫 Don’t Over-Wet the Floor
Because terracotta is porous, it can absorb excess moisture if over-mopped or left with standing water. Always wring your mop well and clean with minimal liquid to avoid compromising the seal or encouraging salt deposits.
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⚠️ Skip the Steam Cleaners
Steam can force moisture deep into terracotta tiles and under the floor, causing discolouration, lifting, or damage. Stick to traditional cleaning methods to protect the integrity and appearance of the tile.
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🔁 Reseal Every 12–24 Months
Sealing terracotta helps lock out stains and preserve colour. Over time, the sealant wears down with use. We recommend resealing every one to two years depending on foot traffic and cleaning habits.
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🧹 Mats & Soft-Bristle Brushes Help
Use doormats at entrances to reduce tracked-in grit, and clean with soft-bristle brushes or microfibre mops. This prevents unnecessary surface wear while keeping the floor looking fresh between deep cleans.
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📆 Book an Annual Checkup
If your tiles start to look dull, patchy, or stained, it may be time for a maintenance visit. We offer routine inspections and touch-up sealing for terracotta floors across Cardiff to keep them at their best.
Want help caring for your terracotta tiles? Contact us to book a reseal or get expert aftercare advice.