How to Clean Terracotta Floor Tiles

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Terracotta has been used in flooring for thousands of years. It adds an earthy depth to any room, and is blessed with natural durability and ease of care.

As a pourous material, terracotta picks up grease, grime and grit quite easily. The first line of defense in keeping terracotta clean is to seal it.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Water
• Mild detergent
• Broom
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Purchase glazed tiles. Glazing is done at the factory and is a natural sealant. If you purchase unglazed tiles, you can seal them with linseed oil (see Resources below).

2. Sweep your floors every day to remove small particles of dust that can grind their way into the tiles.

3. Wash your terracotta floors twice a month with a mix of mild soap and water. Sponge-mop the floors, rinsing and squeezing excess moisture from the mop frequently in clear, warm water. Complete the job by drying with a soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• If your terracotta tile doesn't respond to soap and water, or if the grout is giving you problems, consider deeper cleaning products for terracotta tile (see Resources below). Consult with the manufacturer for more tips on keeping your terracotta flooring clean.

Resources

• Mild cleaning products for terracotta
• Sealing Terracotta