Much loved throughout the 1980s, the terracotta tile is making a comeback! The huge popularity of natural, tactile surfaces has certainly steered this course but the simple clay-based tile does have its own unique features:
Its rich tone creates a warm environment and it’s very forgiving in terms of disguising footprints and dirt. It’s also ideal if you want to create an on trend travel-inspired look. But, when it comes to maintenance, the same issues that were around thirty years ago still need addressing today.
Cleaning terracotta surfaces isn’t a difficult task and terracotta isn’t a difficult material to look after. But it does have a high level of absorbency, so it needs to be correctly sealed to prevent staining. Traditionally, terracotta was treated with boiled linseed oil and white spirit. Fortunately, a wider choice of treatments is now available, including natural and eco-friendly water-based formulations.
Like all natural surfaces, a correct cleaning regime throughout and beyond the laying process will ensure that the surface maintains its original look and is easy to care for.
For starters, it’s worth pre-sealing a terracotta surface with FILA PRW200. Grout residues will be much easier to remove and a pre-seal will also speed-up the drying time after the initial wash, and after subsequent treatment stages.
An initial wash should always be carried out, to remove residues of adhesive and grout, along with accumulated dirt. If it isn’t carried out properly, the application of any subsequent protective treatments will be compromised, as you’ll effectively be ‘sealing in’ the deposits.
In the case of terracotta, an acid cleaning product should be useful. Choosing a ‘buffered’ solution has a lot of advantages; these types of formulations don’t emit harmful fumes, erode aluminium or steel trims or damage profiles. You can speed up the process further by using a multi-purpose acidic product, like FILA Deterdek, which will both clean the surface and remove all residues. After application, always leave the detergent to act for a few minutes and then, using a brown pad or sponge, wipe up residues before rinsing with clean water.
In terms of sealers, water-based products are ideal, as they’re odourless, have a lower eco-impact and dry quickly. If you don’t want to alter the tiles’ appearance, choose a natural- effect impregnator – like FILAW68 – which won’t stain. Indoors, wax products can also be applied to provide a natural, satin, shiny or high gloss finish; look our for FILA Matt, Satin, Classic or Longlife. Outside, a water repellent is strongly recommended. Both water-based products and solvent formulations are available and can be followed by application of a stain protector; Fila recommends either FILAHP98 or FILAES82.
Once laid, a pH-neutral cleaning product should always be used to maintain terracotta; FILA Cleaner is ideal. This will lengthen the life of the impregnator and finish, and will ensure that the surface remains protected, in terms of practicality, longevity and aesthetics. Always avoid normal household cleaners as they will break-down the surface protection provided, cause surface staining and can, potentially, damage the finish of the tile. And, throughout all stages, always carefully follow instructions.
For information on Fila’s wide range of surface care products, please contact Lisa Breakspear at Fila UK on tel. 01584 877286 or visit www.filasolutions.com.
Post written by Angela Fitzhugh
5 Replies to “Caring for terracotta surfaces”
Hello, we have brought an old house in Portugal with terracotta tiles on the floor insude. They have been cleaned maintained with years of waxing solutions. We would like to remove this built up wax as it is terribly stained and discolored. What is the best products and way to do this.
I have a 1000 sq ft. room with Il Ferrone cotto. It was installed about 12 years ago. The tile is beautiful and uniform in about half the room, but the rest is dark and uneven in color and stained. I believe the installer may have grouted part of that dirty section before sealing. Some tiles were cracked and replaced, but they are a lighter color even though I have put 3 coats of color enhancer on them. What can I do to restore the cotto so it looks like the rest of the room?
Also, I have a large bathroom with the same cotto and it has white stains on it where it has been damp. I have tried Detertek, but it doesn’t seem to do anything. I have also tried vinegar and a variety of tile, grout and bathroom cleaners. Nothing is working. It is definitely caused by water. I had a leaking faucet in the shower (which has a cotto floor, and now that spot is also white. We have hard water here. What do you suggest? Thank you.
Hi Cynthia W., our technical support has contacted you via email to help you find the best treatment.
Kind Regards
Jennifer
Hello,
I need 2 products:
1 very good terra cotta cleaner.
I found this one:
https://www.filasolutions.com/eng/products/terracotta/cleaning-products/stain-removers/filasr95
1 very good terra cotta impregnator/sealer.
I found this one:
https://www.filasolutions.com/eng/products/terracotta/protectors/stain-protectors/filafob
I have 150 m2 inside and 150 m2 outside.
Are these the correct products??
Please urgent info!
Thanks and regards,
Jochem
Hi, our technical support has contacted you via email to help you find the best treatment to solve the problem.
Regards
Laura