Handcrafted terracotta tiles occupy a special place in the world of floor and wall finishes due to their natural appearance, warm color tones, and unique texture. Each tile bears the trace of the hand that shaped it and the imprint of the earth from which it was created. This gives interior spaces an atmosphere that is both elegant and closely connected to nature. Like all natural materials, terracotta tiles require careful and well-considered care in order to maintain their properties and functionality over many years.
Unlike glazed ceramic tiles from industrial production, terracotta is a porous natural material that can absorb liquids, oils, and dirt. This characteristic is part of its charm, but it also presents a challenge, as improper care can lead to permanent changes in appearance. In this guide, we show you everything you need to know about caring for and cleaning terracotta – from daily routines and periodic protective measures to the correct handling of stains. Each recommendation is explained in detail and supported by background knowledge, because when it comes to natural materials, there are no shortcuts, only a logical system that works.
Daily and Weekly Care – A Subtle Routine with a Significant Impact
The surface of handcrafted terracotta tiles behaves like delicate skin – it responds to touch, absorbs what rests upon it, and changes under the influence of light, moisture, and time. For this reason, daily care is not merely a matter of cleanliness, but also of long-term protection. Every day in which sand, dust, or spilled liquids are removed in time is a day in which you prevent penetration into the deeper layers of the material.
In high-traffic areas such as hallways or kitchens, extremely fine dirt particles enter the pores of the tiles. Without regular removal, these particles act like ultra-fine sandpaper, dulling and damaging the surface. Using a soft broom, a vacuum cleaner with a hard-floor attachment, or a lightly damp cloth reliably prevents this effect. The goal is not intensive scrubbing, but rather a gentle “wiping dust from a painting,” allowing the surface to remain breathable and functional.
Weekly cleaning requires a bit more attention. After the initial dry cleaning, the surface should be cleaned using lukewarm water and a pH-neutral cleaning agent. Hot water—especially when combined with chemical cleaners—can attack the impregnation. The tiles should not be soaked; instead, they should be wiped only with a well-wrung cloth or mop. Afterwards, the surface should be wiped again with clean water and dried. Residual moisture can not only cause water marks, but may also penetrate the pores and, over time, lead to staining and changes in the material’s structure.
With this simple yet consistent care routine, the natural terracotta surface not only remains clean, but gradually develops a distinctive patina that adds warmth and depth to the space.
Cleaning Agents – What Is Suitable and What Should Be Avoided
With porous natural materials such as terracotta, the question “What should I use?” is just as important as “How should I use it?”. The surface of handcrafted terracotta tiles reacts sensitively—very differently from glazed ceramic tiles or synthetic floor coverings.
PH-neutral cleaning agents are the only safe choice for regular cleaning. They do not attack the impregnation and help maintain the tile’s natural moisture balance. Many conventional household cleaners—such as dishwashing detergents—contain grease-dissolving additives, fragrances, and colorants that are not compatible with porous materials.
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Household remedies such as vinegar or citric acid should be strictly avoided, as should aggressive chlorine-based products (e.g. Domestos, bleach) or limescale removers. Even though they are often considered “natural,” they cause chemical reactions with the clay material that can lead to fading, color changes, or microcracks—often becoming visible only over time.
Another risk is the use of steam cleaners. Although they may appear hygienic, hot steam opens the pores of the tiles. If the impregnation is not functioning perfectly, moisture penetrates deep into the material and can cause irreversible damage. If used at all, steam cleaners should only be applied with caution and exclusively on fully protected surfaces.
Impregnation / Sealing – Long-Term Protection That Makes the Difference
Impregnation is the central element in protecting terracotta tiles. Without it, the porous surface remains unprotected against moisture, stains, and chemical exposure. Impregnation is carried out in several clearly defined steps:
- Immediately after installation, before grouting, the first protective application is applied to prevent the grout from penetrating the surface.
- After grouting and thorough cleaning, the second application follows once the surfaces are completely clean and dry.
- Thereafter, impregnation should be renewed every two to five years depending on usage—highly stressed areas (kitchens, entrance areas) may require earlier reapplication.
High-quality impregnations penetrate deep into the material and do not form a film on the surface. Any excess is removed after approximately 10–20 minutes. The tiles must be dry and free of residues before the treatment begins. This preserves the natural appearance and ensures optimal protective performance.
Learn more about impregnation – How to Properly Seal Terracotta Tiles – Protection for Generations
Removing Stains – Responding Correctly Instead of Reacting in Panic
Even with the best care, life cannot be planned—stains are part of everyday use. However, with well-impregnated tiles, even stubborn residues can usually be removed gently.
For grease stains, it is helpful to sprinkle the affected area with talcum powder or baking soda. These substances absorb the grease from the pores. After a few hours, they are vacuumed off and the surface is wiped dry. For acidic beverages (e.g. wine, juice, lemon), the rule is to act quickly—using a pH-neutral cleaning agent and lukewarm water. Wax stains, chewing gum, or similar residues should be carefully removed mechanically with a plastic scraper and then gently cleaned.
After each targeted cleaning, it is advisable to check the area for any impairment of the impregnation and, if necessary, re-treat it.
Typical Care Mistakes – Small Causes, Major Consequences
The greatest damage is not caused by wear, but by improper care. Too much water—especially when combined with aggressive cleaning agents—is the most common mistake. Any unnecessary moisture poses a risk.
The second classic mistake is the use of strong chemicals: clean in the short term, destructive in the long term. Third, cleaning without subsequent rinsing—residues of cleaning agents can leave a sticky surface and cause color changes. Fourth, neglecting impregnation—without it, the tile loses its protective function.
Conclusion: A Natural Material Requires a Natural Approach
Handcrafted terracotta tiles are not industrial mass-produced goods. They are an investment in quality, aesthetics, and atmosphere. Their care is not complicated—but it requires consistency and understanding. Those who treat them correctly are rewarded with depth, character, and a patina that continues to develop and intensify over time.
The solution lies in routine: gentle daily care, regular protection, and the avoidance of quick fixes. This is not an additional effort—it is a conscious lifestyle in harmony with an honest natural material.
FAQ – Cleaning and Maintenance of Handcrafted Terracotta Tiles
How should handcrafted terracotta tiles be cared for on a daily basis?
Handcrafted terracotta tiles should be cleaned daily with a soft broom or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a hard-floor attachment. In addition, occasional wiping with a lightly damp cloth is recommended to protect the porous surface and prevent dirt from penetrating.
Which cleaning agents are suitable for handcrafted terracotta tiles?
Only pH-neutral, color-free, and fragrance-free cleaning agents are suitable for cleaning handcrafted terracotta tiles. Products specifically developed for natural stone or unglazed clay surfaces are ideal, as they do not attack the impregnation.
Can vinegar or Domestos be used on handcrafted terracotta tiles?
No. Acidic or aggressive products such as vinegar, Domestos, or chlorine-based cleaners are not suitable for handcrafted terracotta tiles. They attack the clay structure, lead to discoloration, and can cause long-term damage.
How often should the impregnation of handcrafted terracotta tiles be renewed?
The impregnation of handcrafted terracotta tiles should be renewed every 2 to 5 years—depending on usage, room humidity, and the degree of soiling. In more heavily used areas, earlier reapplication is advisable.
How do you remove grease stains from handcrafted terracotta tiles?
For fresh grease stains on handcrafted terracotta tiles, it is helpful to sprinkle talcum powder or baking soda onto the affected area, allow it to act for several hours, then vacuum it off and gently wipe the area with a soft cloth.
Why are handcrafted terracotta tiles sensitive to chemical cleaners?
Because handcrafted terracotta tiles are open-pored and do not have a protective glaze. Chemical cleaners containing acids or strong surfactants can penetrate the material, alter the color, and damage the surface.
Can steam cleaners be used on handcrafted terracotta tiles?
The use of steam cleaners on handcrafted terracotta tiles is not recommended. Hot steam can open the pores and, if the impregnation is insufficient, lead to deep moisture penetration and permanent staining.
🔧 Do you need support or professional advice?
If you are unsure which care products are suitable for handcrafted terracotta tiles, whether your surface needs to be re-impregnated, or how to properly treat a specific stain—feel free to contact us at any time.
We will be happy to advise you personally and help you find the optimal solution for your terracotta tiles.
Contact us—we look forward to hearing from you.