Tiles can completely transform and complete your space, offering both beauty and functionality. Understanding how to properly care for them is essential in preserving their appearance and longevity. This is our simple guide on maintaining the 3 most popular materials we see designers and homeowners select: Natural Stone, Porcelain, and Terracotta.
Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles, such as marble, travertine and limestone, exude elegance and sophistication. However, their porous nature requires specific attention:
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Sealing: It is crucial to seal natural stone tiles to safeguard them against stains and moisture. A penetrating sealer will penetrate into the stone's pores and form a protective coating across the surface of the tile. This allows any stains, dirt, moisture or spills to sit on top of the coating, making it easier to clean up and avoid permanent staining or damage.
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Cleaning: For cleaning, always opt for mild soaps or pH-neutral cleaners. Avoid harsh chemicals that can harm the stone's surface or alter their look.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are known for their durability and ease of maintenance, being non-porous in nature:
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No Sealing Required: Unlike natural stone, porcelain tiles are non-porous and therefore do not require sealing.
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Cleaning: Porcelain tiles are more resistant, so you have greater flexibility in terms of the cleaning products you use. However, we still advise using mild soaps and adhering to the directions on product labels to ensure their longevity and to preserve their look.
Clay/Terracotta Tiles
With their rustic appeal, terracotta tiles come in natural and glazed varieties, each requiring their own care methods:
1. Raw Clay/Terracotta: These tiles are highly porous, requiring sealing to protect against moisture and stains. In terms of cleaning, warm water and a sponge is more than enough. If you need a little more, we recommend using a pH neutral cleaner or a product made specifically for natural terracotta tiles.
2. Glazed Terracotta: The glazed surface serves as a protective layer, making sealing unnecessary and, unlike raw terracotta, this allows a little more flexibility in terms of the products you use to clean it. However, in order to preserve the beautiful glazing we recommend using warm water and mild soaps.
Correctly caring for your tiles is indispensable in maintaining their aesthetic and structural integrity over time. Do you have any questions or would like some help selecting the right maintenance products for your tiles?
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