Full of charm and authenticity, old terracotta floor tiles require some good maintenance to maintain all their beauty. Well maintained and cleaned, this floor covering will last you for many years without too much wear. However, we don’t always know which household products to use to pamper them. They are in fact porous, which makes cleaning them difficult, as they easily absorb dirt and liquids. With grandma, discover how to clean your tiles without damaging them with the best natural products.
1) Basic tips for properly cleaning your floor tiles
First of all, you will always need to dust these terracotta tiles before cleaning the floor. Then use a suitable product without trying to overdose. The tiles require a gentle cleanser and a few drops are generally enough to remove dirt. If you use too much product or use something too greasy, you risk clogging them. And above all, bring the right tools: a push broom, a sponge broom or a microfiber broom will allow you to clean and polish the tiles without damaging or scratching them, followed by the necessary dry the floor thoroughly directly after cleaning (do not wait at the risk of having traces!). If there is an oil or grease stain, wipe the floor quickly with a paper towel. This will prevent dirt from becoming too embedded in the tiles.
2) Sparkling water
Well known for deodorizing pet urine odors, sparkling water is also an excellent product for revive and enhance terracotta tiles. Just pour it on the floor and especially between the joints. All that remains is to give a wipe with a microfiber mop previously moistened with water for rinsing. You can also simply soak the mop directly with this drink and scrub the floor.
3) Dishwashing liquid or black soap to clean the floor tiles
These basic products are very effective for treating floors. They have the advantage of being gentle, but well concentrated. Dilute a few drops in a bucket of hot water before applying it to your terracotta tiles. Using hot water will also help loosen your paving. You can use your soaps on the entire floor, but also on stubborn stains. By rubbing with a soft brush, the stains will quickly be forgotten.
4) Baking soda
It is very effective on terracotta tiles, and especially on joints that are sometimes very dirty. To use this stain remover, dilute one cup in one quart of hot water. Then, apply your product with a microfiber broom. Finish by rinsing with clean water so as not to leave marks on the floor. This could tarnish them. You can also clean and shine your tiles with a little homemade cleaning product ! To do this, add 3 tablespoons of bicarbonate and 35 cl of linseed oil to 1 liter of black soap in a bottle. Dilute 1 to 2 capfuls of this mixture in your bucket to add shine to the floor.