How to clean a very dirty terracotta floor? — idealista/news

Terracotta flooring is prized for its natural beauty, being made entirely from clay. It is shock and weather resistant, as well as being an excellent insulator. Give torustic style environment and an atmosphere of times gone by. However, terracotta is a porous material that can stain and become dull if not cleaned properly. Here, then, how to clean a very dirty terracotta floorwith advice on products to use, including natural ones.

How to clean terracotta and remove stains

Each terracotta floor is protected by one thin layer of wax which is consumed with every cleaning, even if delicate detergents are used. Care must be taken not to damage this wax too much. If this happens, you may need to call in the professionals for a polish.

Avoiding DIY in delicate situations like this is important. If the damage is not serious and therefore regular and normal cleaning is being carried out, you can try use olive oil: it is possible that the treated tiles will immediately return to being bright and shiny.

This operation is particularly useful for more opaque tiles or for those with stains that are difficult to remove. If in fact the terracotta floor is stained, you must first identify the type of stain. If you are dealing with acidic liquids such as carbonated drinks, coffee or tomato sauce, it is best to use a solution of water and baking soda. It is possible to pass a rag or a piece of cloth soaked in this solution over the surface of the terracotta. If the stains are more stubborn, you can try sprinkling some baking soda powder directly onto the area, leaving it to act for a few minutes before rinsing with soap and water.

For them grease stains on the cooked, it is crucial to intervene promptly, especially if the floor has not been treated. Its greater porosity increases the risk of grease absorption, making cleaning more difficult over time.

How to clean the red terracotta floor?

To clean the red terracotta floor, let’s start removing surface dirt brushing or vacuuming the floor to remove dust, dirt and debris, reaching into the nooks and crannies between the tiles.

After that, we move on to prepare a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a mild detergent or neutral soap, you can also add a little white vinegar for a disinfectant and sanitizing action.

The solution is applied evenly on the terracotta floor and with a soft brush or broom with soft bristles you gently brush the floor, working on small areas at a time and brushing more vigorously to remove encrusted dirt.

After brushing, rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water remove detergent residues and dirt. Then dry the floor with a dry cloth or mop to avoid the formation of streaks or water stains. You must ensure that the floor is completely dry before walking on it or replacing furniture.

Products for cleaning indoor terracotta

There are detergents specially formulated for cleaning terracotta floors. These cleaners are designed to remove dirt and stains without damaging the material. Is critical choose a detergent suitable for the type of terracotta that you own and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct use.

Some delicate multipurpose cleaners they can also be used to clean terracotta, both internally and externally, making sure to choose a cleaner that is safe for use on porous surfaces and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you decide to use theammonia to clean terracotta, it is important to dilute it adequately. Generally, an ammonia solution diluted in water is recommended to avoid damage to the floor. A common mixture might be one part ammonia to nine parts water.

It is also possible to prepare DIY cleaning solutions using natural ingredients such as white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and neutral soap. These ingredients can be effective in removing dirt and stains from terracotta without damaging the material.

Clean terracotta floors with bicarbonate

In the event of accidental spills of coffee, soft drinks or tomato sauce, it is advisable to clean immediately with water and bicarbonate of soda to prevent permanent stains.

Clean the terracotta with vinegar

If there are persistent stains or a lot of dirt, you can prepare an effective cleaner by mixing 5 liters of hot water, 10 tablespoons of white vinegar and ethyl alcohol, with a few drops of dish soap. By carrying out at least two cleaning steps and rinsing with warm water the result should be guaranteed.

Can terracotta be cleaned with a steamer?

Yes, it is possible to clean the terracotta with a steamer, but it has to be done Pay attention to the temperature and pressure of the steam to avoid damage to the floor. During the procedure it is necessary to keep the vaporetto moving and dry the floor with utmost care after cleaning.

How to clean outdoor terracotta floors

To wash the outdoor terracotta floor, it is important to wait at least three weeks after installation. This gives the glue between the tiles and the screed time to dry well. The Marseille soap It’s great for this type of cleaning.

When some time has passed since the last cleaning of the balcony or terrace, you can use a simple brush with soft bristles. Simply rub the dirtiest or stained areas. It is advisable to divide the area to be cleaned into small sections, washing and drying one area at a time before moving on to the next.

This technique helps prevent the tiles from remaining wet for a long time with dirty water from surrounding areas and prevents the absorption of dirt due to the porosity of this material.

“I ruined the terracotta floor”: remedies

It must be remembered again that terracotta floors, especially internal ones, are often protected by a layer of wax. Every time you clean the surface, this layer wears away, making the floor dull over time. For maintain shine, you can add about 2/3 tablespoons of beeswax to the cleaning mixture twice a month. Or, alternatively it is possible to apply a sealant for terracotta or a protective wax after washing.

Before using any product for cleaning indoor terracotta, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and test the product on a small area hidden to ensure it does not damage or stain the floor.

If, however, it is realized that the damage caused to the floor is to be considered serious and a remedy cannot be found with the cleaning solutions indicated above, it becomes necessary to ask forhelp from a professional of the flooring. This will take care of any necessary repairs or polishing.