Tips For Maintaining Terra Cotta Tile Floors So They Look As Good As New

Terra cotta tiles can bring warmth, color, and style to your living space. If you're considering installing terra cotta floors — or already have them in your home — then it is essential to know the best way to care for and maintain them. During an exclusive interview with House Digest, Skylar Bartlett, the owner of Kreer Construction, shared, "These tiles are higher maintenance than most homeowners think, but with a few considerations it can be manageable."

One maintenance step that Bartlett said is essential is properly sealing the tiles. "Terra cotta is naturally porous, so sealing it with a penetrating sealer and a surface sealer (like a satin or gloss finish) helps protect against stains and moisture, especially in high humidity areas." One application of the sealer won't be sufficient; you'll need to remember to reapply it every one to two years to ensure your floors remain protected. Bartlett also shared a few other cleaning and maintenance tips with us, as well as some crucial mistakes that she cautioned against making if you want to prevent accidentally damaging your gorgeous floors.

Sealing your terra cotta floors is only the first step on the road to proper maintenance. It is also essential to know the best way to clean your terra cotta floor tiles. When speaking exclusively with House Digest, Skylar Bartlett explained why regular sweeping or vacuuming is crucial with these floors. "Dust and grit can wear down the surface over time," she said. When cleaning, "use a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with a hard-floor attachment to prevent scratching."

In addition to removing loose debris from the tiles, you'll also need to know the right way to sanitize them. For this task, Bartlett highlights pH-neutral cleaners designed for stone tiles as the safest choice for the floors. "Harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners (like vinegar), and ammonia-based products can strip the sealant and damage the tile," she explained. Beyond avoiding these cleaning agents for your terra cotta floors, our expert also warned against using an oil-based cleaner on them. "Some people use oil-based soaps to 'enhance' the tile's color, but these can create a sticky residue that attracts dirt and dulls the finish over time," Bartlett shared.

There's a safer alternative if you want to achieve that glossier look without using an oil-based cleaner on the floors. Bartlett said, "To keep your tiles looking fresh and slightly glossy without wax buildup, buff the tiles every few months using a soft cloth or a polishing pad. This helps restore their natural luster without damaging the seal."

"Terra cotta can be a bit deceiving as it looks relatively easy to maintain but isn't, and because of that many homeowners make mistakes without even realizing," Skylar Bartlett shared when speaking exclusively to House Digest. And, unfortunately, some of these mistakes can have a devastating impact on the finish and overall appearance of the floors.

There are a few major downsides that might make you rethink choosing terra cotta floors for your home. One of these drawbacks is how porous the tiles are. Because of this, Bartlett identifies over-wetting the floor as a serious mistake. "Excessive water can seep into the tiles, causing stains and potential damage," she said. "Always use a damp, well-wrung mop instead of soaking the floor." Even after cleaning with a mop head that is only damp, Bartlett still recommended adding one additional step. She said, "Use a clean microfiber towel or let the floor air dry completely to avoid water absorption."

If you have terra cotta floors in your kitchen or bathroom, spills are going to happen. Leaving these spills on the floor with the intention of cleaning them up later, however, can be a mistake. Bartlett explained, "Because terra cotta is porous, it can absorb liquids quickly, leading to stains. A fast wipe with a damp cloth prevents damage." This way, your floors will keep their classic look.