Terracotta Tile Cleaning and Restoration in Hampshire
Specialist Terracotta & Saltillo Floor Cleaning & Sealing
Conservation-Grade Restoration for Porous Fired Clay Surfaces
Terracotta, derived from natural clay and kiln-fired at relatively low temperatures, is a soft-bodied, highly porous material that requires specific maintenance protocols to preserve its structural and aesthetic integrity. At Hampshire Hard Floor Care, we provide specialist cleaning and sealing services tailored specifically to the sensitivities of terracotta flooring—including reclaimed and historic installations.
Our process adheres to conservation best practices and utilises only safe cleaning methods in combination with low-abrasion mechanical and manual techniques to ensure safe and effective restoration.
Understanding Terracotta’s Sensitivities
Due to its high absorbency and low fired density, terracotta is extremely susceptible to:
- Moisture ingress
- Organic and oil-based staining
- Efflorescence and salt migration
- Abrasion from harsh cleaning or incorrect sealing methods
Improper treatment can result in irreversible damage, loss of patina, and sealing failure. That’s why expert handling is essential—especially for
antique or handmade tiles.
Cleaning Methodology
Our terracotta restoration process is engineered to respect the fragility of the substrate while achieving a deep, uniform clean.
1. Initial Survey & Protection Protocol
We begin with a site survey to determine tile type, previous treatments, porosity, and environmental conditions (including subfloor dampness). Adjacent surfaces are masked off and protected to prevent cross-contamination.
2. Application of Cleaning Chemistry
A specific cleaner is applied and allowed a controlled dwell time to penetrate surface and sub-surface soils. The chemistry is designed to emulsify:
- General soiling
- Organic residue
- Light oil contamination
without compromising tile or grout.
If your Terracotta tiles have old topical sealers which are looking past their best and no longer working, we will strip the floor of these.
- Removes polishes
- Removes axes
- Removes oils
3. Low-Impact Mechanical Agitation
We employ rotary oscillating machines fitted with non-scratch pads, adjusted according to surface hardness and tile variation. Grout lines and heavily soiled voids are agitated manually using fine detailing tools to avoid edge erosion.
4. Controlled Rinse & Moisture Management
All chemical residues are extracted via wet vacuum or absorbent pad, followed by a final freshwater rinse. The floor is then allowed to air-dry under monitored conditions, with moisture levels assessed via damp meter. A minimum drying period of 72 hours is observed to prevent sealant entrapment failure.
Precision Sealing for Porous Fired Clay
Once dry, the terracotta is sealed using a penetrating impregnator or surface-enhancing topical sealant, selected based on the following:
- Intended aesthetic (natural/matt, enhanced/satin, or gloss)
- Expected foot traffic and usage
- Environmental exposure (e.g., kitchens, hallways, underfloor heating)
We use only high-performance, breathable and topical sealants from industry-leading manufacturers to ensure:
- Long-term water and oil repellence
- Enhanced UV resistance
- Anti-efflorescence properties
- Surface wear protection
This final stage not only stabilises the clay’s porosity but also significantly reduces future maintenance requirements.
Serving Hampshire with Specialist Stone Knowledge
At Hampshire Hard Floor Care, we bring years of technical experience in stone and tile conservation across Hampshire—including Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Lymington, Basingstoke and the surrounding regions. Whether your terracotta flooring is domestic, heritage-listed, or newly installed, we provide data-driven solutions tailored to the material's long-term performance.
Book a professional survey today to assess your terracotta floor and receive a tailored care plan from Hampshire’s trusted hard floor restoration specialists.
