Terracotta floors

How to maintain terracotta floors?

Terracotta tiles are created by firing clay unglazed at very high temperatures (approx. 1100°C). Like natural stone, terracotta tiles are a durable product that will stand the test of time. These natural clay tiles only become more beautiful with intensive use and the passage of years. Terracotta has been used as a floor covering for more than 1,000 years.

For terracotta floors, AKEMI® offers a matched product range for two different treatment methods that affect the appearance. Employing Akemi Floor Gloss in combination with Akemi Stone Soap gives the terracotta surface a more intense colour and authentic shine. Deploying only Akemi Stone Soap deliberately preserves the natural, original colour of the floor.

FIRST TREATMENT

Before grouting, apply Akemi Anti Stain W (water-based) to compact the stone so that grout residue cannot soak into the stone surface. Dosage: approx. 5-15 m2/litre, depending on absorbency.

After grouting, clean the floor thoroughly with Akemi Concrete Film Remover to remove all grout residue and construction dirt.

After drying (approx. after 8 days) apply Akemi Anti Stain W again to further compact the stone. This treatment protects the terracotta against the penetration of water, dirt as well as oils and greases.

If a more intense colour and gloss is desired, additionally apply Akemi Floor Gloss. This product is water-repellent, colour-depleting and dries quickly. Dosage: approx. 15 - 30 m2/litre.

View our handy applicators here for applying cleaning product as well as for homogeneous application and polishing of impregnating product.

CARE

DAILY MAINTENANCE

For daily cleaning of terracotta, we recommend Akemi Stone Soap. Cleans and maintains in one motion. Be economical, use only 1 to 2 capfuls in a bucket of lukewarm to warm water.

If a soft sheen is desired on the terracotta, you may additionally use Akemi Floor Gloss for lasting gloss maintenance. Alternate week by week with Stone Soap.

Use a mop or microfibre mop suitable for rough floors.

CLEANING

By cleaning we mean the occasional removal of stubborn dirt and any maintenance layers (=stripping). Use Akemi Stone Cleaner for this purpose. Only use this powerful cleaner if standard maintenance products cannot remove the dirt.

PROTECT

Repeating the impregnation treatment is generally not necessary for floors. Repeating the wax treatment with Akemi Floor Gloss may be repeated every 1-2 years.

TIPS

Always follow the instructions on the packaging of maintenance products.
Would you like to have your floor professionally treated and/or sanded? Then feel free to call on our Akemi Home Service. Also for damage repair.