Encaustic tiles are a durable, eco-friendly flooring choice that adds timeless beauty to any space. Known for their resilience, they are less prone to dents and stains compared to other materials. With minimal maintenance and some simple protective measures, your tiles can look as good as new for many years. Here are our top tips to help you maintain your encaustic tiles in pristine condition.

 Handy Tips to Protect and Maintain Your Tiles 

  1. Protect Tile Surfaces: Place felt gliders or protective cups under furniture legs to avoid scratching the tiles. This small step can prevent unwanted damage, especially in high-traffic areas. 
  2. Use Doormats to Trap Dirt: Dirt, sand, and grit can dull the surface of tiles over time. A doormat at every entrance (and by pet doors) helps trap these particles before they reach your floors. This simple addition can significantly reduce wear on your tiles.
  3. Regular Cleaning is Essential: Even though encaustic tiles are hard-wearing, regular light cleaning will help preserve their beauty. Dust, grime, and foot traffic can slowly degrade the finish, so it’s important to stay on top of upkeep. 
  4. Keep Extra Tiles on Hand: It’s always smart to store a few spare tiles in case of unforeseen damage. If you’re considering tiling additional areas later, order all the tiles at once to avoid shade variations between batches. 

Routine Tile Cleaning

 For regular cleaning, follow this simple routine! 

Sweep First: Start by sweeping or vacuuming the tiles to remove dirt and debris. This prevents grit from scratching the surface during cleaning. 

Use a Neutral Cleaner: Dilute a neutral pH cleaner in warm water and mop the tiles. Avoid abrasive cleaners, bleaches, or harsh chemicals, as these can cause irreversible damage to the tile’s surface and pigments. Pro Tip: Changing your mop water frequently ensures the floor doesn’t end up with a cloudy finish. 

Choose the right mop for best results, use a rag or chamois mop when cleaning. Sponge mops tend to push dirty water into grout lines, which can make them harder to clean. With a rag mop, you can achieve a streak-free finish while also keeping grout lines clean. 

 Deep Cleaning Encaustic Tiles

 Occasionally, you may need to give your encaustic tiles a deep clean. 

Here’s how:  

Warm Water & Neutral Detergent: Use warm water mixed with a pH-neutral detergent for a thorough clean. A soft, damp cloth or a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled brush is perfect for removing built-up grime and mold. 

Grout Care: For those hard-to-reach spots between tiles, a soft-bristled toothbrush works wonders. It’s perfect for getting into the nooks and crannies, ensuring a thorough grout clean. 

 With these simple tips and routine cleaning, your encaustic tiles will retain their stunning appearance for years to come. By incorporating protective measures and regular care into your cleaning routine, you can enjoy the beauty and durability of your tiles with minimal effort.