Learn how to properly clean and maintain encaustic cement tiles with this simple expert guide. Discover the best cleaning methods, sealing advice, stain prevention tips, and long-term care recommendations for kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial interiors.
Few materials combine craftsmanship, texture, and timeless character quite like encaustic cement tiles. From Mediterranean-inspired kitchens to boutique hospitality interiors and modern minimalist bathrooms, encaustic tiles have become one of the defining surface materials in contemporary luxury design.
Their appeal lies in their matt finish, rich pigment depth, handmade variation, and ability to age beautifully over time. Unlike mass-produced ceramic or porcelain tiles, encaustic cement tiles develop a subtle patina that adds warmth and authenticity to a space.
At the same time, many homeowners, architects, and designers ask the same question:
The answer is no - provided they are cleaned and sealed correctly.
Because cement tiles are naturally porous, their care requirements differ from ceramic and porcelain surfaces. Proper maintenance helps preserve colour richness, surface integrity, and long-term durability while preventing staining or premature wear.
This guide explains everything you need to know about cleaning encaustic cement tiles properly, including daily care, stain removal, sealing, and long-term maintenance strategies for kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial interiors. These are the same products and maintenance methods we recommend across residential, hospitality, and commercial encaustic tile installations.
Explore our handmade encaustic cement tile collection to see available patterns, colours, and formats.
Encaustic cement tiles are handmade decorative tiles created using pigmented cement rather than glazed ceramic surfaces. Despite their historical origins, they have experienced a major resurgence in luxury interior and architectural design.
Unlike porcelain or ceramic tiles, encaustic cement tiles are not kiln-fired. Instead, they are produced using hydraulic compression.
Handmade appearance
Highly uniform
Develop natural patina
Appearance remains static
Require sealing
Usually non-porous
Softer matt texture
Harder vitrified surface
Rich pigment depth
Printed surface designs
A blend of white cement, marble powder, and mineral pigments forms the decorative face of the tile.
This provides strength and stability beneath the decorative surface.
A coarse cement backing supports compression and adhesion.
The tile is then hydraulically pressed and cured naturally rather than fired in a kiln.
Because encaustic tiles are cement-based rather than glazed, they are naturally porous.
This means they:
These characteristics are not flaws - they are part of what gives handmade cement tiles their depth, softness, and organic beauty.
Cleaning encaustic cement tiles correctly is essential because improper maintenance can permanently damage the surface.
Unlike glazed porcelain, cement tiles do not have a protective vitrified layer. Harsh chemicals can etch the surface, dull pigments, or weaken sealers.
Products containing can damage cement tiles permanently. :
Acids react with the cement and may:
We strongly advise against acid cleaners and highly alkaline degreasers for routine maintenance.
Avoid:
These can wear away the pigmented surface layer over time.
Over-wetting tiles repeatedly may:
The best cleaner for encaustic cement tiles is always a gentle pH-neutral cleaner designed for natural stone or cementitious surfaces.
For regular maintenance, we recommend using CLEANER PRO diluted at 1:200 (25ml in 5 litres of water).
These types of cleaners:
One of the most important stages in encaustic tile installation actually happens before grouting begins.
Because cement tiles are highly absorbent, grout pigments can permanently stain the surface if the tiles are not protected correctly.
Apply PRW200 before grouting to reduce grout staining and ease post-installation cleaning.
Benefits of PRW200
The guidance recommends applying the treatment to the face and sides of the installed tiles before grouting.
This stage is especially important with patterned encaustic tiles where grout staining can be highly visible.
Post-installation cleaning is critical for long-term appearance.
Improper removal of grout haze and construction residue can permanently affect the finish of encaustic cement tiles.
End-of-work cleaning:
This stage should always follow the grout manufacturer’s recommended curing times.
One of the biggest misconceptions about encaustic tiles is that they require difficult maintenance.
In reality, ongoing care is relatively simple once the tiles are sealed correctly.
Dust and grit act like sandpaper underfoot.
Use:
This is especially important in:
For routine maintenance, the FILA care system recommends CLEANER PRO diluted 1:200.
Use:
Avoid soaking the floor. The aim is gentle surface cleaning rather than saturating the tiles.
The safest tools include:
Avoid:
Even natural DIY cleaners can damage cement surfaces if they contain acids.
Stain removal is one of the most important aspects of encaustic tile maintenance. Because cement tiles are porous, stains should be addressed quickly.
ypically found in kitchens and dining areas.
For oil and grease stains, the FILA stain chart recommends NOSPOT.
Pigmented liquids can penetrate unsealed or poorly sealed surfaces.
The FILA stain chart recommends SR95 for coffee and wine staining.
Acidic beverages can stain or damage the surface.
The guide also recommends SR95 for carbonated beverages and juices.
Rust contamination can occasionally occur in outdoor or wet environments.
For rust removal, the recommended product is NORUST.
For silicone removal after installation, the chart recommends ZEROSIL.
Never use:
These can permanently alter the surface finish and pigmentation.
ealers help:
Without sealing, tiles are far more vulnerable to staining and uneven ageing.
The FILA care guide recommends MP90 ECO XTREME as a stain-proof protective treatment for encaustic tiles.
Benefits of MP90 ECO XTREME
The guide also notes that the product maintains the natural aesthetic appearance of the material, making it particularly suitable for design-led interiors.
Even high-quality sealers do not protect against acid damage.
The FILA guidance specifically notes that MP90 ECO XTREME does not protect against acid stains.
This is why avoiding acidic cleaning products remains essential even after sealing.
For interior installations, the FILA system also recommends optional finishing waxes after sealing.
Recommended options include:
These products:
We recommend:
This approach is particularly useful in high-traffic interiors or hospitality settings.
Over time, older encaustic tile floors may accumulate:
PS87 PRO for restoration cleaning.
This process is particularly useful for:
Encaustic cement tiles are durable, timeless, and beautifully characterful surfaces — but they require the correct care approach.
The key principles are simple:
Using a structured care system - including products such as PRW200, PS87 PRO, MP90 ECO XTREME, CLEANER PRO, and optional SATIN or MATT finishing waxes - helps preserve the beauty and longevity of encaustic cement tiles over time.
When maintained correctly, encaustic cement tiles age beautifully, developing richness and patina that enhance their handmade character over time.
Far from being difficult to maintain, they simply require a different mindset than porcelain or ceramic surfaces - one that embraces authenticity, craftsmanship, and natural ageing.
For homeowners, architects, and designers seeking warmth, texture, and timeless materiality, encaustic cement tiles remain one of the most compelling surface choices in contemporary interior design.
No - when sealed correctly and cleaned with pH-neutral products, maintenance is straightforward.
No. Bleach and acidic cleaners can damage the cement surface and strip protective sealers.
Typically every 2–5 years depending on traffic and exposure.
Yes. Proper sealing and ventilation are essential.
A pH-neutral cleaner such as CLEANER PRO is ideal for regular maintenance.
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