The hydraulic mosaic is a floor full of personality, typical of buildings of a certain age and with a notable presence in patios and terraces in warm areas of Spain. It is a very long-suffering and resistant floor but, at the same time, it requires strict and constant maintenance to guarantee its good condition.
Hydraulic pressed tiles are a floor with great versatility due to its suitability for both interiors and exteriors. However, its durability depends in part on the quality of the materials with which it has been made. In case you want to extend its useful life, pay attention to the following cleaning tips below.
Hydraulic tile floors are quite sensitive per se and those found outdoors require special care due to their exposure to sudden changes in temperature. This material also does not tolerate strong products such as bleach or ammonia that will deteriorate it and corrode its color. On the other hand, it is a fairly easy floor to clean in that dirt does not tend to stick, so why complicate your life?
On a daily basis, when you scrub it, simply use water and a detergent with a neutral pH. Use a damp microfiber mop instead of a regular mop, as it will be less aggressive with this floor and will help it dry faster. In the event of spills such as coffee, carbonated drinks or oils, you should clean it immediately and use a delicate sponge if necessary. Also avoid dragging furniture or metal objects on this surface so as not to scratch it.
In order for your floor to recover the shine and permeability lost over time, you have to subject it to a sealing treatment. This process consists of recovering the porosity of the surface by using a polishing oil or wax. Vegetable oils are an ideal solution that retain moisture and prevent it from passing to the tile while allowing it to recover the shine destroyed by limescale from the water. You can simply apply it with a cloth and leave it on for a few minutes until the tile absorbs it.
The sealing process does not need several passes and it is sufficient to repeat it once a year. With this you will make your hydraulic tile better resist extreme cold and hot temperatures. However, remember that, if a waterproofing product has already been applied to it on some occasion, it will not admit any other treatment.