how to clean unglazed tile the right way
by clé tile | published: Oct 05, 2025
clé slate 3x6". design: brass tacks kc / photo: brandon bowens
you’ve found the perfect tile — unglazed, please and thank you — and now it’s gracing the bathroom, kitchen, or another space in your home. now, what about everyday maintenance? cleaning unglazed tiles may seem straightforward, but these handcrafted, high-end surfaces require special attention.
unlike glossy glazed finishes, unglazed tiles have a raw, matte texture. this makes them especially beautiful but also more absorbent and vulnerable to damage. the wrong cleaner or tool can dull the surface, erode detailing, or invite staining that never fully lifts. with the right approach, however, unglazed tile can remain timeless and resilient.
while of course we always recommend studying any tile’s material guidelines for cleaning and maintenance recommendations, here are some general tips on how to clean unglazed tiles properly (and preserve their unique character for years to come).
how to clean unglazed tiles by material
unglazed tiles may share certain traits — matte finish, increased porosity, and artisanal appeal, for example — but each material has its own quirks. learning how to clean unglazed ceramic tile, porcelain, zellige, and terracotta ensures you protect the artistry embedded in every surface.
whether you’re maintaining a high-moisture shower, a textured backsplash, or unglazed ceramic tile floors, the process should balance thoroughness with an extra measure of care. this section walks through the most common materials and their typical cleaning needs.
unglazed ceramic: what to use (and avoid)
knowing how to clean unglazed ceramic tile floors begins with having the right cleaner. always choose a pH-neutral solution — harsh acids and bases, including vinegar, can etch or weaken the ceramic. soft cloths, microfiber mops, or non-abrasive sponges are best for tile cleaning. avoid stiff brushes that can scratch the surface. when spills occur, wipe them quickly to prevent staining.
whether you’re learning how to clean unglazed ceramic tile in the kitchen or bathroom, gentle but consistent care will help keep the surface intact.
porcelain tile in high-moisture areas
while porcelain is a type of ceramic tile, it undergoes a different firing process that makes it exceptionally durable and nonporous. even so, learning how to clean unglazed porcelain tile in the shower can come with some challenges. soap scum, shampoo residue, and hard water deposits can cling easily to its matte surface.
in general, it’s best to wipe walls and floors with a squeegee or soft towel after each use to limit buildup. for weekly deep cleans, use a neutral cleaner that is formulated for unglazed porcelain tile and rinse thoroughly. frequency matters, too: the more consistently you dry the tiles, the less scrubbing you’ll need later.
unglazed zellige: texture, irregularity, and care
zellige tile is renowned for its handmade beauty, surface variation, and soft gleam. unglazed versions are especially delicate, with natural pits and irregularities that can trap residue. when cleaning unglazed zellige, always use a soft cloth or sponge with a neutral cleaner, and avoid abrasive scrubbing that could flatten its unique surface.
delicate handling is key to preserving the artistry of zellige. explore zellige natural 4x4 square for a closer look at its craftsmanship, or compare it with zellige tile look alike options for inspiration.
why terracotta needs special attention
terracotta is beloved for its earthy tone and organic character, but its high porosity demands extra care. frequent sealing is key, and knowing how to clean unglazed tile floors made of terracotta between sealings is equally important.
dry-cleaning methods like sweeping or vacuuming will minimize wear while limiting unnecessary moisture exposure. when wet cleaning is needed, stick to neutral cleaners and minimal water to prevent saturation. sealing protects terracotta in the long run, but the right day-to-day care ensures it maintains both beauty and structure.
floor: clé cement 4x4" in leaf; wall: clé zellige 4x4" in natural. design: emily farnham architecture / photo: yoshihiro makino
cleaning mistakes that can damage unglazed tile
unglazed tiles carry inherent charm, but they are also more sensitive to cleaning missteps. acidic cleaners, stiff scrubbers, and infrequent sealing can all compromise their finish. in addition, while many homeowners assume strong products will yield a deeper clean, with unglazed materials, the opposite is true.
being mindful of these common mistakes is just as important as knowing how to clean unglazed tile floors correctly. when you avoid the pitfalls, your tiles can remain a functional and beautiful part of your home for many years.
harsh cleaners and tools to avoid
bleach, vinegar, and ammonia are often touted as quick fixes for stains, but on unglazed tiles, they cause permanent harm. abrasive brushes or scouring pads also wear away the tile’s surface, leaving it uneven and prone to further damage.
the key to tile cleaning is consistency with mild methods, not intensity. whether you’re learning how to clean unglazed ceramic tile or porcelain, skip the shortcuts. instead, protect your surfaces with gentle methods — microfiber cloths, pH-neutral cleaners, and soft motions.
sealing too soon — or not at all
unglazed tiles are more porous than their glazed counterparts, which makes sealing essential. but sealing too early (before installation moisture evaporates, for instance) or not sealing at all can lead to stains and discoloration. proper sealing ensures your unglazed surfaces resist stains without compromising their natural finish.
terracotta, zellige, and many unglazed ceramics benefit most from a high-quality sealant. porcelain often needs less sealing, though it still requires thoughtful care. for more on glazed vs unglazed porcelain tiles, we have a comprehensive guide.
understanding unglazed tile: a foundation of lasting design
unglazed tile isn’t just a material — it’s a design philosophy. with their matte finish, artisanal craftsmanship, and tactile appeal, these tiles bring character that outlasts fleeting styles. but learning how to clean unglazed tiles is part of honoring that longevity.
when properly maintained, these tiles embody timelessness while retaining their natural slip resistance and versatility. we love to explore not just material choices, but also context — like wall tile vs floor tile — to help you create spaces that celebrate both artistry and practicality.
where these surfaces excel
unglazed tiles often shine in high-traffic and high-moisture areas like kitchen floors, showers, and entryways. their naturally matte surface provides slip resistance, making them practical as well as beautiful. when paired thoughtfully, they create depth and texture that glazed tiles can’t always replicate.
learning how to clean unglazed porcelain tile in the shower or how to clean unglazed ceramic tile floors isn’t just maintenance — it’s a way of elevating performance in everyday spaces. durability and design meet in unglazed tile installations.
caring for beauty that lasts generations
proper tile cleaning preserves more than just appearance — it safeguards heritage. unglazed tiles often come from handcrafted traditions that connect you to centuries of artistry. maintaining them with care ensures you aren’t just following a trend but protecting a legacy.
our collections, from terracotta to porcelain, are designed to last when properly cleaned and sealed. explore comparisons like cement vs ceramic tiles or porcelain tile vs travertine to understand how each material might suit your space for generations.
knowing how to clean unglazed tiles the right way is as much about protecting artistry as it is about upkeep. with gentle, consistent care and an awareness of what to avoid, your tiles can withstand daily life while remaining stunning centerpieces of your home.
our handcrafted options — whether ceramic, porcelain, zellige, or terracotta — are designed to age gracefully when properly maintained. explore our carefully curated collections to find tiles that embody both timeless beauty and resilience.