I've recently moved into a place with beautiful terracotta tile kitchen floors, but I have no idea how well they've been maintained in the past. Ideally, I know I should strip and reseal them (like in this [guide](https://www.cheshire-cleaning.com/how-to-clean-seal-terracotta-floor-tiles/)), but right now, I don't have the time, energy, or budget for that. So, what can I do in the meantime to ensure they stay in good condition for everyday use? How can I check if they are properly sealed without causing damage?
1 Answer
You can do a quick test to check if the tiles are sealed. Just put a little baby oil or mineral oil on the surface; if it stays on top, they're sealed! For now, I'd suggest giving the floor a thorough clean and applying a wax sealer designed for terracotta tiles. This will provide some protection and can be removed when you’re ready for a complete renovation. But if the tiles are still sealed, the wax might not adhere, so using rugs in high traffic areas is a great option until you can properly restore them.
Thanks for the tip! Should I be checking or sealing the grout as well, or is that not necessary right now?