Clean Hand-Painted Delft Wall Tiles: 5 Steps

Quick answer

Dust hand-painted delft tiles weekly with a soft cloth and clean smudges with a damp microfiber cloth and mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing to keep the painted design intact.

5-step delft tile cleaning routine

1. Step 1: Dry dust with a soft cloth: Use a microfiber or lint-free cloth to wipe each tile from top to bottom. Avoid feather dusters that can scatter grit onto the painted surface. Dust weekly to prevent buildup that can scratch the glaze.
2. Step 2: Spot-clean smudges with damp microfiber: Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with water and add one drop of mild dish soap. Wipe the affected area in a circular motion, then rinse the cloth with plain water and wipe again to remove soap residue. Never spray cleaner directly onto the tile—it can seep under the glaze edge.
3. Step 3: Dry immediately with a second cloth: After cleaning, buff the tile dry with a fresh soft cloth. Standing water can leave mineral spots or seep into grout lines over time. Water spots are easier to prevent than to remove.
4. Step 4: Tackle stubborn marks with a baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Apply it to the mark with your finger, let it sit for 2 minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth. Rinse and dry as before. Do not scrub—the paste does the work; rubbing can wear the paint.
5. Step 5: Seal grout lines yearly: Apply a clear grout sealer with a small brush to the lines between tiles. This prevents moisture from wicking into the tile edges and lifting the hand-painted design. Seal only the grout, not the tile face, to avoid a cloudy film.

Tile care spotlight

• Wilderness Delft Rockpooling: The Wilderness Delft Rockpooling tile is inspired by the wild side of Cornwall, depicting scenes of rockpooling at low tide. Because the hand-painted detail is the tile’s main feature, cleaning gently prevents the fine brushstrokes from wearing away over time.