Why gentle cleaning matters for hand-painted Delft tiles
Flora Delft Rose tiles are individually hand-painted in Cornwall, UK, using traditional blue pigments on a 13 x 13 cm ceramic base. The painted surface is not a printed decal — it is applied by hand, which means abrasive cleaners or harsh scrubbing can wear away the delicate floral pattern. To keep the blue delft designs crisp and the gloss finish intact, a soft routine is essential.
Flora Delft Rose tile facts that affect cleaning
- Flora Delft Rose: 13 x 13 cm traditional Delft tiles with individual flower decors, available with or without corner motif. The 13 cm size means more grout lines per square metre, which will need separate attention during cleaning.
Flora Delft Rose - Flora Delft Rose: Timeless blue Delft tile, individually hand painted in our Studio here in Cornwall, UK. Hand-painted decoration is more vulnerable to abrasion than machine-printed patterns. Always use a soft cloth or sponge.
Daily and weekly cleaning steps for hand-painted Delft tiles
The supplied information does not include manufacturer cleaning instructions, so the steps below are based on general best practice for hand-painted ceramic tiles. Always test any new cleaner on an inconspicuous area first.
- Dust or vacuum first: Use a soft brush attachment to remove loose dust and grit from the tile surface and grout lines. Rubbing a dry, gritty surface can scratch the hand-painted finish.
- Wipe with a damp, soft cloth: Dampen a microfibre cloth with warm water and wring it out well. Wipe the tiles in a gentle, circular motion. Avoid soaking the grout lines.
- Use a mild pH-neutral cleaner if needed: If water alone does not lift a mark, add a drop of pH-neutral liquid soap to the water. Never use bleach, vinegar, ammonia, or abrasive powders.
- Rinse and dry immediately: Wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth, then buff dry with a soft towel. Standing moisture can dull the gloss finish over time.
What to avoid on hand-painted Delft tiles
Steer clear of scouring pads, stiff brushes, and any cleaner labelled 'abrasive' or 'scrubbing'. The hand-painted blue pattern sits on the glaze surface and can be scratched or faded by harsh treatment. Also avoid wax-based polishes — they may leave a residue that is difficult to remove without scrubbing.
Caring for the grout between Flora Delft Rose tiles
The 13 x 13 cm tile size means there are more grout joints than a large-format tile installation. Grout can trap dirt and discolour over time. Clean grout lines with a soft toothbrush and a paste of baking soda and water, rinsing carefully so the paste does not dry on the painted surface. For stubborn stains, a dedicated grout cleaner designed for glazed ceramic tile can be used, but keep it off the tile face.
What the supplied information does not settle
The catalog records for Flora Delft Rose do not include specific sealing or cleaning instructions from the studio. If your tiles are in a high-moisture area such as a bathroom or kitchen splashback, consider asking the studio whether a sealant is recommended for the grout or the tile edges. The hand-painted nature of these tiles means that general advice for machine-made tiles may not apply.
