Victorian Tile Cleaning Archives - Somerset Tile Doctor

Victorian Tile Cleaning

Welcome to my Work History archive where you will find detailed examples of the cleaning and renovation of Victorian tiles carried out in Somerset

Commonly found in the hallways of oldder UK properties Victorian tiles are very hard wearing and can provide a classic look to any space. We often find that the beauty of these tiles are hidden under years of grime and neglect and are often covered up with carpets etc as tastes have changed over the years. If this sounds familiar then all is not lost as they can be restored.

The standard bearer for quality Victorian tiles was a firm called Minton Hollins, an English manufacturer who made a very good product which lasted the test of time. Victorian building practices however did not include the use of damp proof membranes and we often find damp can be a major issue with these old floors leading to salt problems known as efflorescence.

Common problems we face when restoring Victorian tiles are the removal of carpet glue, paint splashes and cement. Loose and cracked tiles can also be a problem however due to their popularity we usually find finding replacement tiles isn’t a problem.

Below you will find detailed examples of work we have carried out in the past, it should give you some idea of what’s involved and what can be achieved with the right techniques and products.

Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor Restoration Taunton

Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor Repaired and Fully Restored in Taunton

A homeowner from Taunton contacted us after finding an old Victorian tiled floor underneath the carpet in the hallway. The tiles were in poor condition, with many loose and cracked tiles as well as staining from substances like cement and paint.

Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor Before Restoration Taunton

Having discussed the floor over the phone I agreed to pop over to the property and survey the floor in detail and create a quote for its restoration. Whilst at the property I made detailed notes of the problems and worked out the quantities of products I would need to restore the floor.

The damaged tiles were discussed including obtaining matching replacements and it was agreed that we would keep all the original tiles and repair and re-secure them instead; we wouldn’t be able to make the floor look perfect using this method, but a few scars are to be expected in a floor of this age. A quote was worked out which included stripping the floor of the staining, relaying the areas of loose tile, regrouting where needed and then adding a protective sealer. This was duly accepted and dates scheduled.

Cleaning and repairing a Victorian Tiled Hallway

Upon my arrival, I first set about lifting loose tiles and cleaning out the exposed foundation. After this was complete, I mixed up the tile adhesive and began refitting all the loose tiles repairing broken tiles with more adhesive as well as possible. The whole middle section of the floor was loose and so I had to ensure this was done bit by bit, to keep the spacing tight. Removing too many at a time, can create problems when refitting.

Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor During Restoration Taunton

I returned the next day and began cleaning the floor using Tile Doctor Oxy-Gel which being a gel doesn’t require much water. This was allowed to dwell and then scrubbed into the floor using a 200-grit soft milling pad. This was extracted and rinsed off. Any stubborn areas were removed by hand. Tile Doctor Acid Gel was then used to further clean the floor and worked into the floor using a black pad, this was then extracted and rinsed off with water. The floor was then left to dry overnight.

Sealing a Victorian Tiled Hallway

I returned the next day and sealed using Tile Doctor X-tra Seal which is a fully breathable hard wearing sealer that’s ideal for old floors like this one that don’t have a damp proof membrane. The excess was clothed off thoroughly and then buffed using a white pad to give the floor a subtle sheen. The sealer will ensure dirt remains on the surface where it can easily be cleaned away.

Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor After Restoration Taunton

Once complete the floor looked transformed and my client was delighted with the result. For aftercare cleaning I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner, this is a pH neutral cleaner which is effective yet mild enough not to impact the newly applied sealer.