A complete guide to caring for your Moroccan zellige, hand-painted ceramic, terracotta, and mosaic tiles.
Our handcrafted Moroccan tiles are exceptionally durable and require minimal maintenance when properly installed and cared for. Their longevity is a testament to centuries of refined craft — zellige tiles found in Moroccan palaces built in the 14th century remain vibrant today.
The key principles are simple: use only pH-neutral cleaners, avoid all acid-based or abrasive products, and seal unglazed surfaces periodically. Following these guidelines will preserve the glaze, colour, and structural integrity of your tiles for generations.
Golden rule: When in doubt, always test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area before full application. What is safe for one tile type may not be suitable for another.
Zellige is a fired terracotta clay tile with a hand-applied glaze. The glaze surface is durable but should be protected from harsh chemicals. The unglazed clay body on the sides and back is porous and benefits from sealing.
Penetrating impregnator for porous tile
Diluted in warm water
Soft brush application only
Hand-painted ceramic tiles feature a fired glaze over a ceramic body. The painted design is fired into the glaze and is highly durable, but the glaze surface can be scratched by abrasive materials or etched by acid-based products.
The vibrant hand-painted designs are fired into the glaze at high temperature and are fully permanent — they will not fade, peel, or wash away with normal use and proper cleaning.
Terracotta is an unglazed, porous natural clay tile. It is one of the most ancient flooring materials in the world and develops a beautiful natural patina over time. Because it is unglazed, it requires more attentive sealing and maintenance than glazed tile types.
Deep penetrating impregnator
Deepens colour, adds sheen
Diluted, damp mop application
Moorish mosaic tilework (also known as zellij mosaic) consists of individually hand-cut pieces assembled into geometric patterns. The many grout joints and varied tile surfaces require attentive cleaning to prevent grout staining and to maintain the clarity of the pattern.
For pool mosaic installations, rinse the tile surface with fresh water weekly to prevent mineral and chemical deposits from bonding to the glaze. This is the single most effective maintenance step for pool mosaics.
Never use acid-based, bleach-based, or abrasive products on any of our tile types. When in doubt, plain warm water and a soft cloth is always safe.
Always test any new cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area and allow 24 hours before full application to check for adverse reactions.
Unglazed clay, terracotta, and grout joints must be sealed before use and re-sealed regularly. We recommend Miracle 511 Porous Plus penetrating sealant.
Wipe spills immediately, especially on unglazed or unsealed surfaces. The longer a staining substance sits, the deeper it penetrates.
For pool waterline and submerged tiles, rinse with fresh water weekly to prevent mineral deposits and pool chemicals from building up on the glaze.
Never use steel wool, abrasive sponges, scouring powders, or wire brushes on any of our tiles. Soft cloths and soft-bristle brushes only.
Our team is happy to advise on your specific tile type and installation
Moorish Architectural Design · San Francisco, California · Handmade in Fez, Morocco
