With more than 26 years of experience working with authentic European building materials, Historic Decorative Materials recommends professional cleaning, sealing and maintenance products for French limestone flooring, Belgian bluestone, reclaimed French terra cotta tile and aged French oak flooring.
Proper care helps protect the natural color, patina and surface character that distinguish antique, reclaimed and traditionally finished European floors. The appropriate treatment depends upon the material: porous natural stone and historic terra cotta may require impregnation or stain protection, while French oak flooring requires cleaning products appropriate for its particular finish.
Our recommended floor-care products include Marius Fabre Savon Noir, a traditional olive-oil soap for routine cleaning and maintenance, along with Akemi stone impregnation and stain-repellent treatments selected for natural stone and reclaimed terra cotta.
French Limestone & Belgian Bluestone
Natural stone flooring should be maintained with products appropriate for porous stone. Proper impregnation and stain protection can help reduce absorption while preserving the natural texture, variation and aged appearance of French limestone and Belgian bluestone.
Reclaimed French Terra Cotta Tile
Antique terra cotta is naturally porous and requires thoughtful cleaning and protection. Appropriate impregnation helps protect historic clay tile while allowing its handmade variation, worn surface and centuries-old patina to remain visible.
Aged French Oak Flooring
French oak floors should be cleaned with products compatible with their specific finish. Traditional soap-based maintenance products can provide gentle routine cleaning without the harsh detergents commonly found in conventional household floor cleaners.
Always follow the care instructions provided for your specific flooring collection, as sealing and maintenance requirements vary according to material, finish and installation.
