Uncover the Shocking Transformation of a Neglected Victorian Hallway In Chertsey!

What Happens When You Don’t Look After Victorian Tiles?

Let me share a story about a this neglected Victorian hallway in Chertsey. It was a perfect example of what happens when tiles are neglected after a quick wax treatment. At first, those tiles looked shiny and beautiful, but after a few years, they lost their charm, turning dull and dingy. The wax layer became scratched and darkened, making the once vibrant tiles look sad and worn out.

When I checked out the hallway, I was relieved to see that the tiles were still in decent condition overall—no need for replacements, thank goodness! However, a big job lay ahead. I suggested we remove that stubborn wax (which, by the way, is quite a challenge), deep clean the floor, and then re-seal it with something modern that would allow the tiles to breathe. After I prepared a quote, my client agreed, and we set a date to begin the work. Let’s dive into the cleaning process!

 

Cleaning a Victorian Tiled Hallway: The Process

Here’s how I approached this project. I broke it down into small sections, which made the task more manageable. I started with a concentration of tile cleaner and wax remover, applying it directly to the tiles while adding some water to keep it from drying out too quickly. This product is a strong cleaner that removes tough wax. I carefully scraped the wax off using hand tools, and, let me tell you, it was quite a messy job!

The waste? Well, it mostly looked like a brown sludge—super attractive, right? I used a scrubbing brush to remove most of it, and then I applied the cleaner again, but this time with a bit more water mixed in. Letting it soak for about ten minutes was important to break down any remaining wax.

Next, I used a powerful tool: a scrubbing brush attached to a rotary machine. This machine worked wonders to scrub away any remaining wax. After that, I brought in a wet vacuum to suck up all the sludge. Cleaning this floor felt a bit like cleaning up after a messy toddler—less glitter, more grime!

Why Moisture Control is Key

Now, here’s something important to consider: old Victorian floors don’t have a damp proof membrane. This means moisture can come up from the ground, which isn’t good news. You really don’t want to trap moisture under the tiles, as it can lead to rising damp and other unwanted surprises.

After removing the wax, I was a bit worried about moisture building up under the floor. If moisture rises, it can bring salts with it, leading to a problem called efflorescence, which can make those beautiful tiles look streaky and stained. To prevent this, I rinsed the floor with fresh water and used a gentle acid wash.  This special formula cleans up the tiles and neutralizes any salts. Once I rinsed again to make sure no traces were left, I dried the floor as much as possible and left it to dry overnight.

Sealing the Deal: Applying the Sealer

The next day, I returned to check the tiles with a moisture meter—this is super important! It’s essential to make sure the tiles are dry enough before applying a sealer. If you put a sealer on damp tiles, it can look patchy, and nobody wants that!

I applied a four coats of colour enhancing impregnating sealer sealer. I made sure to leave thirty minutes of drying time between each coat. This sealer is water-based, so there were no funky smells while it dried. It works beautifully on Victorian tiles and gives a lovely, subtle silky finish.

After I finished applying the sealer, I stepped back, and wow—what a transformation! Later, my client texted me to say: “Thank so much you for a lovely job. I didn’t believe my floor could look so nice.”

Aftercare for Victorian Tiles

If you have Victorian tiles at home, I can’t stress this enough: use a ph neutral cleaner like LTP Floorshine or Fila Neutral cleaner to maintain the tiles. They are gentle yet effective—and being pH neutral means they won’t mess up the sealer, which is a big deal compared to standard floor cleaners. Trust me, you don’t want to ruin all that hard work!

Final Thoughts: A Job Well Done

So, there you have it! Restoring this Victorian hallway wasn’t a simple task, but totally worth it in the end. These old floors have so much character, and it’s rewarding to bring them back to life. I mean, who wouldn’t want to walk into a beautiful hallway every day?

If you need professional help, don’t hesitate to call Fabritec Tile Cleaning at 01337-664-337, or visit our website at https://tilecleaningsurrey.co.uk.