Blue Brick Ceramic Floor Cleaning and Sealing in Kentish Town
What Is a Blue Brick Ceramic Floor?
Industrial Aesthetic Meets Residential Practicality
Despite the name, this floor is not made of traditional bricks. Blue brick ceramics are dense, kiln-fired tiles inspired by Victorian and industrial paving. These tiles are:
- Extremely hard-wearing and non-porous
- Often laid in herringbone or stretcher bond patterns
- Used indoors and outdoors for their resistance to wear and water
- Ideal for high-traffic areas or post-extension flooring transitions
While attractive and durable, they can become problematic if not cleaned or sealed correctly, especially during construction phases. Sticky residues and embedded marks often remain long after standard builders’ cleans.
Initial Contact and Immediate Support
Builder’s Advice Followed by Professional Help
The client, Natalie, reached out through our contact page after builders struggled to clean her blue brick ceramic tiles in her newly purchased home. The surface felt sticky, marked with paint and foot traffic, and overall had lost its appeal.
We called her in 10 minutes. We looked at site photos and measurements. Then, we gave her a quote the same day. The quote included a short explainer video. The scope featured:
- Deep chemical stripping
- Detailed cleaning of grout and marks
- Sealing with Dr. Schutz PU Sealer 2K
By chance, we had a cancellation and scheduled the job for the very next day.
Execution and On-Site Discoveries
Sticky Residue, Poor Products, and a Common Pitfall
What began as a basic clean escalated when we discovered:
- Heavy residue from improper use of cleaning agents or the wrong wax/sealer
- Grout haze, paint marks, and construction dust
- Sticky footprints throughout the entire house, including timber floors
It’s likely the same subpar sealer was used on both tile and timber — a shortcut that can cause long-term damage. Sadly, this is where many clients lose out:
Contractors may cut corners by using cheap products to keep quotes low. But poor sealers lead to failures that cost more to fix later.
Investing in high-quality materials, such as PU 2K sealers, ensures long-term results and genuine savings. For more, read our blog on how to choose a flooring contractor.
Our Restoration Process
- Stripped: Removed all sticky residues and soiling from the tile surface
- Detail Cleaned: Focused on grout lines and embedded construction marks
- Dried Thoroughly: Ensured full evaporation before sealing
- Sealed: Applied PU Sealer 2K for a stain- and wear-resistant satin finish
As a goodwill extra, we cleaned and treated the small garden patio area made of the same tiles — at no charge.
Results and Client Satisfaction
Sleek, Satin-Protected, and Ready for Daily Use
The transformation was immediate. The satin finish gave depth to the colour without glossiness. More importantly, the floor was now:
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to spills, traffic, and wear
- Visibly elegant without being high-maintenance
See our guide on how to maintain floors with PU sealer.
Client Review
“Silver Lining Floor Care did a wonderful job stripping, cleaning, and PU sealing our blue brick floors. Johnny was wonderfully helpful explaining everything beforehand and what our options were. Dean and the team were friendly, efficient, and went above and beyond. I would highly recommend Silver Lining Floor Care for any of your flooring needs!”
— Natalie Gegan (Google Review)
Why Choose PU Sealer for Ceramic Floors?
Protection Without Shine, Durability Without Drama
PU Sealer 2K is a polyurethane-based finish used across high-traffic commercial and domestic surfaces.
- Satin or matte finish that enhances colour
- Hard-shell protection from spills, shoes, and abrasion
- Easy daily maintenance
This type of ceramic tile often has a textured or lightly pitted surface, which can trap dust, grease, and cleaning residues if left unsealed. By applying PU Sealer 2K, we create a smooth, sealed barrier over the tile and grout lines. Making everyday cleaning exponentially easier. The difference in mop glide and stain resistance is noticeable from day one.
Learn more on our Victorian tiles cleaning service page or view our wider hard floor restoration options.
How to Maintain Your Sealed Floor
✔ Sweep or vacuum often
✔ Mop with pH-neutral solution
✔ Avoid acidic or soap-heavy cleaners
✔ Recoat every 3–5 years if neededRead the maintenance of PU sealed floors blog for more info.
Why Blue Brick Ceramic Tiles Can Be Difficult to Clean
Beautiful Texture, Frustrating Maintenance
Blue brick ceramic tiles — especially those with a lightly textured or matt finish — are stylish and durable but notoriously hard to maintain if left unsealed. The surface’s microtexture can trap dirt, dust, and builder’s residue. Even after a good mop, floors often look patchy again within minutes.
PU Sealer: The Game-Changer for Textured Ceramic Floors
Simple Maintenance, Lasting Cleanliness
After testing various approaches — including degreasers, steam, and acid-based solutions — we’ve found that Dr. Schutz PU Sealer 2K provides the only long-term, non-disruptive fix.
This professional-grade polyurethane coating forms a clear, protective layer that seals off the tile’s surface texture and fills in microscopic pores. The result:
- Dramatically improved day-to-day cleaning
- Uniform visual finish with colour enhancement
- Long-term protection against grime and moisture
Ideal for:
- Kitchen and dining areas
- Garden rooms and internal extensions
- Entranceways and utility spaces
- Light-commercial indoor tiled surfaces
In this Kentish Town property, the transformation was immediate. The sticky, tired floor became satin-smooth, hygienic, and visually balanced — ready for real-life wear and tear.
Better Than Replacing the Tiles
Restoration That Saves Money, Mess, and Time
Blue brick ceramic tiles are made to last. If they’re looking poor, the issue is usually surface-related — not a failure of the material. Rather than lift and relay the floor, sealing with PU Sealer offers a smart, economical alternative:
- No building works or dust
- No damage to skirtings or underfloor heating
- A result that improves both appearance and practicality
In this project, we restored and sealed approximately 20m² of flooring in one day — with zero disruption and exceptional client satisfaction. It’s a solution we recommend for any tiled floor suffering from post-renovation haze or persistent dullness.
FAQs
Cleaning and Sealing Blue Brick Ceramic Tiles
How do you clean blue brick tiles?
Blue brick tiles — especially dense ceramic types — are best cleaned using a pH-neutral tile cleaner and a scrubber with medium bristles. Avoid vinegar, bleach, or soap-heavy products, as they can leave films or etch the surface. For stubborn residues post-building work, professional stripping and sealing may be required.
Can you clean bricks with washing up liquid?
While washing-up liquid may lift some surface dirt, it often leaves a greasy film and doesn’t remove embedded grime. It’s also not designed for porous or textured surfaces. We recommend a professional tile cleaner or PU cleaner after PU sealer system has been applied.
What is the best cleaner for bricks and tiles?
The best cleaner depends on the surface. Just use any neutral tile cleaner or specific cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Ensure you follow the dilution guidelines; otherwise, a residue may be left on the floor.
Does vinegar clean brick or tile?
Vinegar is acidic and should be avoided on most indoor flooring, especially on sealed ceramic, limestone, or natural stone surfaces. It may dull the finish, degrade sealants, or react with grout lines. Stick with pH-neutral cleaners designed for tile and stone.
How do you make old blue brick tiles look new again?
If your tiles look dull, sticky, or patchy after years of use or poor cleaning methods, the best approach is to have them professionally stripped and sealed. PU Sealer 2K enhances the natural colour and texture of the tile while creating a uniform, easy-clean finish.
Is bleach good for cleaning ceramic or brick tiles?
Bleach is not recommended for sealed surfaces and can damage grout, discolour tiles, and leave residues that attract dirt. It’s better to use a low-residue cleaner designed for sealed hard floors.
What can cause sticky or smeary brick floors?
Sticky floors often result from builder residues, incorrect mopping methods, or using soap-based or acidic products. Over time, these products leave behind films that attract more dirt. The solution is a proper strip and reseal, followed by correct daily maintenance.
Can you use a pressure washer on blue brick ceramic tiles?
Not indoors. Pressure washers are suitable only for external paving — and even then, caution is needed to avoid damaging grout. Soft tools and appropriate products are essential for maintaining interior floors, particularly sealed ones.
Still have questions?
Contact us for more information.
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Craftsmanship, Care, and Trusted Service Since 2004
At Silver Lining Floor Care, we bring experience and precision to every surface we treat. Our comprehensive services are designed to restore, clean, and protect all types of flooring—helping you maintain lasting beauty, hygiene, and value. Whether it's natural stone, hardwood, or soft furnishings, we've got it covered:
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Whether you need a full transformation or regular upkeep, we’re here to help. Explore all our services and see how we can bring your floors back to life.
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