How to Maintain and Clean Tadelakt: A Comprehensive Care Guide

Tadelakt is one of those rare materials that doesn’t just serve a function – it brings a sense of calm, texture and timelessness to a space. Whether it’s sweeping across a bathroom wall or softening the edges of a wet room, this traditional Moroccan lime plaster has a unique way of turning everyday surfaces into something quietly luxurious. But like all natural materials, Tadelakt needs a little care to keep it looking its best.

If you’re the proud owner of a Tadelakt surface – or considering one for your home – this guide walks you through everything you need to know about cleaning, maintaining, and preserving its beauty for years to come.

Why Tadelakt Needs Special Care

Tadelakt isn’t like conventional plaster or paint. It’s made from lime, polished smooth with a stone, and finished with a natural soap that reacts with the lime to create a water-resistant surface. This reaction forms a delicate but effective barrier – one that repels moisture but remains breathable.

Because of this unique chemistry, Tadelakt requires care methods that respect its natural composition. Harsh cleaners such as bleach and limescale removers can compromise the finish. But with a gentle and informed approach, Tadelakt can last for decades with just a little maintenance along the way.

Daily and Weekly Care: Keep It Simple

Most of the time, caring for Tadelakt is refreshingly low-effort. The key is regularity and gentleness.

After using a Tadelakt shower or basin, it’s best to rinse the surface lightly and wipe it dry with a soft cloth or swipe with a squeegee. This simple habit helps prevent water spots, especially in areas with hard water.

For regular weekly cleaning, a soft, damp cloth is usually enough. If you’d like to add a little extra care, use a mild, natural soap – preferably a traditional olive oil-based soap like black soap or diluted savon de Marseille. These soaps are gentle enough for the surface and help replenish the protective finish over time.

Avoid using spray cleaners, even if they claim to be ‘natural’. Many contain citrus or vinegar, which can degrade the lime surface. Think soft, soapy water – not bathroom detergent.

Monthly and Seasonal Maintenance: A Gentle Refresh

Every so often – say, once a month – it’s worth giving your Tadelakt a slightly deeper clean and condition. Mix a small amount of soap with warm water and use a soft sponge or cloth to wash the surface. Rinse lightly, then buff dry.

For seasonal maintenance, some homeowners like to apply our Idrowax product to reinvigorate the water resistance and sheen. This isn’t always necessary, but it’s especially useful in high-use areas like wet rooms or family bathrooms.

What to Avoid: Mistakes That Can Damage Tadelakt

While Tadelakt is strong and long-lasting, it’s not invincible. The most common issues tend to arise from well-meaning but misguided cleaning routines. Here’s what not to do:

Avoid acidic products like vinegar, lemon-based cleaners or limescale removers such as Viakal.
No abrasive tools such as scouring pads, wire brushes, or stiff sponges.
Don’t let water pool on the surface – while Tadelakt is water-resistant, standing water over long periods can cause staining or dulling.
Skip the bleach and mainstream bathroom sprays, even if they’re labelled “gentle”. They’re rarely suitable for lime-based finishes.
If you wish to clean shower controls or taps, spray the cleaning product onto the cloth and wipe, rather than spraying the wall.

If you’re unsure whether a product is safe, it’s best to test it on a small, inconspicuous area – or better yet, ask an expert.

Dealing with Imperfections

Over time, you may notice slight changes in the surface – a small scratch, a patch that’s lost its sheen, or a mark from a dropped bottle. These aren’t disasters; in fact, they’re part of the character of a natural material. But they can usually be addressed with a bit of care.

Light scuffs or dull spots can often be improved by applying a soap solution and gently polishing the area. In some cases, a bit of additional Idrowax will restore the original sheen.

For deeper imperfections – such as chips, water stains, or areas where the soap and wax layers have worn away – it’s worth calling in a professional. As the UK’s original tadelakt specialists, Decor Tadelakt offers expert refinishing services that can blend seamlessly with your existing surface, ensuring it looks as beautiful as the day it was finished.

The Payoff: Why Proper Care Is Worth It

When cared for correctly, Tadelakt ages gracefully. It develops a soft patina over time, much like natural leather or stone. The more you maintain it, the more rewarding the material becomes, both visually and functionally.

You’ll also avoid unnecessary repairs or reapplications, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long term. And unlike other waterproof finishes that can feel cold or synthetic, Tadelakt only grows more tactile and inviting with age.