Cleaning Outdoor Tuscan Cotto in Italy: Artisan Work in a Villa
17 June 2025
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The cleaning of outdoor Tuscan cotto in Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy involved the floor of a villa set in the Tuscan countryside. The surface was made of handmade cotto and was heavily affected by mould, lichens, moss and darkening. Over time, constant exposure to the weather and the high porosity of the material accelerated the deterioration of the surface.
For this reason, a targeted artisan intervention on outdoor Tuscan cotto was needed. The work was carried out by DELTA Special Applications with the goal of restoring the floor without changing its original appearance or material character.
Key Points of the Article
- Cleaning outdoor cotto becomes necessary when mould, lichens and moss damage the surface.
- The high porosity of handmade cotto encourages moisture absorption and biological buildup.
- An initial material assessment makes it possible to plan a targeted and non-invasive artisan intervention.
- Treatment with ALGANET® removes biological buildup and dark staining deep down.
- Final protection with TIM® reduces absorption and helps prevent future deterioration.
- Only a professional intervention ensures an effective restoration of outdoor Tuscan cotto without altering its original look.
Analysis of the Outdoor Tuscan Cotto Floor in Pistoia
Before starting the work, the operator carried out a careful analysis of the handmade Tuscan cotto. The assessment focused on absorption level, overall condition and the depth of the biological buildup. In particular, mould and lichens were deeply rooted inside the pores of the surface, which is a common issue with unprotected outdoor cotto floors.
As a result, this preliminary phase made it possible to define an effective cleaning cycle that was fully compatible with a traditional and delicate material such as Tuscan cotto.
Cleaning Outdoor Tuscan Cotto in Pistoia
The cleaning of outdoor Tuscan cotto was carried out through a professional treatment specifically designed to remove biological buildup. For this phase, the operator used ALGANET®, a professional stain remover suitable for outdoor stone surfaces.
The product was applied in a water-based solution and spread evenly across the surface. It was then left to act for the required time so the treatment could work deep down. After that, the floor was thoroughly rinsed. In the most damaged areas, the operator repeated the treatment to achieve a complete cleaning result.
👉 Watch the video showing how ALGANET® works
Protecting Handmade Tuscan Cotto
Once the cleaning phase was complete and the surface had dried fully, the operator applied TIM®, a protective treatment specifically formulated for cotto. This application reduced the absorption of the material and protected it from water and dirt without changing its appearance.
Thanks to its breathability, this protective treatment allows cotto to maintain the right moisture balance. As a result, it helps reduce the risk of new biological contamination over time.
👉 Watch the video showing how TIM® works
Final Result of the Artisan Intervention
At the end of the artisan intervention on outdoor Tuscan cotto in Pistoia, the floor regained its natural colour and a clean, even appearance. Today, the surface is more resistant to outdoor agents and easier to maintain over time.
This intervention shows how the professional cleaning of handmade Tuscan cotto requires specific expertise, practical experience and the correct choice of products, applied with the right method by qualified operators.
When a Professional Intervention Is Needed
The products used for cleaning outdoor Tuscan cotto — such as ALGANET® and TIM® — are essential.
However, they are not enough on their own.
The final result depends on:
- practical experience
- knowledge of traditional materials
- the ability to assess the level of deterioration
- correct control of timing and application phases
In fact, every handmade cotto floor reacts differently. Moreover, when mould and lichens penetrate deep into the material, there is no standard solution.
That is why the artisan makes the difference.
DELTA Special Applications mainly operates in the provinces of Pistoia, Prato, Empoli and Lucca and specializes in the professional cleaning and restoration of outdoor floors in handmade Tuscan cotto, stone and other stone-based materials.
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