Caring for Earthaus plaster walls is simple once you know your finish. Earthaus lime plasters are durable, low-maintenance finishes — but they're not indestructible. Different finishes have different care requirements, and the sealer system used on your finish determines what cleaning methods are safe.

The single most important rule: never use acidic, abrasive, or harsh chemical cleaners on any Earthaus finish. Lime is calcium-based and reacts with acids. Vinegar, citrus cleaners, bleach, ammonia, and abrasive scrub pads will all damage the surface.

Sealed finishes (Tadelakt, Marble, Stone with Olive Oil Soap Sealer): Wipe with a damp soft cloth or sponge. If needed, use a mild pH-neutral, plant-based soap. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry. Never use abrasive pads or scrub brushes.

For Tadelakt showers: rinse the surface with warm water after each use and squeegee or wipe dry to prevent hard water buildup. This single habit will do more for your Tadelakt than anything else.

Unsealed finishes (Sand, Base, Lime Slurry): Dry dusting only with a soft cloth or feather duster. Water can stain or mark unsealed lime plaster. If these finishes were sealed with Acrylic Sealer, gentle damp wiping is acceptable.

Limewash: Dry dusting only. Limewash is a breathable mineral coating — water will dissolve it. Do not wipe with wet cloths. Touch-ups are done by applying additional coats of Limewash, not by cleaning.

These products will damage any Earthaus finish:

Water stains on sealed finishes: Usually temporary. Tadelakt and other sealed finishes may darken when wet and lighten as they dry — this is normal behavior, not damage. Give it time to dry completely before assessing.

Stubborn stains on sealed finishes: There is no reliable DIY stain removal method for lime plaster that won't risk damaging the surface. Contact support with photos and a description of the stain — our team can advise on options specific to your situation.

Stains on unsealed finishes: Very difficult to address without affecting the surface. Prevention is critical — wipe up spills immediately on sealed surfaces, and avoid exposing unsealed finishes to liquids.

Hard water deposits in Tadelakt showers: Prevention is far easier than removal. Squeegee after every use. For existing buildup, gently buff with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. Do not use acidic descalers — they will etch the finish. For persistent mineral buildup, contact support.

Sealer maintenance keeps your finish looking good and performing properly. The schedule depends on the finish and how it's used.

Tadelakt (wet areas — showers, bathrooms): Reapply one coat of Beeswax Protective Sealer at least once per year, or more frequently in high-use showers. Signs it's time: water no longer beads on the surface, or the finish looks dull or porous.

If the surface shows signs of wear, etching, or water absorption, a full reseal may be needed:

Tadelakt (dry areas — walls, fireplaces): Beeswax reapplication as needed — typically less frequent than wet areas. Reapply when the surface looks dry or has lost its subtle sheen.

Marble and Stone (with Olive Oil Soap Sealer): Reapply Olive Oil Soap Sealer if the surface starts to feel dry or loses its subtle sheen. Frequency depends on traffic, touch, and environmental exposure. Under normal conditions, this is infrequent.

Sand, Base, Lime Slurry (with Acrylic Sealer): No routine resealing needed under normal conditions. The Acrylic Sealer provides long-lasting protection.

Limewash: No sealer to maintain. Over time, Limewash may naturally wear in high-traffic areas. Touch up by applying additional coats of Limewash — this is part of the charm and longevity of the material.

Hairline cracks: Can be filled using a fine paste of the original plaster material, then resealed. The general principle — strain plaster into a fine paste, fill, reseal — applies to all finishes.

Small chips or dings:

Scuff marks on sealed/burnished surfaces: Try buffing with a dry, soft cloth first. Light surface abrasion can often be polished out on burnished finishes (Tadelakt, Marble, Stone).

When to call for help: Deep damage, large areas, wet-area failures, or anything you're uncertain about — contact support with photos. For complex situations, schedule a Technical Consultation.

Mounting TVs, shelves, or fixtures: Drilling into plaster is fine, but use appropriate anchors for the substrate behind the plaster (drywall, cement board, etc.), not the plaster itself. The plaster is a thin decorative coating, not structural. For Tadelakt in wet areas, any penetration must be sealed with clear silicone caulk to prevent water intrusion behind the finish.

Tape: Painter's tape is generally safe on sealed finishes if removed within 24 hours. Extended contact or aggressive adhesive tape can pull the surface.

Caulk joints: A bead of clear silicone caulk should be installed where Tadelakt meets other materials (tile, glass, fixtures) to prevent water from wicking into the plaster and causing discoloration.

Email [email protected] or text 1-800-917-2414 — our team is happy to help.