Saltillo tile brings warmth and character to any home with its rustic charm and old-world appeal, but you’ll need to properly clean and care for it to maintain its beauty. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to clean Saltillo tile, from daily maintenance to deep cleaning.
What Is Saltillo Tile?
Saltillo tiles are handcrafted clay tiles originating in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, and they must come from this specific area to bear the name. Tlaxcaltecas artisans have produced the tiles since around 1580, making them steeped in history and tradition.
The handmade nature of Saltillo tiles means no two are exactly alike. They typically come in terracotta tones and shades of brown, and feature rustic characteristics such as bumps and cracks, lime pops, color variations and striping, size and thickness differences, and fingerprints.
What Are the Advantages of Saltillo Tile Flooring?
Saltillo tile’s benefits make it an attractive flooring option:
- Environmentally friendly. Saltillo tiles are made from naturally occurring clay found in northeastern Mexico and produced using centuries-old techniques.
- Comfortable underfoot. The clay composition provides a softer feel than other hard flooring materials.
- Temperature regulation. Saltillo tiles feel warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Easy maintenance. The rustic appearance can hide minor dirt and debris. Regular sweeping or vacuuming is usually sufficient to keep floors looking clean.
Are Your Saltillo Tiles Sealed or Unsealed?
Determine whether your tiles are sealed or unsealed, as this affects the cleaning process. Sealed tiles often have a glossy sheen.
Sprinkle a few drops of water on the tile. If the water beads up quickly, the tile is likely sealed.
Regular Upkeep for Saltillo Tile
Sweep or vacuum Saltillo tile floors daily (or as often as you can). The uneven edges of the tiles add to their rustic beauty but can also trap dirt in the grout lines. A robot vacuum programmed to clean daily will keep your floors looking good with minimal effort.
A dust mop can help pick up fine particles that a vacuum might miss. Microfiber dust mops are particularly effective at trapping dust and small pieces of debris without scratching the tile surface.
Sealed and unsealed Saltillo tiles require different cleaning approaches. We’ll delve into these below.
How To Clean Sealed Saltillo Tile
Here’s how to clean sealed Saltillo tile effectively:
Weekly Mopping
We recommend mopping Saltillo tiles at least once a week since dirt accumulation on tiles can harm the sealer over time. Choose a cleaner specifically designed for tile floors and dilute it with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions, if needed. Use a soft mop or cleaning pad to apply the solution to the floor and gently scrub stubborn dirt with a soft brush. Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a clean towel to prevent water spots.
Deep Cleaning
Once a year, remove the sealer and clean the exposed tiles to remove deep-seated grime and preserve their vibrant, earthy tones. Apply a tile and grout cleaner suitable for Saltillo tile and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub the tiles with a soft brush or cleaning pad, then rinse thoroughly. Dry the floor before resealing the tile.
Cleaning Unsealed Saltillo Tile
Unsealed Saltillo tiles are more porous than sealed ones and require gentler cleaning. Mix equal parts of a mild, pH-neutral cleaner and hot water. Working in small sections, pour the solution onto the tiles and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Scrub each tile individually with a floor brush or heavy-duty scrubbing pad, then rinse thoroughly with hot water using a mop (use a shop vac to remove excess water if necessary). Dry with clean towels or allow to air dry.
How Do You Clean Grout Lines?
Grout lines attract dirt and can darken over time. To clean them, mix grout cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it to the grout lines. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then scrub the grout lines gently with a brass wire brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry the area completely.
If the sealer is flaking off, it may be time to reseal the grout and tiles.
Related: The Best Grout for Saltillo Tile
Recommended Tools and Products for Cleaning Saltillo Tiles
The right tools can make cleaning Saltillo tile much easier. Here are some we recommend:
- Fabuloso MultiPurpose Cleaner: A versatile cleaner that leaves a fresh scent
- BOOMJOY Floor Scrub Brush: Has a long handle for comfortable scrubbing without bending
- Brass Wire Brushes: Excellent for cleaning grout lines
- iRobot Roomba: An automated vacuum for daily maintenance
Restoring Heavily Soiled Saltillo Tile
You may need more intensive Saltillo tile restoration if regular cleaning methods don’t restore the appearance of your floors. This process typically involves:
- Stripping off any old sealer using a water-based or polyurethane-based stripper
- Thoroughly cleaning the bare tiles, addressing any deep-set stains
- Applying new sealer, choosing between a high-gloss or natural-looking finish
- Considering an anti-slip additive for areas prone to moisture
The porous nature of Saltillo tiles means you may need multiple coats of sealer to achieve the level of protection and sheen you want. Restoration can revitalize even heavily worn tiles, making them look fresh and new and helping them last longer.
