By Clay Imports
Saltillo tile is a stunning, timeless design choice that brings rustic charm to any space. To keep your tiles looking their best, it’s important to understand their maintenance needs. Here’s a friendly, comprehensive guide to cleaning, maintaining, and resealing Saltillo tile to help you preserve its natural beauty for years to come.
What Makes Saltillo Tile Unique?
Handmade with an authentic, rustic appearance, Saltillo tile is a 100% natural product that gracefully ages over time. Its color and texture evolve, adding character to your space. However, this natural aging process requires regular care, especially if your tiles were installed 3-4 years ago and are due for a deep clean or reseal.
- Maintaining Saltillo Tile
- When to reseal Saltillo tile?
- How to reseal Saltillo tile?
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Do I need to strip and reseal my Saltillo tile?
Maintaining Your Saltillo Tile
Saltillo tile is forgiving when it comes to everyday maintenance, as long as you embrace its natural patina. Here are some tips to keep your tiles in top shape:
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Regular Cleaning: Use mild detergents and water to mop your floor. Alternatively, you can create a simple water-and-vinegar solution. Avoid steam cleaning, heavy mopping, or anything that introduces excessive moisture.
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Cleaning Products: Stick to non-acidic floor cleaning products, which are readily available at grocery or drugstores. This will help protect your tile’s finish.
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Vacuuming: Before mopping, vacuum to keep your Saltillo floors free of dust and debris.
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Addressing Chips: If you notice an exposed chip revealing the raw terracotta clay, simply apply a thin coat of topcoat sealer to cover it.
- Pro Tip: Matte and satin-sealed Saltillo tiles require more attention, as they are more prone to staining than gloss-sealed tiles.
Regular Saltillo tile cleaning will make your tile shine for years to come.
When to Reseal Saltillo Tile
The lifespan of your sealer depends on foot traffic and your cleaning routine. Generally, you should reseal every 2-4 years. Here’s a quick way to check:
- Pour a small amount of water onto the tile.
- Observe whether the tile absorbs the water. If it does, even slightly, it’s time to reseal.
A beautifully maintained Saltillo tile floor with a satin finish.
How to Reseal Saltillo Tile
Resealing your Saltillo tile is a straightforward process:
Prepare the Surface: Thoroughly clean your floors, removing all dust and dirt. Vacuuming is recommended.
Gather Supplies: You’ll need a yellow application sponge (available at hardware stores), lint-free rags, and a sealer of your choice.
Choose the Right Sealer:
- For a high-gloss finish, opt for a water-based sealer like our Ultra-Low VOC Sealer or Ole Mexican Tile Sealer.
- For a matte finish, use Penetrating Sealer, which allows for easier resealing in the future.
Apply the Sealer: Use the sponge to evenly coat the tiles. Allow the sealer to dry and cure completely over a few days.
Maintain Regularly: Once resealed, clean your tiles with soap and water to keep them looking fresh.
Do I Need to Strip and Reseal?
If the sealer shows significant wear, you may need to strip and reseal your tiles. However, this process can be labor-intensive and messy. To avoid this:
- Clean and reseal your Saltillo tiles every 2-4 years.
- Be gentle with your floors to prolong the sealer’s life.
Important Note: For older or heavily worn tiles, consider hiring a Saltillo tile specialist. Stripping and resealing require expertise to achieve the best results.
Saltillo flooring in need of a reseal.
A cozy living room featuring Saltillo tile floors bathed in natural sunlight.
Questions? We're Here to Help!
Have more questions about maintaining your Saltillo tile? Reach out to us at contact@clayimports.com. We’re happy to assist with expert advice to keep your tiles beautiful and long-lasting.
Disclaimer: Your Saltillo tile’s long-term beauty depends on a solid installation. While Clay Imports doesn’t provide a product warranty or cover dissatisfaction after installation, we’re here to help you get the best results. Please inspect your tiles when they arrive and let us know right away if you have any concerns—we’ll work with you to address them. This guide offers general tips, but because every project is unique, be sure to consult your tile installer for personalized advice.
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