How To Clean Saltillo Tile? [2 Amazing Methods You Can Use!]

Saltillo tiles have a beautiful, traditional design that is loved all over the world. But, they’re soft and porous, making them hard to clean. Hence, we have the perfect guide on how to clean them tailored just for you.

How to clean Saltillo tile?

Now, there are 7 methods you can use to clean your tiles. Firstly, you can use an alkaline solution to get it done. Using bleach or scrubbing the tile with baking soda and vinegar will do the trick as well. If you aren’t satisfied with these, you can always use a hydrogen peroxide solution. 

This was just a little peek. To be effective, you’ve to understand how to implement these methods precisely. So bear with us for a moment.

Let’s begin!

Why Do My Saltillo Tiles Get Dirty?

Saltillo tiles may look exquisite but they’re known for getting dirty very easily. You must diagnose why they’re getting this dirty in the first place. Here we’ve outlined some of the most prevelant reasons why:

Reason 1: Grout Haze

The first reason can be the haze from grouting your floor when you installed your tile. This haze is usually left behind due to the surplus amount not being thoroughly cleaned. Hence it dries up and forms this dull white stain. 

This is why it’s crucial that you learn how to clean saltillo tiles grout lines. We have detailed some methods below. Use those techniques once a week and you won’t have to worry about grout haze.

Reason 2: Hard Water Stains

The Saltillo tiles in your bathroom get dirty due to hard water stains. The buildup of calcium and magnesium in water causes it to become this way. When water evaporates in your bathroom, it leaves a very thin film on the tiles.

Moreover, you won’t be able to notice the ultra-thin coating of calcium and magnesium at first. But. if not adequately cleaned, they’ll combine with new mineral crystals. If that happens, you’ll slowly start to see the appearance of brown stains on your tiles.

Reason 3: Rust Stains

No tile is impervious to rust stains. This is a highly frustrating issue for homeowners. The most typical causes of rust stains are mold and mildew. Excessive iron in water will also cause rust stains to form.   

It should be noted that rust can damage the beautiful finish Saltillo tiles give. Sometimes the damage is so severe that you’ll have to replace the tiles altogether. 

But if you learn how to clean Saltillo tiles stains the right way, you’ll be okay. 

How To Clean Saltillo Tiles In 7 Easy Ways?

You’ve spent quite a lot on your precious Saltillo tiles. Therefore, getting stains on them would be a nightmare situation.

This is why it’s important for you to learn how to clean Saltillo tile floors. Here we’ve detailed some of the best techniques you can use.

So let’s jump right ahead and get into these methods!

Method 1: Using An Alkaline Solution

Using Alkaline solution is one of the most efficient ways of cleaning your Saltillo tiles. So let’s now take a look at how it’s done. 

To begin, combine equal portions of alkaline cleaner solution with hot water. Then, follow that up by pouring the mixture onto the Saltillo tile flooring. Allow it to settle on the tiles for about 15 minutes. 

After that, you should start to notice the grimes that were gathered are starting to come loose. Once the grimes are completely loose, take a brush and scrub it off. However, you need to be extra cautious as to not scratch the floor. 

Now once all these dirt and goops are removed you need to thoroughly rinse the area. Use cold water to do that. In this way, you can be sure to not leave behind any alkaline solution

This step is quite important because you’ll risk damaging the tiles if it’s kept on for long. This method is also helpful in eliminating old thinset from tile. 

Method 2: Using A Mixture Of Baking Soda And Vinegar

Baking soda is a very effective cleaner. This doesn’t only mesh well with bleach, it also combines well with vinegar. This can create a very potent solution.

However, both of these are quite strong chemicals, so be sure to wear your gloves and mask!

For the solution, first, you’ll need to make a paste. Mix 1 ⅔ cups baking soda with ½ cup water, liquid soap, and 2 teaspoon vinegar. Combine the concoction well and cover every inch of the tiles with it. 

The chemical reaction occurs when baking soda and vinegar react will help clean the tiles. It’ll take about an hour for the chemicals to work on the tiles. 

After that, you can take a stiff brush and scrub the tiles entirely. Rinse off the entire area with cold water to finish the cleaning process.

This is how to clean Saltillo tiles with vinegar and baking soda. And if you want to mattefy your floor, this process will make it easier.

Method 3: Applying Grout Cleaners

Spraying grout cleaner on the Saltillo tiles’ is one of the most effective ways to clean it. It’s also extremely easy to do so.

You only have to grab the bottle of the grout cleaner and spray on the tiles for a minute. Soon, you should be able to see the formation of a white, bubbly substance. This will start its work on the tile and the dirt will come off slowly!

Wait for 3 to 5 minutes, then take a wet rag and scrub off the sprayed areas. That’s it. Your Santillo tiles will be squeaky clean after this. 

To maintain your tiles, you need to repeat this at least twice a week. Moreover, grout cleaners will help you clean the whitened-out black grout as well.

Method 4: Using Saltillo Tile Cleaning Products

There are products on the market that are specifically designed to keep Saltillo tiles clean. These products are often made with natural substances. As a result, they won’t cause any harm to your expensive tiles. 

You’ll be able to get these products easily as they’re available at any home improvement stores. So if your tile seems a little dull, buy one of these to clean it out!

Method 5: Using Hydrogen Peroxide With Borax

Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with Borax is another tried-and-true method for keeping tiles clean. It’s often one of the go-to substances for users. 

As Borax is alkaline, you should first pour it on your tiles. Then, spread it evenly across the surface with a toothbrush. The quantity of borax needed is specified in the manual. So, be sure to check that out. 

After you’ve finished, leave it on for at least an hour. It’s critical that you don’t let borax sit in more than the allocated time. 

After the required time has passed, apply the hydrogen peroxide to your tiles. For best results, you’ll again need to wait an hour. When the time is up, wash off the surface with hot water. 

This method is non-toxic and color-safe. So, you won’t have to worry about your tiles getting discolored. And you can get these ingredients at your local store. 

Method 6: Using Powdered Oxygen Bleach

Using powdered oxygen bleach is another great alternative to clean Saltillo tiles. Using this is also quite easy, let’s have a look!

First, fill up a bucket with water and add the oxygen bleach according to the package directions. The solution should then be applied to the tiles using. You can either use a spray bottle or a scrub brush.

Allow the solution to stand for at least 20 minutes. The more you wait,the more powerful it’ll be. This is possible because the oxygen ions in the bleach solution can work for a long time. 

After the bleach solution has soaked in, clean the tiles with a firm nylon brush. Make sure you’re scrubbing in small sections and getting all the corners. Moreover, you’ll see filthy water forming as you clean. Mop the water up with a towel as you go. 

Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the tiles, rinse it off with water. Finish by wiping down the surface with a clean damp towel. 

Method 7: Using Bleach 

Bleach is also very effective at cleaning tiles. This procedure, however, should only be utilized as a last option. Because if you use it too frequently, you’ll corrode your tiles. 

To begin, combine one gallon of water with ⅔ cup of bleach. Then, dip a cloth in the concentrated bleach solution. Go ahead and start scrubbing the tiles until they appear clean. 

But make sure you’re wearing your gloves when you clean. Because it’s quite a rough chemical that might roughen your hands.

There’s something you can add to the bleach to make it more powerful. That is, baking soda!

In order to make the mixture, you’ll need to mix 2 cups of bleach with baking soda. Create a paste and use a toothbrush to apply it all over the tiles. 

Once you’re done, allow a few minutes for the paste to dry. Then, proceed to clean off the paste with hot water. You may use a mop for this. 

On that note, here are the top 2 brands on the mop that we recommend:

Product 1: O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop.	Bona Tile & Laminate Floor.
Product 2: Nine Forty Cotton Dry Dust Mop.	Shark Genius Hard Floor Cleaning

These mops will cater to all your needs. So, by using these you can go on with the procedure.

So, as long as you follow these methods, your Saltillo tiles will remain in pristine condition.

How Do I Maintain Saltillo Tiles?

Saltillo tiles are quite forgiving as far as regular maintenance is concerned. You’ll be okay if you follow the tips twice a week. With that out of the way, let’s have a look at some tips and tricks.

Tip 1: Vacuuming

The simplest and quickest way you can maintain Saltillo tiles is to vacuum them. Saltillo tile has irregular edges. This adds to its beauty. However, it also causes dirt to gather in the grout. Vacuuming will help eliminate dirt.

As an alternative to vacuuming, a fluffy dust mop can also be used. A straw broom, on the other hand, may scratch your tiles. So, it’s better to avoid using those.

Tip 2: Using A Floor Polish

After vacuuming the floors, you may use a floor polish once a month. Floor polishes will make your tiles sparkle. In addition, it’ll also add an extra layer of protection to your tiles.

You can simply spray the floor polish directly onto the surface. Then, rub it with a buffing pad. 

If you implement all these tips, your Saltillo tiles’ shine will last you a long time. 

FAQs

Question: What type of mops should I use to clean Saltillo tiles?

Answer: String mops are your best option. Saltillo tile is easy to clean with a string mop since the grout joints are wide. The majority of joints range in size from 1/2 to 1 inch. Furthermore, a string mop does not degrade in the same manner as a foam or sponge mop does.

Question: Should I sand down Saltillo tiles?
Answer: It is not recommended to sand down Saltillo tiles. Doing so will compromise the tile’s integrity and damage its natural patina. Sanding creates a dusty mess and makes the tile highly permeable. Subsequently, you’ll wind up spending more money on sealers in the long run.

Question: How do I remove rust stains from Saltillo tiles?

Answer: To get rid of the rust stain, spray some WD-40 straight on it. After that, kindly wait for 10 minutes. Finally, rinse the area with an old toothbrush or an abrasive sponge. You may also use lemon juice as an alternative.

Conclusion

And that’s all we’ve for you on how to clean Saltillo tile. We hope you enjoyed reading through our guide! Now, if this task seems too challenging for you, you can hire professional cleaning services. 

Can’t wait to see you again. Good luck with how to clean mexican saltillo tile!