It is important to make sure that the entire surface of the area you are going to seal is free from any dirt. Some silk items can also be steam cleaned with caution, but it isn’t suggested because the heat could ruin them. Now and then is see outdoor saltillos incorrectly sealed with the shiny sealers for indoors. Otherwise, the tiles are highly absorbent and can easily be damaged. Personally, I like to use a water/vinegar mixture for my normal cleanings. Sanding your tiles also make the already porous tile twice as porous, and wet sanded tiles take a very long time to dry out granted, steam cleaning and sanding saltillo tiles is a cheaper option but in reality, you get what you pay for, and you really should not even let these be options for you. That’s a nice way of saying… you’ll see more bumps, chips, hairline cracks, and color variations. Allow the cleaning … The first step to sealing your Saltillo Mexican tile is to clean them of any type of dirt or debris. Authentic Saltillo tiles are hand made from a special clay of terracotta found in the Mexican city of Saltillo. Check out sealers like TerraNano Saltillo Tile Topcoat Sealer or Crest Sealer. Besides being a wife, mom, and lover of Jesus, I’m an expert and enthusiast in the world of Mexican tile and stone. Clean the floor in sections and change water often or you will wonder why your grout is so dirty after only 6 months. Usually with a flood, the standing water will find its way into the cracks and crevices and when it manages to get under the tile, the problem can be unfixable. Apply two (2), or more coats of Glaze`N Seal Ole® Sealer to tile and grout. 5 Things You Should (Not) Do With Saltillo Tile Floors, The Ultimate Guide to Saltillo Tile Flooring – Mexican Tile (Photos & Video), Spanish Style Bathroom Ideas & Decorating Tips, Cement Tile MeaLu Collection – Stock Designs, Cement Tile Traditional Collection – Customizable. Do not leave them damp and periodically (2-5 years) you should (or you tile restoration company should) deep clean the floors and apply fresh new coats of sealer to keep the protection and durability built up. I see many articles advising people to sand the tile if the sealer cannot be removed, but this is HORRIBLE advice! Don’t be fooled by the cheaper price to use steam. Many industrious DIYers can clean, seal and restore their tile and grout themselves with some knowledge and hard work. Apply a coat of urethane sealer to the tiles to give the paint a hard, durable finish. Please, just use a vacum to clean Saltillo tile flooring. That dark color is dirt, grime, dust, and all the gross things. 2 Fill a bucket with 1 … But here is why it isn’t recommended: Technically, a steam cleaner can clean large spaces, but it isn’t the most effective way to do so. Why bother with this process when the lifespan of quality sealers exceeds 10+ years? Outdoor tiles are usually sealed with a penetrating sealer, which gives the tiles a more natural look unlike indoors where you usually see the shiny glossy type of sealers such as lacquers. With kids, dogs, and a front door open to many, my floors need a disinfectant overhaul on occasion. Click here: Cleaners and Sealers Regularly but lightly cleaning a sealed Mexican tile floor is easy and requires few materials. Also, I’m not a big fan of waxing Saltillo tile floors. The best way to maintaining saltillo tiles (considering they are already clean) is to use neutral cleaner and a mop. I have a steam cleaner, my husband thinks it will remove the finish. And since my floors have a durable Saltillo tile sealer coating, I use a bleach/water mixture a few times each year for deep cleaning & disinfecting. Try these 3 easy steps to spruce up your floor. Ammonia can unevenly … You should not allow the alkaline cleaning solution to dry on the Saltillo tiles so you will need to continually apply the cleaner to the tile floor while the Saltillo tiles are being cleaned. DFW Steam cleaning is trained in the proper maintenance of this beautiful tile flooring product. A Saltillo tile floor gives your home a uniquely attractive look. Most joints range from 1/2 – 1 inch. After the tile is clean to your satisfaction let it thoroughly dry. Also, the string mop doesn’t deteriorate the way a foam or sponge mop does. Another important tip no one else is talking about, is that you should buff the saltillo tiles completely dry after cleaning. This prevents the raw clay from flaking away or deteriorating. Not sure what products you need? Learn a little more about our company and how we operate. The only one important point to remember when steam cleaning your ceiling is to cover over your light fixtures in the same way you … If your saltillo tiles are not coming clean and you have tried everything including cleaning your saltillo tiles the right way then it may be time for refinishing and restoration. Use a soft brush or cleaning pad to gently scrub the tile. The topic about how to clean Saltillo tile is not as hard as some people think. So, before dumping a lot of money into professional cleaning services, let me help. Sometimes there are reasons to refinish, resurface, or strip these types of floors. Saltillo Tile Floors Need More Care Everyone loves having Saltillo tile floors, but, those floors present unique cleaning challenges of their own. Be sure tile is clean and dry before sealing- Wait at least 24 hours, or more. Don’t try to seal a whole tile that has patches of sealer missing without completely stripping that tile down because it will peel worse. This is not good because ammonia acts like a mild stripper and letting it sit on the sealer will actually start to remove the sealer putting you into a whole other obstacle. Disintegrating Saltillo tile? they ask me, What Is The Best Sealer For Saltillo Tile? Can You Use a Steam Mop on Unglazed Tile?. Can You Steam Clean Saltillo Tile | California Tile Restoration. A mop is okay indoors but be sure to change your water often and use brass brushes for the grout inside and outside, NOT steel, brass. When in doubt, test sealer first in an unseen area. Next, determine your cleaning agent. Step 1: Clean Tiles. I have it in my home and I’ve been in the biz for many years. Discover how Mexican tile and stone can transform your home, and make every space count! Whatever tile sealer you choose to apply must be chemically compatible with any other sealer you’ve applied on the floor previously. Steam cleaning is NEVER recommended. If you want to clean Saltillo tile, then inspect these characteristics carefully. For a little over $400 you will have a vapor steam cleaner that you can use throughout your house. Tile floors are pretty much a dust magnet and if there’s one thing you can count on in Tucson, it’s dust. These people usually don’t specifically deal with Saltillo tiled on a daily basis. TerraNano Saltillo Tile Topcoat Sealer or Crest Sealer. I see people using ammonia to clean their saltillos. Steam cleaning has truly revolutionized this cleaning task as it is now quick, efficient, and ecological. Can you steam clean saltillo tile california restoration house window gl replacement steam clean tiles what not to clean with steam cleaners sylvane how a steam mop can make your tile flooring look brand new tile floor steam cleaning grout services how to use a steam mop on tiles properly sweethomepros. This is because sprinklers, weather, sun, and other elements break down these sealers that were not created to hold water for long periods of time thats why they are better for indoors, where there is no water getting on the tiles for extended periods. Use hot water, some of that tile lab, and green scrubbies. Like all saltillo tile refinishing, the cleaning is done by hand. If you are thinking about steam cleaning your saltillo tiles DO NOT DO IT. If you feel we might be able to help you either clean, restore or seal your Saltillo, terra cotta or adobe floor, please contact us. I *think* it must have been a Home Depot floor. K&M specializes in Saltillo Tile cleaning, restoring, and polishing. can restore your old Saltillo tile to look new. If you scrub grout till its dry then try to wipe it you will be disappointed. Clean the saltillo tiles well. For example, dilute any detergent to lessen the impact of harsh chemicals. Brace yourself. Before cleaning Saltillo tiles you should try to determine if there has been a topical sealer applied to the tiles. In fact, I’ll give you 3 easy steps to follow. How to Paint Over Saltillo Tile Use a terracotta stripper to remove any old sealer or wax that is on the tiles.