How to Refurbish Mexican Tile Flooring

Never apply wax stripper to an unsealed floor.

Mexican tile flooring, often known as saltillo tile, is made from clay that is typically hand shaped and fired in earthen ovens. True Mexican tile provides hard, durable flooring with a warm, rustic charm. It is usually sealed at the time of installation to protect it from stains and fading, but the sealer may wear thin over time and require replacement. Once restored, vacuum Mexican tile frequently to remove sand and dirt that might scratch the finish. Damp-mop it weekly using a tile cleaner and polish it several times per year.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum or dust mop
• Wax stripper
• Brush, soft cloth or roller
• Sealer
• Fine steel wool or scrubbing pads
• Wax polish

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Instructions

1. Vacuum the floor with a hard-flooring vacuum attachment or sweep it with a dust mop to remove dirt and debris. The beater brush on upright vacuums can damage tile floors.

2. Apply a wax stripper to the floors, using a brush, soft cloth or roller, to remove heavy buildup of wax and grime. Use only wax strippers specified for Mexican tile floors and follow the directions carefully. Leave the stripper on the floor for 10 minutes, or as directed, and scrub off. Use fine steel wool or scrubbing pads to remove stubborn wax. Rinse thoroughly and allow the floor to dry.

3. Apply a sealer specifically labeled for use on Mexican tile. Apply a thin coat of sealer with a brush or roller and allow it to dry for several hours or overnight, according to package directions.

4. Vacuum the floor to remove any fine dust and apply a second coat of sealer. Apply four coats of wax polish with a soft cloth, allowing the wax to dry between coatings. Rub the wax to buff it, creating a warm, soft glow. The wax polish protects the sealer and improves the appearance of Mexican tiles.

Tips & Warnings

• Place felt pads on the bottoms of chairs to protect the floor from scratches and lay area rugs in high-traffic areas.

References

• Mexican Tile and Stone Company: All About Saltillo Tile
• Custom Saltillo International: Maintenance

Resources

• Aldon System: Seal Mexican-Saltillo Tile