How to Clean Satillo Tile

Satillo tiles have a distinctive, rustic Mexican look. True satillo tiles are made of natural clays from northern Mexico, first sun-dried, then fired in a kiln. Each tile's position in the kiln determines its color, from light amber to dark terracotta. Satillo tiles can be fired natural clay or glazed. Glazing helps to harden these brittle tiles. Handle satillo tiles with care. However, the low cost and charm of these easily cleaned tiles make them a welcome addition to many homes, especially throughout the southwestern United States.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Broom Mop Vinegar Soft-bristled scrub brush

1. Sweep your satillo tile floor. Remove as much loose dirt as possible.

2. Damp-mop your floor. Use plain warm water to remove as much remaining dirt and pet hair as possible before you start deep cleaning.

3. Mop your floor with a vinegar solution. Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar into 1 gallon of warm water. Rinse the mop with running water in a sink or a separate bucket as you clean, to keep the vinegar solution from becoming dirty.

4. Spot clean by hand. Use your soft-bristled scrub brush and vinegar solution on any spots where food or other debris is ground into the tile.

5. Damp-mop a final time with plain warm water. Allow your satillo tile floor to dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• To strip the sealer from your floor in order to reseal your tiles, use 1/2 cup of ammonia per gallon of water rather than vinegar.
• Do not flood your floor or allow water to stand on your tiles as this could weaken them.

References

• How to Clean Satillo Tile Floors