How to Remove Saltillo Tile Whitewash

Remove loose dirt, dust and debris from the Saltillo flooring with a broom or dust mop. Avoid using a vacuum, as the beater bar and plastic wheels may damage the delicate flooring.

Clean the floor with a commercial product designed specifically for use on Saltillo flooring. Dilute the cleanser with water according to the package directions, and clean the floor with a soft cloth or mop.

Rinse away the Saltillo floor cleanser with a damp mop, and dry with a towel. Allow the floor to finish air drying before continuing.

Slip on a pair of sturdy work gloves, safety goggles and a respirator before beginning to remove the sealant and whitewash with a palm sander. Attach fine-grit sandpaper to the palm sander and, using overlapping circles, use it to remove the products from the Saltillo tiles.

Continue to sand the tiles until the whitewash and sealant are removed. Clean the tiles with a damp cloth to remove the sanding dust. If the whitewash isn’t completely eliminated, move to the next step.

Create a solution of one tablespoon tri-sodium phosphate, or TSP, and one-half gallon of warm water. Stir the water until the TSP powder is dissolved.

Dampen a kitchen sponge with the TSP and work it into the remaining glaze or whitewash paint. Continue to scrub the spots until they're eliminated.

Dampen a separate kitchen sponge with plain water and rinse off the TSP residue. Dry the Saltillo tiles with a towel to prevent streaks.