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Efflorescence on Saltillo Tile: What’s Going On and What to Do

An overview of why efflorescence appears on Saltillo tile, especially in high-moisture environments, and the best practices for cleaning, resealing, and long-term care.

What is efflorescence?

Efflorescence is a white or cloudy residue that can appear on Saltillo, terracotta, and other clay-based tiles. It’s fairly common, especially in wet or high-moisture areas like showers.

This happens when moisture moves up through the tile and setting materials, carrying natural salts to the surface. As the moisture evaporates, those salts are left behind. On shower floors, this can sometimes look like the sealer is wearing away, when in reality the salts are sitting on or pushing through the surface.

A few helpful things to know

  • Efflorescence is moisture-related and not a defect in the tile.

  • Shower floors are the most demanding environment for Saltillo, even when professionally installed and sealed.

  • Low VOC sealers can be more prone to showing efflorescence in consistently wet areas.

  • Efflorescence can be removed, but it may return if the underlying moisture issue isn’t addressed.

If efflorescence appears on unsealed Saltillo

If the tiles are unsealed, efflorescence can usually be removed fairly easily:

  1. Allow the tiles to dry completely.

  2. Use a hard-bristled brush to remove the white residue.

  3. Once the surface is clean and fully dry, the tiles can be sealed.

If efflorescence appears on sealed Saltillo

When efflorescence shows up on sealed tile, the sealer needs to be removed before the salts can be properly addressed:

  1. Strip the existing sealer using a stripper that’s compatible with the type of sealer applied. For oil-based sealers, an oil-based stripper is typically used.

  2. Once the sealer is removed and the clay surface is exposed, remove the efflorescence with a stiff brush or fine sandpaper.

  3. Make sure the tile is spotless and completely dry before applying a fresh sealer.

General recommendations

  • Avoid applying more sealer over efflorescence, as this can trap salts beneath the surface and make the issue more noticeable.

  • Start by gently cleaning the affected areas with a mild acidic cleaner made for clay or stone tile. Avoid harsh acids.

  • After the salts are removed, allow the surface to dry thoroughly before deciding whether to reseal.

  • For shower floors, many installers choose a more robust topical or gloss-style sealer for added moisture resistance, even if a lower-sheen finish is used elsewhere in the space.

Addressing the root cause

Because efflorescence is tied to moisture movement, proper drainage and waterproofing are key. If efflorescence continues to return, it’s a good idea to loop in your installer to confirm that the shower pan, slope, and waterproofing are all functioning as they should before resealing.