Cleaning slate floors

Slate is one of a number of natural stone tile floors which are becoming increasingly popular in the domestic indoor flooring market.  Slate can, if installed correctly, be the most attractive option and is also reasonably priced while it also offers stain resistance and durability meaning that, if it is looked after correctly, should last for years.

One mistake people make with natural stone floors is the assumption that they require little or no maintenance.  While it is true that the durable nature of slate makes it more resistant to scratches and surface damage, if you fail to clean and maintain the floor your will soon find yourself with a floor which has a dull, uneven or unsatisfactory appearance and with stains that you cannot shift.  Following a few simple steps should allow you to keep your floor looking good for the foreseeable future.

The application of a sealant for the surface of the slate as well as the grout is fundamental for the ongoing protection of the floor.  A sealant offers an additional layer of protection and effectively ‘waterproofs’ the surface of the floor aiding your cleaning efforts.  It is particularly important to seal the grout, as it is an extremely porous substance which will stain easily.  Grout may only make up a small percentage of the surface area of the floor, but if it gets marked you’d be astonished how much it can affect the overall appearance.  A company which specializes in cleaning slate floors will be able to recommend a decent floor sealant for you.

Cleaning itself should not present too much of a problem and can, assuming the sealant has not been damaged or scratched, involve no more than a mop and some warm water with a little detergent.  You should first sweep the floor thoroughly to remove surface dirt and grit (also responsible for surface abrasions) and then with a fine dust mop.  After that simply mop the floor, and remember to rinse to make sure you do not leave any soapy residue.  After the floor has been cleaned you can consider re-sealing the floor to offer ongoing protection, but this does not need to be done every time you clean the floor.

If you wish to use a special cleaning product you should be careful to make sure it does not contain any acid or bleach as this can discolour or stain natural stone and the grout in particular.  Always ask for a recommendation and always follow the instructions.  If you find there is a stain that simply cannot be shifted, you may need to contact a company that deals with cleaning slate floors to restore it for you using equipment unavailable to you.