Cleaning slate floors – Protect the surface and the grout

Slate floors are not cheap, but are becoming increasingly common in both domestic and commercial settings due to the unique aspect that it offers including unique designs, colours and shapes as well as a certain smooth finish which often offers slip resistant qualities.  They are increasingly being used in areas where spillages are common such as wash rooms or kitchens and this is ok as long as proper maintenance steps are performed regularly.

One of the problems of slate is that, although it is highly durable, it is a substance that is prone to staining and without proper care, it is probable that you will finish up with a floor which has a dull or even unsatisfactory appearance.  There are several reasons as to why this may be so, but first it is important to look at the steps that can be taken to protect and maintain your floor.

The first step is professional installation, as slate is difficult to cut and it is notoriously difficult to apply the grout afterwards.  Grout is the construction material used to fill voids and seal joints, and it is fundamental that this is done correctly so as to not leave any spaces.  Once the floor is installed (preferably while new) a good commercial sealant should be applied.  If the floor is older, it is vital to make sure that the floor is clean before the sealant is applied – otherwise the grime and dirt is sealed and this happens more than you would think.  A company specializing in cleaning slate floors will be able to clean and apply a good sealant for you.

It is vital, however, that when you think about protecting the surface of the tiles without protecting the grout.  Grout is a notoriously porous substance, much more so than the slate surface, and if stained by a spillage – can result in an uneven colour and affect the appearance of the entire floor in a surprisingly profound way.  Special clear or colour grout sealers are available, and as always it is prudent to seek advice both before choosing and applying a grout sealer.

Ongoing protection can be achieved simply by making sure that the floor is not damaged or scratched in any way.  Sealants will naturally wear over time and should ideally be periodically stripped and replaced, but avoiding tiny surface scratching and abrasions is the best way offer ongoing protection.  Taking care when moving heavy objects and regular sweeping and vacuuming to remove grit and dirt walked in on the soles of shoes are fundamental steps.

If you find that the floor becomes marked or stained in some way – it is possible that you will need to call in a specialist in cleaning slate floors to either clean the surface or strip the sealant and reseal, but following the aforementioned tips should help avoid this for a certain amount of time.