An introduction to cleaning slate floors

Slate is a type of natural stone with a fine texture that comes from small silt and clay particles bonded together under high heat and pressure. That bonding gives slate its smooth texture, and because the particles are so small it is relatively difficult for liquids to penetrate the slate, making it more stain resistant than some alternatives. Slate comes in a wide range of different colors and textures. The colors, which include black, red, green, gray, brown, and mottled shades, are formed due to the impurities of the stone, and the texture can also vary.  Slate usually has a slightly rough finish which is desirable for flooring, since this texture offers a slip-resistant quality.

Slate is relatively durable, although it can still be marked and scratched, while it can also be stained, not just the surface of the tiles, but also the grout used to fill the gaps between the tiles.  Grout is a construction material which is highly porous and can quickly affect the overall appearance of your floor.  Cleaning your slate floor is a process which includes protecting it, and regular cleaning with the right products and materials.

It is simplistic to say the best way to keep your floor clean is to avoid getting it dirty in the first place – but it is so true.  A little proactive cleaning and protection can go a long way towards keeping your floor clean for many years to come.  You should, ideally, start with the application of a high quality sealant, which will offer additional protection against marking and staining and will, ultimately, facilitate your cleaning efforts.  It is important to make sure that the sealant is applied to an already clean floor (amazingly – it often isn’t) and that the right type of sealant is used.  If your slate has a textured finish, you would not want a wax based sealant which would nullify this slip resistant quality.  If you have any doubts get in touch with a specialist in cleaning slate floors – who will be able to advise you.

Once a sealant has been applied, it is important to protect it, and the surface of your floor, from scratches and tiny surface abrasions.  These scratches remove the sealant and expose the surface and can damage the surface allowing grime and bacteria to build up, layers at a time, to form a stain that can be difficult to shift.  Most scratches occur from walk-in dirt and grit particles, so taking a quick look at the soles of your shoes will reveal why this so often occurs.  You could introduce a ‘no shoes indoors’ rule (although this is impossible for commercial locations) but regular sweeping and vacuuming, plus the use of doormats should prove sufficient to reduce the amount of dirt present.

Cleaning the floor itself can be simply a matter of a mop and warm water, if the appropriate preventative steps have been taken – and this, like the sweeping, should be done as often as possible.  The problem occurs for most people when they leave the floor because they cannot ‘see’ a stain.  Once a stain becomes visible it is usually difficult to shift – so being proactive is important.  If you decide to use a cleaning product, be sure to check it contains no acid or bleach as this can discolour or stain the stone.  For advice of cleaning slate floors or for recommended products – contact a professional hard floor cleaning company.