Do you have slate tile flooring in your home? These floors are resilient against normal wear and tear when you stay on top of your at-home and professional maintenance. The best thing you can do in order to preserve them is clean your slate floors regularly and to seal your slate floors at regular intervals. Listed below are slate flooring maintenance care tips to prevent staining and preserve your floors.
Dust Mop the Floor
Dust mop the entire floor with a high-quality, machine-washable dust mop. Start at one end of the floor and push the mop toward the other end, using the same motion for the entire floor. Do not move the mop back and forth because it will simply spread around the dirt and grit. Work in defined sections at a time, and sweep up the line of accumulated dirt and grit before moving on to the next section.
Mop the Floor
Damp-mop the floor with a high-quality washable mop and plain water. For occasional deep cleaning, you can also add a few drops of mild detergent, such as dish soap or fabric detergent for delicate fabrics (such as Woolite) to the wash water. Don’t allow large puddles of water to form, and don’t leave water on the surface. If you use detergent in the water, rinse the floor thoroughly with plain water. Let the floor dry completely before walking on it.
Remove Stains
Spot-treat stains with ordinary isopropyl rubbing alcohol and water. Mix 1/2 cup of alcohol with 1 quart of water. Dip a sponge into the solution and wipe at the stain. If necessary, scrub the stain with a towel or cloth. Alternatively, use a cleaning solution of a few drops of hydrogen peroxide mixed with a quart of water, applying it with a sponge and/or towel.
Prepare to Seal the Floor
Plan to seal the floor if it is unsealed or is ready for a fresh coat of sealant. If the floor has traces of an old sealant or it has been waxed, you may need to use a chemical stripper to thoroughly clean the surface. Wax can be removed with a wax stripper. Other types of sealers, such as acrylic or urethane coatings, may require strong solvent strippers, and you may want to leave this to a stone flooring or restoration professional.
If you applied the original sealant (or you had a professional do it), contact the sealer manufacturer or flooring professional for recommendations. You may not need to strip the sealer in this case.
Choose a Sealer
Choose a sealer based on the type of slate you have, the amount of traffic the floor gets, and the desired look of the floor. There are two basic types of sealant that can be used on a slate floor: A below-surface or penetrating sealer will seep down into the material, clogging the pores so that stains cannot get in. A surface or barrier sealer creates a clear protective coating over the surface of the stone, rather than soaking in.
Surface sealers have a more visible finish than penetrating sealers. Because penetrating sealers leave the stone looking more natural, they are preferred by most homeowners.
Apply the Sealer
Make sure the floor is completely clean and dry. Pour a small amount of penetrating sealer (as applicable) into a shallow plastic tub. Swish the sealer around gently so it coats the bottom of the tub, then tip the tub so the sealer pools at one side of the tub. Dip a grout sponge (use a small grout sponge, or cut a large one in half, if desired) into the bottom of the tub—away from the pool of sealer—to add a thin layer of sealer to the sponge. Rub the sponge over the tile and grout in circular and back-and-forth motions to cover all surfaces. Work in a small area of about three by three feet. Let the sealer sit for three to five minutes, or as directed by the manufacturer.
Buff the Floor
Immediately buff the sealed area with a clean cotton cloth or towel to work the sealer further into the tile and grout and remove excess sealer from the surface. Repeat the same process of applying the sealer, letting it sit, then buffing to seal the entire floor. Overlap each new section onto the previous section so that the wet sealer blends with the neighboring sections. If desired, apply a second coat of sealer after the recommended drying time.
What Not to Use on Slate Floors
Never use acidic or abrasive cleaning products when mopping a slate floor or when spot-cleaning stains. Acidic cleaners, including ordinary vinegar, cause a chemical reaction that can etch the stone. Strong cleaning agents can strip the sealer on slate and grout. Also, never use oil-based cleaners or dust-mop treatments. Oils can make the floors slippery and can clog up the crevices and textured surface of the stone.
Professional Slate Sealing for Your Home
Get the peace of mind your deserve by working with an experienced professional for your slate floor sealing and deep cleaning needs. Our team knows how to protect your slate and keep your flooring looking great for decades to come.
Safe Cleaning Solution for Natural Stone Floors
Modern Stone Care Stone & Tile Floor Cleaner is a neutral (ph 7) marble safe floor cleaner which is to be used for regular maintenance on any hard surface not harmed by water. It was originally made to protect calcite based stones, such as marble, limestone, & travertine, which are alkaline in nature due to the mineral content, from chemical etching.
It’s no rinse, streak free properties make this cleaner ideal for any hard surface, as it does not leave a dulling film or residue. Special organic slats in its formula act as “moisturizers” thus preventing natural stone from “drying out.” It also contains optical brighteners to enhance the finish of the surface on which it is used.
If you have any questions or concerns about this cleaning product contact us today. Our customer service representatives will be happy to go over the ingredients and instructions when using this natural stone safe cleaner.
Natural Stone Cleaning In Houston TX
At Modern Stone Care, our team of highly knowledgeable technicians specialize in the restoration, cleaning, polishing, and sealing of all-natural stone surfaces. This includes flooring, countertops, outdoor pool coping, and more.
We work hard to ensure your natural stone maintains its beautiful and vibrant appearance for as long as possible. When it comes to the care of your delicate natural stone surfaces, leave it to the professionals at Modern Stone Care. We work in Houston and surrounding areas to offer the best stone care in the city.
Modern Stone Care
970 Bunker Hill Rd
Houston, TX 77024
(832) 814–2041
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