How to Polish Slate Floors
Slate is actually a metamorphic rock that comes from either the ashes of a volcano, or clay. Although slate tiles are often used in roofing, they can also be used as tiles on a kitchen or bathroom floor. Slate floors that are not properly cared for can easily end up scratched, with a dingy appearance. Cleaning and polishing the slate floors regularly will keep them in pristine condition.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Remove the dirt and debris that rests on your slate floor with a broom and a dust pan. The broom should be made of soft bristles, so as not to scratch the slate flooring.
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2
Pour 1 tsp. of a mild dish soap in a 1-gallon bucket and fill it to the top with warm water.
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3
Mop the slate floors by moving the mop in one direction only. Do swing the mop to and fro. Rinse and wring the mop out after every two or three strokes. This is necessary in case you pick up a stone or piece of dirt in your mop that would scratch the slate when dragged across it.
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4
Open a few windows and turn your ceiling fan on to speed up the natural drying process.
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5
Apply a liquid sealant to your slate floor, following the instructions on the product label of the brand of liquid sealant you purchased. You can pick up a bottle of liquid sealant at any hardware store. This gives your slate flooring the shiny, polished look you desire.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Clean up any crumbs or spills as soon as they happen.
Never use a rubber mat in a room that has slate flooring. The rubber can stick to the tiles and cause damage when lifted back up.
Never use an acid-based cleaner, including homemade cleaners that have vinegar or lemon juice in them. The acid eats away at the slate tiles.
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References
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