How to Maintain Slate Floors
Natural slate floors are strong and durable, offering an attractive surface for most rooms. The non-porous nature of the slate makes the material highly stain resistant meaning that the maintenance requirements on these surfaces are low but constant. Your slate floors will require that you prepare a maintenance regimen consisting of daily and weekly cleaning along with the occasional reapplication of the floor's sealant or wax as needed. With the regimen properly instituted, your slate floors should last the lifetime of your structure, changing little in looks over time. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dust mop
- Powdered household cleanser
- Water
- Stiff bristled brush
- Mild detergent
- Mop
- Floor sealant
- Paint brush
- Wax stripper
- Floor wax
- Rags
- Floor buffer
Instructions
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Dry mop the floor daily. Sweep loose dirt and debris from the floor using a dust mop. Push the mop along the slate floor in a single direction; remove the accumulated dirt with a dustpan.
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Use a wet mop to clean the floor weekly. Mop the slate floor with a rope mop using a mixture of mild detergent and warm water. Mop in one direction to keep from spreading a loose layer of dirt across the floor. Allow mopped floors to air dry.
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Clean tough ground in dirt by scrubbing the dirt away using a powered household cleanser. Spread the powder over the area to be cleaned and allow it to sit for three minutes. Scrub the surface using a damp stiff brush. Rinse the surface with clean water and allow it to dry.
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Seal the surface of the slate floor to create a finish that allows for easier cleaning in the future and to enhance the colors in the slate. Use a low viscosity penetrating floor sealant spread evenly on the surface to protect the stone and any grout present in the joints between stones. Apply the sealant following the grain of the tile using a paint brush. Allow the sealant to dry for two hours. Make sure that any sealant you use is slip resistant. Once the first coat has dried, repeat the process with a second coat of sealant and allow it to dry overnight before using the floor.
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Reapply wax to slate floors that have worn waxed surfaces to remove the dullness caused from traffic. Strip the wax from the slate using a wax stripper scrubbing away the wax with a bristled brush. Mop away the wax residue with water and then apply a new wax coating to the floor. To apply, use a clean rag to spread an even layer of the wax, working along with the grain of the stone. Allow the wax to dry to a haze for about 30 minutes. Using a floor buffer, buff the wax to a bright shine.
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Tips & Warnings
When choosing a sealant or wax, only use one with slip resistant additives for safety.
Use sealants only in a well-ventilated area.
