Before you start stripping and cleaning your slate floor, it’s important to understand how your finish is made. Slate is made of many different materials, including acrylic, wax, and even epoxy. If you’re planning to strip the floor yourself, you need to determine the type of coating. If it’s water-based, you can easily remove it with a commercial stripper. On the other hand, if it’s urethane-based, it may require professional help.
Dust mopping
Slate is a soft material, and as such, it is sensitive to harsh chemicals. For this reason, most people recommend using basic water solutions to clean slate floors. While commercial floor cleaners can be effective, they can also damage slate. To clean slate floors effectively, read the product labels carefully and use cleaning products made for other surfaces. This will prevent damaging the stone while keeping your floors clean. This guide will help you choose the right cleaning solution for your slate floor.
The first step in dust mopping on slate floors is to remove all the furniture and other furnishings. Then, mop with detergent solution, making sure to use smooth, gentle strokes. Rinsing is necessary if you see any excess dirt or condensation on the floor. Once the floor is clean, you can use a steam mop to get rid of any remaining dirt. Once the floor has dried completely, dry it with a soft cloth to avoid clogging the pores of the slate.
Sealing
The process of sealing slate floors can be tricky, but with expert guidance, the task can be completed successfully. Below, we’ll outline the steps for stripping, cleaning, and sealing slate floors. Method 1 involves stripping the slate back to the raw material. This is the safest way to seal slate. But be sure to protect adjacent surfaces, as the seal may break down over time. This is because most slate tiles are riven or tumbled, with narrow ridges and grooves.
Once the stone is clean, seal it with a water-based clear sealer. This step is optional, but may be recommended by some manufacturers. Afterwards, you must rinse the surface with fresh water and dry it thoroughly. After the sealer dries, grout it with the appropriate techniques. Some sealants recommend mixing grout with the sealant for increased moisture resistance. Once the grout has dried, apply the surface finish. This process will preserve the slate’s natural beauty.
Repairing
Slate flooring is relatively low maintenance, but care should be taken to protect the flooring. This type of flooring is more susceptible to damage due to dust, dirt and grit. Regular sweeping will help get rid of these common culprits. A mild detergent can be used to clean slate, but avoid using acid-based cleaners. Also, high-pressure washing should be avoided as it will damage the sealer on the floor. Cleaning slate with high pressure can cause damage to the seal.
Before you start your project, you should have basic carpentry tools and speciality tools on hand. You can purchase a diamond blade for your circular saw and cement board clippers. You can also rent a wet tile saw, which makes cutting the slate easier and less dusty. Lastly, you may wish to rent a hand-held oscillating saw, which is ideal for undercutting casings and doorjambs.
Removing stains
When you want to keep your slate floor looking great, you should know how to remove oil stains from it. Although slate is a hard stone, it is extremely porous, which makes it an excellent material for removing stains from it. If the stain is oil-based, the best way to get it out is to apply an absorbent substance to it and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then, let it sit for several hours, preferably overnight.
Another simple way to remove stains from slate floors is to use a 50:50 solution of water and hydrogen peroxide. This solution is mild enough to be used on grout and can be easily wiped away with a soft cloth. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can use a baking soda-peroxide paste. This solution lifts dirt and grease and dissolves them. It’s best to use a solution made of non-coloured grout, however, so that you won’t damage the stone surface.
Protecting
One of the most important steps in maintaining a slate floor is dust mopping. Most surfaces become scratched or marred when they’re exposed to dust and dirt. Regular dust mopping will keep floors looking cleaner longer. In commercial buildings, dust mopping must be more frequent, as heavy traffic will cause the floors to become dirty faster. To prevent scratches and other damage, never use oil-treated dust mops. Also, don’t use cleaners that contain silicone or mineral oil, as they can cause damage.
Sealing your slate floors will not only give your floor the best protection against stains and damage but also preserve its natural look and slip resistance. It will also prevent damaging moisture from becoming trapped within the stone. This sealing procedure is highly recommended, as it is invisible and fully breathable. It will also prevent the stone from staining and cement from bonding with it. You can also grout slate to fill in cracks and grooves.
Cleaning
While the surface of slate floors tends to be squeaky-clean and shiny, there are still stains that can appear over time. Because slate is porous, it is best to clean spills immediately and to avoid staining the flooring with abrasive materials. If the spill is not immediately wiped up, you can apply a small amount of a non-metal scrub brush to the stain to help remove it. Make sure that you dry the floor thoroughly, as standing water may cause damage to the slate pores. For specific stains, you can use a slate floor cleaning product, but it tends to be more expensive.
Another solution for stubborn stains is hydrogen peroxide. This substance can be mixed with water in a spray bottle and applied directly to the stain. You can leave the solution for 10 minutes to remove the stain, but make sure you do not use it on slate tile floors with coloured grout. In addition, hydrogen peroxide can cause discolouration if you use it on coloured grout. To use hydrogen peroxide to remove stains, mix a cup of the liquid with a cup of water and spray the area. After 10 minutes, you can wipe the area dry.
