Cleaning Unsealed Slate Tile Floors

These ingredients can cause etching.

Cleaning unsealed slate tile floors.

It s pretty and stands up to abuse but over the years it has gotten very grungy. When uneven pressure is applied to slate it can still split or fracture into unintended fragments or small sheets. Have you tried a steam mop on your slate floors. You can use a cleaning product specifically made to wash natural stone or any other cleaning solution that does not contain lemon or vinegar preferably one that is ph neutral.

By attacking stains immediately and cleaning with soft mops you can keep your slate floor vibrant for longer. Since unsealed slate tile can chip or stain easily it s important that you clean it using proper care and cleaning products. Wash the slate tiles as needed with either a stone cleaner or a mild detergent with a neutral ph. Thus floor tiles can over time become uneven and rough in texture due to the foot traffic and other weight applied to it from furniture.

Stay clear of acidic cleaners and consider sealing your floors for extra protection and peace of mind. Unsealed floors can become marked and scratched from loose grit or from foot traffic. Slate is porous and absorbs stains. Cleaning restoring 18 year old unsealed slate floor hi when my house was built the builder used unsealed large slate tile in the foyer.

Step 1 put your chosen cleaning solution into a spray bottle. You can clean slate floors regularly with a dust mop a broom and a damp mop. Though unsealed tile floors can be cleaned with most cleaning solutions there are some precautions to take to avoid damaging the tiles or the grout between them. Follow the steps above for regular cleaning but once the surface is dry apply a thin layer of teak oil to the slate with a soft cloth.

Slate is a durable stone but it can be porous depending on the quality. Teak oil is reasonably priced and available at most large. Do not use cleaners that contain lemon or vinegar. By deep cleaning every two or three months you can keep your slate floors looking new.

These small particles can act like grits of sandpaper wearing down the protective sealer and making tiny scratches in the tiles every time the floor is walked on. Rinse with clean water and either let it air dry or use a soft cloth. Ideally you should dust mop your slate floor every day and damp mop it once a week. It s also very soft and can easily be chipped and eroded by acids and hard scrub brushes.

Be sure to follow any instructions on how or where to use the product. While slate floors are attractive they benefit from regular upkeep.