Cleaning Unsealed Slate Tile Floors

Have you tried a steam mop on your slate floors.

Cleaning unsealed slate tile floors.

You can clean slate floors regularly with a dust mop a broom and a damp mop. Step 1 put your chosen cleaning solution into a spray bottle. 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. Mop your slate tile floor with a gentle cleanser.

These ingredients can cause etching. When uneven pressure is applied to slate it can still split or fracture into unintended fragments or small sheets. By deep cleaning every two or three months you can keep your slate floors looking new. Unsealed slate tile flooring can be a beautiful floor choice but it also can become damaged and show wear and tear.

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. Slate is porous and absorbs stains. Stains can seep down into the pores. Since unsealed slate tile can chip or stain easily it s important that you clean it using proper care and cleaning products.

It s pretty and stands up to abuse but over the years it has gotten very grungy. Unsealed floors can become marked and scratched from loose grit or from foot traffic. Stay clear of acidic cleaners and consider sealing your floors for extra protection and peace of mind. Wash the slate tiles as needed with either a stone cleaner or a mild detergent with a neutral ph.

Rinse with clean water and either let it air dry or use a soft cloth. Slate is a durable stone but it can be porous depending on the quality. Be sure to follow any instructions on how or where to use the product. Cleaning restoring 18 year old unsealed slate floor hi when my house was built the builder used unsealed large slate tile in the foyer.

Ideally you should dust mop your slate floor every day and damp mop it once a week. 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. 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. By attacking stains immediately and cleaning with soft mops you can keep your slate floor vibrant for longer.

Teak oil is reasonably priced and available at most large. It s also very soft and can easily be chipped and eroded by acids and hard scrub brushes.