The slate floor can be literally hard as a rock, but it requires regular maintenance to look their best. There are several common cleaners and cleaning tools that you can use on slate, like some that you should never use. When it comes to stains, a home agent usually does the trick; while regular cleaning is important for appearance and to prevent excessive floor wear, sealing slate (and mortar joints) is the best way to protect this porous stone from stains and daily dirt. The slate floors are very beautiful but require diligent maintenance, to avoid the formation of unsightly stains and the accumulation of dirt with the formation of any scratches. Regular and daily cleaning is recommended. Here’s how to remove stains from a slate floor.
How to remove stains from a slate floor?
You will need:
- Slate cleaner
- Mop
- Broom
- Mop
- Tore up
- Shaving cream
- Brush the nylon bristles
- Hydrogen peroxide
Collect the dust
Collect all the dust, debris and fine dust with a rag. Always move the broom in the same direction to prevent dirt from dispersing. Fill a bucket with 1 liter of hot water and add about 1/4 of a cap of floor detergent. Dip the cloth in the cleaning solution and wring it out well. Brush the rag over all areas of the floor with regular lenses and strokes, rinse and squeeze it often. Rinsing is not generally necessary but if there seems to be an accumulation of detergent on the surface, refill the bucket with clean, warm water.
Sweep the floor
Make sure you buy a good broom and that especially the bristles are not oil-based. The slate floors that are located in high traffic areas, such as: the kitchen, the corridor or the office, need to be cleaned every day, taking care to clean the broom every time after each use. If possible, avoid walking on this type of floor with shoes but use slippers. Also avoid using rubber mats, as they could stick on the slate and damage it.
Remove the stains
For the hostile stains to be removed, it is necessary to vacuum the floor well and rub a soft brush soaked in alcohol, directly on the stain. To avoid the formation of stains, apply two or three coats of sealant, following the instructions on the label, wait at least 30 minutes between one coat and another. In general, the sealant must be applied with a cotton cloth. Once the sealant dries completely, perform regular cleaning.
Do not use any type of detergent that has an acid-base, such as vinegar, as it can damage the floor and can even lead to expensive repairs or replacements. There are many specific detergents on the market that can be chosen for removing slate stains. For stains more difficult to remove, mix 1/2 cup of alcohol with 1 liter of water. Dip a sponge in the solution and clean the stain. If necessary, rub the stain with a towel or cloth. Alternatively, use a cleaning solution with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide mixed with a liter of water, applying it with a sponge and/or towel.
Soap the floor
Many companies make environmentally friendly laundry detergents, which work quite well on slate floors. Moreover, when it comes to periodic cleaning, even hot water works well. Whenever a stain forms on the floor, it must be cleaned immediately with a paper towel or soft cloth. Try using a nylon bristle brush or any other type of bristle other than metal. Use a small amount of water mixed with a specific detergent to clean the stains and rinse only with water.
Rinse the floor
Spray on the stain with a solution consisting of 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water. Let stand for about 15 minutes and rinse with a cloth soaked in water only. If the stain persists, make a paste of water and baking soda. Apply the paste on the stain and let it set. Rinse with warm water.
Another alternative for removing stains on a slate floor maybe shaving cream. Apply the shaving cream on the stain, let it rest for about 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. The most important thing you can do regularly to maintain a slate floor is to keep it free of dirt and debris. These small particles can act as grits of sandpaper, wearing down the protective sealant and making small scratches on the tiles each time the floor is walked on. You can regularly clean slate floors with a dust mop, broom and wet mop. Ideally, you should dust the slate floor every day and moisten it once a week. Apply a sealant every 3-5 years, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Surface sealants have a more visible finish than penetrating sealants. Since penetrating sealants leave the stone more natural, they are preferred by most homeowners.
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