

If the stain persists, repeat the treatment or consider using a specialized grout cleaner.Īfter cleaning grout, be sure to reseal the area of the floor that was cleaned to protect it against future spills or stains.Exterior walls require vertical weather flashing and waterproof, penetrating sealant.Įxterior floor installations must be installed above grade with application of a waterproof, penetrating sealant. If your grout is not colored, treat the stained area with a 50-50 solution of water and hydrogen peroxide, letting the solution sit on the stain for 15 minutes before wiping it up. Special cleaners that will not discolor or bleach the grout will be necessary to remove stains on colored grout. A sealer can keep floors cleaner.įor colored grout, always test cleaners in an inconspicuous area before using them on the stain. How you clean that grout depends on whether it is colored or non-colored. In most cases, however, it is not the slate that will stain, but the grout between individual tiles. While slate flooring is naturally stain resistant, particularly if it has been sealed, it is always possible to stain the floor with certain foods, chemicals, or other products. Most people will ask "how do I clean slate floors?" when they have a stain that needs removing. This will keep the floor's coloration and wear even. When you clean your slate floor, be sure to move any rugs or furniture so the entire floor will be cleaned. Allow the floor to air dry thoroughly before it is walked on.If the floor is sudsy or soapy, rinse it with a clean mop and clean water.Mop the floor slowly, wringing out the mop frequently to avoid spreading dirty water.Combine two gallons of warm water with 1/4 cup of mild soap (dish detergent or a slate floor cleaner) if desired if your floor is not very dirty, plain water will be fine.Sweep the mop in the same direction each time, moving slowly so no dust or dirt is scattered. Dust mop the floor with a rag mop with cotton fibers.Sweep the floor first to loosen any debris, or vacuum the floor with a soft bristle attachment or vacuum designed for stone floors.Cleaning slate floors is easy, however, and only takes a few simple steps. No matter how well you take care of your flooring, it will need regular cleaning. Wipe up any spills immediately to avoid lasting damage, and follow a regular cleaning and maintenance routine to keep your slate floors looking their best.

Avoid wearing shoes on slate floors, as the shoes will drag in dirt, sand, and debris that will stain and scuff the floor. With use, the sealer will eventually wear out, and it should be replaced every few years, with the old coats stripped off before new sealer is applied.It is also easy to keep slate floors clean by using area and throw rugs in the areas most prone to spills and stains, such as near doorways and by kitchen appliances. Do not use regular wax to coat a slate floor, as it will dull the stone and make it dangerously slippery. For the best results, use multiple coats of sealer but allow each coat to dry for at least 30 minutes before applying the next layer. Coating the floor with a high quality sealer (available from home improvement and flooring retailers) will keep liquids from penetrating the stone and give it a high gloss finish. The easiest way to clean slate floors is to be sure they don't get too dirty in the first place.
