Slate Floor Tiles – How to Avoid Slate Floors From Looking Dull
Slate Floor Tiles – How to Avoid Slate Floors From Looking Dull
Slate floor tiles are attractive and timeless, and because of the strength and long term durability it maintains, have increased in their popularity in homes.
Slate is ideal flooring for kitchens and bathrooms as well as other living areas and can enhance the look and feel of a home considerably. As slate tiles come in so many variations, it can suit both traditional and contemporary homes.
Available in a variety of colors and shapes, slate flooring can make each room individual and unique.
Slate is a hard wearing stone, ideal in a family home and very practical. It is a naturally occurring non-slip surface and has become a favorite in areas of the home with high traffic.
However, as all natural stone is slightly porous to varying degrees, it is important to clean and maintain the slate carefully to ensure its longevity and attractiveness.
One of the most important factors when first having a slate floor laid is to ensure the slate is sealed thoroughly. If you find flakes of slate come off when you clean it, chances are the slate hasn’t been sealed correctly.
Once your slate floor is laid and sealed, these tips will help to stop your stunning looking floor from turning dull and lifeless;
Use a good quality, non-oil based dust mop.
Dry-mop the floor every day to remove surface debris and grit to avoid scratching the surface of the floor
Avoid rubber-backed mats as the rubber may stick to the slate and cause damage.
Use a soft brush attachment when vacuuming slate floors to avoid scratching the surface
Try not to walk on stone floors with shoes to avoid unnecessary scratches
Follow the maintenance advice given by your stone floor professional – they know what they are talking about!
Use a mild detergent when cleaning your slate floor and preferably one that has been recommended by a professional
Get an expert in to clean the grout between the floor tiles – professional cleaning of this area can make a huge difference to the look of your floor.
Treat your natural stone floor to a make-over once a year by a tried and tested professional to get rid of the buildup of substances that occur over time.
To remove stains;
First wipe the stain with a paper towel or soft cloth – if your slate tile has been properly sealed, the spillage should sit on the tile, giving you ample time to wipe it away.
Use a hand-held scrub brush with nylon or other non-metal bristles. Use a small amount of water and detergent to scrub the area and rinse.
The floor should be allowed to air-dry. Prevent anyone from walking on the area while it is drying.
Natural slate stone is one of the few materials that improves with age and if treated correctly, will last a lifetime.
