What is the Best Way to Clean Slate Floors in Spring Valley, NV? Should Slate Stone Be Sealed?

Slate is metamorphic that is tough, flaky, and durable, composed of compressed mud. Making it into beautiful tile, the layers split easily. Slate can be honed or polished or the natural tile or cleft, can be used. Slate is frequently used in mudrooms and bathrooms, though it is very versatile. In order to manage the beauty, condition, and lifespan, it needs proper maintenance and care that we at Silver State Floor Restoration would like to share today.

Flaking & Peeling Slate

Spalling, the naturally, cleft flaky stone, can be expected to flake and break away from the tile up to about the first 3 months after installation. Being a normal process, it does, the slate settles, and spalling occurs. You will notice the excessive dust and small chips underfoot following the installation. To remove the chips and dust to preserve the slate’s condition, make certain to adamantly sweep the slate tile daily. With the beater bar deactivated with the bare floor setting, you can also use a hard surface vacuum or a vacuum. The spalling will stop, and the dust and debris will be from normal daily activity once the slate settles.

How to Clean Slate?

Acidic and alkaline cleaners will likely cause the surface to etch since slate is a natural stone. It will be especially noticeable on slate that has been polished or honed though it may not be noticeable on cleft slate. To manage the grit and debris, sweep or vacuum the floor daily or as often as possible. Use natural stone cleaner and a cleaner with neutral pH level to wash the flooring. By staying away from any cleaners that have lemon or other citrus, or vinegar-based cleaners, avoid etching and other damage. To prevent water spots dry polished and honed slates with a soft cloth, use a damp cloth or mop to rinse the cleaner off the surface after you have washed the slate tile. For routine maintenance, professional cleaning is also included.
To remove the buildup that normal washing cannot cut through, hire a specialist to deep clean your slate tile every 6-12 months.

Should Slate Be Sealed?

There are many variations of slate tile including some made with quartzites. Since most slate is naturally porous, moisture and staining substances can be easily absorbed. Seal the slate every year or more often if needed to prevent staining and moisture buildup. By pouring an ounce or so of water on the surface you can test the sealant. You need a new sealant application, water made the area darker, if after 10 minutes the water made the area darker. The sealant can last up to about a year depending on the cleaning, care, and foot traffic. Contact a professional for sealing services to make sure that the sealing is done well. Before the sealant application to avoid trapping moisture, debris, and stains, keep that the slate tile will need to be deep cleaned.

Can You Get Scratches Out of Slate Stone?

Especially the areas that see high traffic areas, the slate tile may develop chalky-looking scratches from time to time. By applying mineral oil to the scratch and the surrounding area of the slate tile, you can disguise the scratch marks. Before you treat the scratches, the slate tile will need to be cleaned and completely dry. Be sure to apply the miner oil onto a clean, soft cloth and rub the oil into the scratch until it dissipates. The mineral oil will seal a little of the scratch areas.