Thursday, May 24, 2012

Slate and natural stone cleaning

Slate and is more porous and usually uneven so regular cleaning is a must, or using a stone sealer to may tile cleaning is also recommended. Since slate is more porous it will stain easier and stains can be stubborn. Grease stains for example are difficult on a floor like this which is unsealed, and you will likely have to resort to using a poultice to remove this type of staining. For general maintenance neutral cleaner is best and using less detergent is better leaving soap residue behind will only attract the dirt fast and make tile cleaning ore difficult.
Most slate must be sealed to prevent staining. The ridges collects dirt easily. Also, any element that is acidic will cause etching (corrosion) if it comes into contact with slate tiles.

Slate may not be the best choice for large flooring areas because of the the up-keep it requires. Having it honed (smoothed) will reduce the time and care needed to keep your flooring looking its best…

The main factor in cleaning natural stone is the initial treatment of the floor/countertop.
Using a stone sealer  and an ongoing maintenance is best .If you desire a unfinished look for your slate floors...then frequent tile cleaning is necessary. Consider a wet vacuum so you can use a combination of water detergent and by vacuuming with a wet vac will help keep the tiles cleaner. Use as little detergent as possible; remember excess soap will attract dirt faster. Always use a Ph balanced soap or detergent.

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