How to Make Your Slate Flooring Last

Slate flooring is a great choice if you want to enhance the natural beauty of your home. A properly installed and well maintained slate floor can last for several years. To maintain the integrity of your floor, you need to clean it regularly. Due to its porous nature, it is also vital that you seal your slate floor periodically. This should be done during installation and every 2 to 3 years thereafter. You can obtain a slate sealant from a home improvement center or flooring dealer. Below are a few steps to ensure that your slate floor remains in good shape.

Daily Cleaning

Sweep your floor daily to remove dust and light debris. You can also use a dust mop or vacuum with soft brush attachment to clean the floor daily. It is best to sweep or mop in one direction only. Back and forth movements scatter the dirt which makes it harder to achieve a clean floor. When you clean daily, it helps to prevent scratches on your floor caused by grit and other light debris.

Wash Once Weekly

It is a good idea to wash your slate floor once weekly. This helps to clear stubborn dirt, grease and grime from the floor. Obtain a slate stone cleanser from a home improvement center. Mix some cleanser with water in a bucket. Use a mop to clean your floor. Do not saturate the floor with water. Wring the mop to remove much of the water before you apply it to the floor. Once you’ve cleaned the entire floor with the slate cleanser, follow with a mop dipped in plain water. Rinse the mop each time before you use it on the floor. Change the water as soon as you notice it become cloudy. Remove excess water with a dry mop.

Sealing

Obtain a sealant suitable for slate from a flooring dealer. Pour some sealant on a painter’s tray and apply with a sponge roller. Usually, 2 to 3 coats ensure higher efficacy. You need to allow each coat to dry before you apply the next coat. It is a good idea to obtain a sealant that contains slip-resistant additives. This helps to promote safety when you walk on the floor. The sealant helps to increase the moisture resistance of the stone. This helps reduce the occurrence of stains which makes maintenance easier.

Use of Wax

You may want to apply a water-based wax periodically. This should be applied onto a clean floor. It helps to protect the floor and also gives it a shine. This enhances the natural beauty of your slate floor. Use a wax stripper and brush to strip the previous wax from the floor. Mop the floor to achieve a clean surface before you apply wax. Allow adequate time for the floor to dry completely. Apply wax with a soft cloth. Use a floor buffer to give your slate floor a nice shine.