So, you chose slate tile for your choice of either kitchen or bathroom floor covering. This was a great choice because of the durability of the material. Plus throw in the various forms of beautiful color choices and you have a floor tempered to stand the test of time. As with most flooring there comes the daunting task of properly cleaning and protecting your floor coverings. With the few simple and inexpensive tips you can keep your slate tile floors looking like new for years and years to come.
Maintenance
Slate floor tiles are composed of a silt and clay particles that are put under extremely high amounts of pressure to become formed, and are made to be very durable. Yet at the same time they are not indestructible and need to be checked every so often. Simply examine the tiles surface for cracks and the corners of tiles for nicks and breaks. Replace the tile as soon as possible because those cracks can spread to other tiles. Next thing to remember is that these tiles are almost impenetrable to water so cleaning up spills quickly can avoid a nasty slip or fall. Another thing to keep your floors maintained is to wear socks or some kind of foot wear because the oil from your feet can mar the surface of the tiles and attract dirt. This can and with time will stain the surface of the tile. Last but not least, get on a regular six month to one year schedule of applying a sealant to the floor which will help the floor stay shiny and brilliant for years to come.
Cleaning
Cleaning slate tiles doesn’t have to be a difficult or time consuming job if you follow just a couple simple tips. First, thoroughly sweep and clean the tiles before ever applying water to the floor, or putting a mop down. When you do mop the floor just use clean warm water, soaps and chemicals are not necessary for cleaning the floor. If any of the tiles do develop a stain you can use a simple mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and water to remove the stain. Just let the mixture sit on the tile for a short twenty minute period of time and then clean it up. And last but not least, to keep the grout looking nice and bright simply use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water on the dingy spots, letting it soak, and then cleaning it up again.