When you take pride in your flooring it will last you a lifetime. Slate tile flooring has a natural shine that can be damaged over time especially if the wrong products are used. Dirt and grime can grind away at the natural finish so it is important to protect it.
From the moment your slate is laid give it a good sweeping to quickly get rid of any dust and debris. A warm bath in just water is the safest and cheapest, but a mild cleaning agent can be used as well. A good cleaning in the path of the grout is a good idea to shape the grout lines and keep rinsing your mop to keep the floor as clean as possible. Don’t reuse the same water. Harsh chemicals or improper mixing can dull the shine before its time. Acids and sulfates like ammonia are the worst thing you can use for cleaning slate floors.
After your flooring is cleaned it is possible to add another level of protection, if you so desire. Slate tile does not need to be sealed, but some people prefer the look and protection that a sealer provides.
Find a good stone and tile sealer from your local hardware store. There are two types of stone sealers. The first is a mineral base coating that has a strong scent. If your room does not have great ventilation, the recommendation is to not use it. The other is water or latex based. There is virtually no smell to it, so it’s better for low ventilated areas.
To get a professional look applicators can be used to brush directly onto the grout. When using the latex be careful to keep a wet sponge or rag nearby to wipe from the sides of the tile. Then apply another coating to make sure the grouting is well protected from water damage as mopping will likely be a cleaning method for many years to come. After that has dried, it’s time to seal the tiles themselves.
Use either a glossy or matte finish and apply with a cotton type mop. Give it a good two hours to dry and apply another coat. Wait another two hours and apply another coat. This is the best protection you can use and you will need to strip and reapply at least every two years to get rid of stains that may have soaked into the coatings.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy your beautiful flooring. Be sure to check the labels on your sealants as they will tell you the best cleaning methods for that type of sealant. Again just because your tiles is not coated, don’t think that acids and harsh sulfates are the best things to use. They will eat right through your coatings and begin damaging the slate.