Two Easy Methods Of Cleaning And Removing Stains From The Slate Floor
The slate floors look very attractive as the slate is porous as well as absorbs stains. It is also very soft and also can be easily chipped and eroded by hard scrub brushes. However, by wiping the stains quickly and cleaning with soft mops, the user can keep the slate floor vibrant for a longer period of time. Proper methods for cleaning and removing stains from the slate floor are shown below:
Method 1: For Mopping The Floor
- Sweep Or Vacuum: Take a soft-bristle broom, then go all along the floor, this will help to remove any of the debris. The user can also use a vacuum having a brush attachment to get into the small crevices. Remember that the slate is very soft as well as can get easily damaged, so it is advisable to choose a brush that is clean as well as soft.
- Dust Mop The Floor: The next step is to take a clean dust mop that must not be oil-based. Apply the mop in one direction on the floor as this will help to pick up debris as well as the dust. It is advisable to avoid moving in the back and forth direction, as this can help the dust to move back onto the slate and can make damage when cleaning later.
- Solution: Now prepare a water and the detergent solution. Take a bucket and then combine about a gallon of the warm clean water with about 1/4 cup of the detergent. The detergent must be gentle. It is advisable to choose a detergent that is designed for delicate clothing or gentle dish soap. However, specialized slate cleaners are also a good option. However, it must be non-acidic.
- Mop The Floor: Before starting wring out the mop and then apply in the smooth strokes go slow. Rinse the mop and then wring it out often to avoid any of the debris sticking to it. A steam mop is also a good option. These kinds of mops will help to pick up the extra condensation as well as the dirt. If anytime the mop leaves the streaks or debris on the slate floor, that time dump out the water and make the water as well as detergent mixture again.
- Dry The Floor: With the help of a towel, make the floor dry completely. Simply choose a soft cloth that will not scrape the slate, after that wipe off as much water as possible. This will help to prevent the water from seeping in the pores. Then leave the floor to air dry.
- Apply Teak Oil: Once the slate floor is completely dry, then apply a thin layer of the teak oil with the help of a soft cloth. A small amount of teak oil is enough for a deeper cleaning, but it is advisable not to apply too much of teak oil as the slate will absorb it. The slate oil is also a good choice but is much more expensive than the teak oil.
- Use A Sealer: Stone, as well as the tile sealers, are easily available at the flooring retailers and at the hardware stores. Simply follow the directions that are mentioned on the label. Using a clean cotton mop spread the sealer across all the floor evenly. This will help to prevent the stains by blocking all the pores from spills.
Method 2: For Stains
- Wipe Up Spills: Wipe up the spills as soon as they happen because this will help to avoid any of the substances that are getting in the porous surface. Simply use a soft cloth or the towel.
- Rub Out Stains: Take a sponge or a scrub brush but with a soft, non-metal bristles. It is also advisable to avoid using any of the acidic or abrasive cleaners. The user can use the warm, soapy water for mopping or scrub the stains.
- Use Hydrogen Peroxide: For the floors with non-colored grout, mix the equal amount of the water and hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle shake it well. Spray the solution on the area, then let it sit for about 10 minutes, after that scrub it off with the help of a soft pad or brush.
- Use Peroxide And Baking Soda: For the stubborn stains, the user needs to mix the small amount of peroxide with the baking soda to form a paste-like form. Wait-out for the bubbles to stop, after that apply the paste on the affected area. Leave it to sit for about a few minutes, after that wipe it with a clean soft cloth or the towel.
- Other Option: In this option, apply the small amount of the shaving cream to the spot, let it be there for about 15 minutes and after that remove it using warm water and a soft towel. It is advisable to try the shaving cream in a hidden spot to make sure that it will not discolor the grout.