{"id":1511,"date":"2020-07-22T14:05:26","date_gmt":"2020-07-22T13:05:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ukslate.com\/squpdates\/?p=1511"},"modified":"2023-10-10T16:46:30","modified_gmt":"2023-10-10T15:46:30","slug":"maintain-prolong-your-natural-slate-flooring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ukslate.com\/squpdates\/maintain-prolong-your-natural-slate-flooring\/","title":{"rendered":"Maintain & Prolong Your Natural Slate Flooring"},"content":{"rendered":"

Slate is a\u00a0versatile stone<\/a> that is available in a number of different finishes including riven, honed, antiqued and tumbled to name a few. Although often a little more expensive than alternative flooring, it\u2019s considered to be a worthwhile investment thanks to its exceptionally robust properties.<\/p>\n

There is something beautiful and\u00a0unique about slate flooring\u00a0that other types of flooring simply cannot compare to. Available in a wide range of different colours, sizes and finishes, slate has become a staple in many homes and businesses across the UK thanks to its flexibility and versatility.<\/p>\n

A lot of home and business owners choose slate because it\u2019s durable and requires little maintenance \u2013 but this doesn\u2019t mean that you can completely ignore it! To keep your slate floor looking bright and fresh, you do need to keep on top of maintenance, so we have put together an article looking at how to maintain and prolong your natural slate flooring for the long-term.<\/p>\n

\"Natural<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Forget Sealing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The most obvious way to keep your floor clean would be to not get it too dirty in the first place. However, we know that this isn\u2019t always possible, so it\u2019s essential that you take the right steps to protect it as much as possible and this is where sealing becomes extremely important!<\/p>\n

Slate and all natural stone must be sealed with an impregnator in order to prevent staining. Although naturally very impermeable and smooth, on a microscopic level slate still has a grainy texture which will otherwise allow liquids to be absorbed. There are a variety of sealants available which can alter the appearance of your flooring, some\u00a0intensifying the colours<\/a>, others producing a\u00a0glossy sheen<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Consider A Weekly Care Routine<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Whilst slate floors are low-maintenance, if you\u2019re looking to keep them in the best condition you can for the foreseeable future, we would recommend implementing a weekly care routine for your new flooring.<\/p>\n

As a general rule of thumb, you should always try to sweep your slate flooring at least twice a week, especially in the months following installation. This is mainly down to a process that can occur called \u2018spalling\u2019 which essentially means that small pieces of the material may flake off the surface; it\u2019s worth noting this is completely normal and will usually stop around 6 months to a year after installation.<\/p>\n

Mopping your slate tile floor is a must on a weekly basis, and we would recommend doing so with a gentle cleanser where possible. You should always use a cleaning product that is specifically made to wash natural stone, rinse with water and then let it air-dry.<\/p>\n

The importance of regular cleaning of your slate floor cannot be understated. When it comes to cleaning we\u2019d recommend\u00a0Lithofin Easy Care Cleaner<\/a>\u00a0as this is designed to work in partnership with the sealants in order to prolong their lifespan. For more stubborn dirt and stains, a stronger cleaner may be required such as\u00a0Lithofin Power Clean<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Wexa Multi Purpose Remover<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Where possible, you should also avoid using tough scrubbing brushes that may scratch and damage the flooring and sealant. If cared for correctly, slate flooring should last you an entire lifetime!<\/p>\n

\"Lady<\/p>\n

Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts To Preserve Your Slate Flooring<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The team here at Slate UK have put their heads together to come up with a quickfire do\u2019s and don\u2019ts list for slate flooring, so always do:<\/p>\n