Welcome to the world of slate floors! You're not alone if you've ever gazed at your beautiful slate flooring only to notice unsightly white marks marring its surface. Today, we're diving into the mysterious world of white marks on slate floors, and you're in for some enlightening discoveries.
Don't forget... if you would rather watch the interview where all of this information came from, head to the end where I have added it!
Imagine this: a friend recommends a client for slate floor cleaning in Essex. But upon arrival, there’s a puzzling sight – white marks all over the sealed slate floor. Turns out, some plaster or filler used on the wall fell onto the floor, leaving behind a stubborn white haze upon drying. Sounds familiar?
Sealant isn’t just an optional extra – it’s essential, especially for slate floors. A wrongly sealed slate floor can look dull, grey, and unattractive. Not all sealants are created equal, and slate floors need a specific type to maintain their vibrant colour. Colour-enhancing sealers and wax dressings are often the go-to options for bringing out the best in slate floors.
The challenge with slate floors is their texture. Slate can have ridges and textures that trap substances like plaster or light-coloured grout, making them almost impossible to clean out completely. This is why professional installation and maintenance are crucial for slate floors.
1. Colour-Enhancing Sealer:
Ideal for bringing out the deep, rich colours in slate. It’s crucial to buff it dry thoroughly, as this type of sealer penetrates the tile and enhances its natural colour.
2. Wax Dressing:
Another option is to apply a water-based sealer followed by a wax dressing. This method is perfect for achieving a matte finish with a subtle sheen. The wax builds up shine and brings out some of the slate’s colour, though not as intensely as a colour-enhancing sealer.
If white marks appear on your sealed slate floor, understanding the type of sealer previously used is vital. The wrong approach to cleaning or resealing can exacerbate the problem. For instance, a strong cleaner might wash out the previous sealer, necessitating a complete reapplication.
The key to maintaining the beauty of your slate floor lies in understanding its nature and the right products to use. It’s also about acknowledging that some imperfections might be inevitable due to the floor’s texture and the materials used around it.
White marks on slate floors can be a nuisance, but you can manage them effectively with the right knowledge and tools. Whether it’s choosing the right sealer, understanding the cleaning process, or knowing when to call in the professionals, your slate floor can continue to be a stunning feature in your home.
Remember, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about your slate floors or the products mentioned. Your beautiful slate floor deserves the best care, and we’re here to help you provide just that.
Our Knowledge Centre has many other articles about stone floors, carpets, rugs, upholstery and vinyl, so don’t forget to check it out!
Written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing and Admin Coordinator at Art of Clean.
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Our Dry-Cleaning service is provided by Farthings Cambridge
