How to care for slate flooring?

[oc666]

 

I have moved into a home with lovely slate flooring in the kitchen, dining, bathroom laundry. The previous owners were very old and I don't think they did any maintenance or proper cleaning of the property in the last 15 years. How do I strip the sealant and re-seal? Going forward, how should I clean it? I have attached photos of kitchen and bathroom and also one of something I've noticed in a few spots where the floor is flaking off (I'm not sure if layers of sealant or if it's layers of slate?). 

[EricL]

Hello @oc666 

Thanks for sharing your question about your slate floor. In order to clean your slate floor I suggest using Peerless JAL 1L Deep Clean Slate and Hard Stone Cleaner. This specialized cleaner is ideal for concrete and hardstone surfaces. It effectively removes soap scum, grease, oil and dirt. You can confidently use it on various surfaces such as concrete, slate, granite, marble and travertine surfaces.

I also recommend having a look at these discussions - How to repair and maintain slate flooring by @Thierry and How to remove paint from slate tiles? by @Minehand. The Crommelin 1L Water Rinsable Surface Cleaner And Sealer Remover was mentioned in the discussion and that it might be able to strip the old sealer on the surface. I can only suggest doing a small test in a corner to see if it is effective. We can't tell if it is going to be effective on the current sealer as compatibility is a big factor. 

In regards to the chipped slate, I recommend replacing the damaged panels with new ones on the condition that you have some spares left by the previous owner. 

Please remember to wear personal protection such as a facemask, safety goggles and acid-resistant gloves.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good morning @oc666 

I sweep and mop my slate floor ocasionally, being slate I think that it wants to deliminate easily with age (most slate floors Ive seen are of the older style) I wouldnt be trying to resurface the area. Clkeaning it as @EricL has suggested yes, stripping it back no. With that tile that is flaking. Maybe remove the flakes and assess how deep the flaking is and seal that particular one? 

Slate tiles are susceptible to movement and moisture underneath I expect. It is slate so it already has that lamination built in compare dto a fired type of tile. I would keep an eye out for some spares just in case you need to replace the failing one. That will be an interesting exercise as in a lot of caution not to crack the surrounding slate tiles in the process.

Dave