Slate Floor Tiles - Restoration and Maintenance Guide  

Choosing slate tiles for your floor or wall not only adds a touch of sophistication to your space but also ensures longevity and low maintenance. 

Various types of slate are fitted to interior flooring and walls or used to create fireplace mantles. However, the most common type of slate found in kitchens is Chinese or Indian Slate. Traditional grey and blue slate comes in second, often used on roofs or fireplace mantles. Finally, Brazilian black slate is also found in kitchens, living areas and bathrooms.

Continue reading this article to learn how to clean, seal and maintain slate floor tiles. 

Slate Flooring Refurbishment - Product List 

First of all, we recommend LTP Grout Stain Remover. It is a fast-acting cleaner that tackles efflorescence, grout stains, cement residues and general staining.  This is a concentrated deep cleaner meaning it is ready to use diluted or undiluted. Being highly concentrated also means this stain remover has great coverage.  We suggest using a microfibre cloth or sponge to apply this stain remover in most cases. For more severe applications, use a black scrubbing pad.

To seal slate floor tiles, we suggest LTP Ironwax Satin. A low maintenance, self-shine satin finish film forming acrylic sealer. Enhances colour and texture, protects against staining and stubborn dirt, easy to maintain. Suitable for domestic and commercial use. 

Clean the Slate Floor Tiles

Cleaning slate floor tiles is a simple process, regardless of whether or not they are sealed. 

1. Dilute LTP Grout Stain Remover 

In most cases, you’ll dilute this grout stain remover with clean water in a ratio of 1:4; although, in more severe cases this ratio changes to 1:1. In the most extreme cases, do not dilute the stain remover. 

2. Apply the Deep Cleaner

Apply LTP Grout Stain Remover to the slate wall using a clean cloth. Be sure to spread liberally and evenly across the surface.   

3. Scrub the surface

Agitate the brick with a black scrubbing pad and wait for 5 minutes. If necessary, apply additional coats of the grout stain remover. 

4. Remove the solution

Wipe away and rinse thoroughly with clean cold water. This is especially crucial if used undiluted.   

Seal & Maintain Slate Floor Tiles

Slate is a porous but quite a dense natural stone which appears most attractive when sealed with a product which can enhance surface colours. The sealer will resist water & oil-based staining and inhibits organic stains and growth.

Many darker natural stones, like slate, appear more attractive when sealed with a sealer which deepens colour. This usually achieved by applying a sealer which also produces a slight sheen.

5. Apply Sealer

Use a sponge or paintbrush, and apply a thin coat evenly in one direction. Do not rub or buff. Allow to dry. apply until an evenly thin film is created. (Avg. 3 times)

6. Get rid of the excess

Apply additional coats of sealer to increase the sheen. Apply further coats at a right angle to the previous. 

Aftercare

Regular maintenance is necessary after cleaning and sealing your slate floor tiles with this treatment.  Maintenance keeps the slate clean and reduces cleaning time by preventing long-standing stains from becoming ingrained into the surface.  LTP recommends Floorshine for sealed with Ironwax Satin. In fact, this aftercare cleaner was specifically formulated for surfaces treated with Ironwax. 

Slate Floor Tiles Maintenance Cleaning

Dilute 1-2 capfuls per litre of warm water

Mop the surface with diluted aftercare cleaner

Wait for surfaces to dry

More Information about cleaning and sealing slate floor tiles

For more information on cleaning your slate floor tiles with LTP Grout Stain Remover, read the technical data sheet (TDS). To speak to our experts directly, give us a call at 0121 773 9129 from Monday to Friday between 8:30 am to 16:00 pm. To ask us any questions outside of office hours (evenings, weekends and bank holidays) send us a message online and will get back to you the following working day.

Why Choose Slate Floor Tiles

Slate floor tiles enhance the aesthetic of any room whilst offering several practical benefits. Slate tile has a makeup making them naturally resistant to scratches, stains and water damage. As such, they are extremely low maintenance: not needing much effort to maintain and keep clean. These attributes make slate tiling ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. 

On top of this, stale tiles are very durable, greatly reducing future maintenance costs for homeowners. 

Natural Beauty

Slate tiles are renowned for their natural beauty. Available to buy in a range of colours, from black and grey to multicoloured with unique patterns and veining, for an elegant and distinct aesthetic in any room. The rustic, earthy appearance of slate tiles enhances the aesthetic of any space.

Durability

Slate is a highly durable material that can withstand the test of time. It is resistant to stains, scratches, and chips, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas or outdoor spaces. Properly maintained slate tiles can last for decades.

Low Maintenance

Due to their natural moisture resistance, slate floor tiles are low maintenance and easy to clean. This is only exemplified once sealed for greater resistance to water and stains.