Slate Floor Cleaning In Leigh on Sea
It always feels great to finish the day and see what you’ve accomplished.
This slate floor was really dirty, so it was just the kind of challenge I enjoy.
When the homeowners in Leigh-on-Sea updated their kitchen and removed the island, it revealed just how much the slate floor had worn down.
Dirty slate flooring
It’s often hard to notice how dull and dark a slate floor becomes until a piece of furniture that has been in place for many years is suddenly moved.
Luckily for them, a specialist slate floor cleaning company was just a few roads away.
We quickly assessed the floor and scheduled a deep clean. The owners were unsure which seal to choose and considered a glossy look since the floor was dark and dull.
We advised them that after the slate was deep-cleaned, the colours would be bright again and a satin finish would complement the floor perfectly.
The first stage was to pre-soak the slate with a mixture of chemicals that help break down the soiling and the old sealant.
Once the slate had been emulsified with the chemicals, we began the deep clean using a heavy-weight rotary floor machine. The floor machine was fitted with a medium-hard-bristle scrubbing brush, and within a few minutes, the resulting slurry looked like a mud bath.
Slate floor cleaning process
The floor was deep-cleaned in sections, with slurry extracted after each area. It was then mopped several times with clean water to neutralise chemicals and remove any residue.
The deep-cleaning process was repeated twice to fully remove old soiling and sealant.
After cleaning and neutralising the slate floor, a mechanical drier was used to ensure the slate and grout were completely dry before sealing.
Sealing a textured or riven slate floor is challenging because the tiles and natural patterns run in multiple directions.
To ensure even coverage, the sealer is applied to each tile in a cross pattern, ensuring it reaches all areas of the surface.
After applying the first coat and before it dries, any excess is removed with a clean applicator.
The second coat should be applied only after the first coat is touch-dry, which typically takes 1 to 2 hours depending on conditions.
Finally, apply the second coat from a different direction to ensure complete coverage.
Slate floor deep-cleaned and sealed
With modern slate sealer, the product can dry within a few hours, but usually requires at least 24 hours to fully cure and harden.
Light use is recommended during this period to avoid scuffing or scraping the seal while it is still soft.
The results speak for themselves: a complete transformation. Slate floor deep-cleaned, sealed, and restored to its former glory, to cure and harden fully in one day.