There are times when, despite diligent maintenance, your slate floor may acquire an uneven or unsatisfactory appearance which will not change even through regular cleaning efforts. Slate can become stained or marked, especially if there is surface scratching, and this can affect the overall appearance, but it is highly probable that the appearance is affected by staining to the grout.

Grout is a construction material which is generally used to fill voids or seal joints – just like those along the sides of tiles. In the case of slate tiles it is recommended to have the tiles professionally installed and the grout professionally applied as it can be notoriously difficult to do correctly. It is a relatively porous substance, meaning it stains easily, which consists of a mixture of cement, sand and water – and it is this grout that can be affected first.

If you take a careful look at your floor you will notice that the grout is, almost always, recessed at a slightly lower level than the surface of the tiles – so if there are any spillages – it is here that the liquid will settle. It is obviously important to clean up spillages as soon as possible, but there is a certain inevitability about the grout being stained.

Once stained, grout can be very difficult to clean, so prevention is the best approach here. It is recommended to apply a sealer to the grout, making it less permeable and offer an additional layer of protection. It should also aid cleaning efforts. Sealers can be recommended by a company that specializes in cleaning slate floors – and some versions of colour grout seal are also available to offer a uniform aspect if the appearance becomes uneven.

If the grout does become stained, if you do not desire the application of a new sealer, you would be well advised to seek professional help. A company specializing in cleaning slate floors will be able to utilize modern techniques and technology such as heat cleaning, emulsification and effective capture of waste, as well as specialized cleaning products to restore the floor to its original condition.

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The starting point should be to look at the floor and see why the appearance is unsatisfactory. It could be that there is surface scratching, that some of the floor has lost its ‘shine’ or that areas of the wood have become stained. When you identify what the problem is – you will need to think about previous treatment the floor has received.

The finish applied to a floor (the sealer) is a very important aspect of the floor caring process, and it is useful to know what has previously been applied. If the floor has a good sealer, it will prevent spillages from damaging the wood, and help stop staining. It effectively acts as an extra layer on top of the surface of the wood.

One or two of the problems mentioned above could be as a direct result of the condition of the sealer. If the floor is dull or has lost its shine, it is possible that in some areas (possibly where there is plenty of traffic and use) that the sealer is simply wearing down and the wood may or may not be exposed, but will offer an uneven finish.

Surface scratches and abrasions can, as well as damaging the wood, also remove this sealer and protective layer – exposing the surface of the wood. This is where staining can occur and a different solution will be needed.

If the sealer seems to be ok and the wood is not damaged or stained, it is possible that, over time, staining and layers of bacteria have simply built up to form a stain or finish which is difficult to clean. In this case a specialist wood floor cleaning company should be contacted to perform a surface clean and polishing and buffing to restore the original appearance.

If the sealer is damaged or worn at certain points, something different may be required. Exposed wood can be susceptible to staining from certain spillages or other factors, and once the wood is stained there is no cleaning solution available. A wood floor cleaning specialist would, in this case, probably need to sand the floor – essentially removing a thin layer from the top of the wood to expose a new finish, before polishing and then applying a new sealer to aid future cleaning efforts.

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Stone floors offer a natural and alternative look to many other types of flooring available and scores high in terms of cost durability – it is an investment, but if properly cared for will last for many years. It is always recommended to have stone or slate floors professionally installed. The stone is natural and the tiles can often be uneven at edges, so the grout in particular can be problematic.

There is a perception that stone can be easy to clean, but in reality one needs to be very careful to protect both the surface of the stone and the grout. The following tips will help:

Apply a good sealer
A good sealer is recommended for many types of flooring, as it usually offers a surface level protection which helps to protecting the floor from staining from various types of spillages etc. In the case of stone floors, waxy sealers are not recommended as they can remove a certain amount of the slip resistant quality that that stone possesses. The sealer will aid cleaning efforts and is particularly useful for the grout – which is the next step.

Look after the grout
Grout is a construction material, consisting of a mixture of cement, sand and water, which is used to fill voids and seal joints, and is commonly placed between tiles. In the case of natural stone it is very important that it is applied correctly to make sure that no voids or spaces are left, to avoid filtration. Grout is a naturally porous substance and is prone to staining – a good sealer will help protect it and make it less permeable, but one can find that grout can often be affected very quickly.

Take care with spillages
Spillages are a fast track to staining your floor, especially if your sealer is wearing off. Stone floors are not so common in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens where spillages are common, but the risk is still there. Grout, in particular, can be affected by stains from spillages and this can result in an uneven appearance which is difficult to clean. If the grout gets marked – it is advisable to contact a company which specializes in cleaning stone floors – and which will be able to restore it to its original state and recommend the appropriate sealer.

Keep away dirt and grit
Sealer is only effective whilst intact and tiny surface scratches and abrasions are one of many forms to reduce a sealer’s effectiveness. Scratches give a place from stains and bacteria to gather, and once a stain becomes noticeable it is probable that layer upon layer of bacteria will have built up to form a stain that cannot be removed. Most scratches are caused by grit and dirt brought in on the soles of shoes, so placing doormats at entrances (and using them!) as well as regular sweeping and vacuuming are the best ways to reduce this possibility.

Of course there is always the possibility that over time a sealer will wear off, or that staining will build up and traditional cleaning methods cease to be effective. In this case you are recommended to consult a company with experience in cleaning stone floors – which will be able to return the floor to its original state.

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There are several tips as to how to look after your floor and here we will focus on the ‘do not’ list – focusing on that fact that prevention of damage is the best way to maintain the floor. There are several elements with which care should be taken:

Dirt and grit:
Surface scratching can look unpleasant but even the smallest scratch can have the more serious consequence of actually damaging the surface of the wood itself, or exposing the surface if the wood has a quality sealer applied. Once this occurs – it will be far more prone to staining from spillages or general build-up of dirt. Most dirt and grit which can cause these surface scratches are introduced into the area on soles of shoes, and placing doormats at entrances and regular sweeping are two simple ways to reduce this risk.

Spillages:
Exposed wood can stain very quickly, if liquid such as coffee or wine is spilt. However, even water can seep into gaps between the wood and cause damage over time. Even if a quality sealer has been applied, it is highly advisable to clean up spillages as soon as they occur to reduce this as a factor.

Cleaners:
There are many ways to clean hardwood floors – but generally a damp mop can be an effective way, or neutral ph wood cleaners that will not cause any marking or discolouring. Oil soap cleaners should be avoided as they can complicate matters when a sealer is being applied.

Furniture and heavy objects:
Dragging chairs and furniture (or other heavy objects) can cause dents or deeper surface scratching, which can be problematic. Objects should be lifted and not dragged wherever possible to avoid this eventuality, and felt pads can be applied to points and edges.

There is of course the possibility that over time a sealer will suffer from general use and traffic ands need to be reapplied. In this case you would be advised to consult a hard floor cleaning specialist who will be able to recommend the right type of sealer for you. In these cases it is very useful to know what has previously been applied to the floor.

If a floor becomes too market or scratched – the actual wooden surface can be exposed. There is a possibility that the floor cannot be effectively cleaned and a hard floor cleaning company may need to be contacted to sand down the wood before polishing and applying a sealer.

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One of the problems with hard wood is that it is extremely susceptible to staining from any type of spillage. Natural, unprotected, wood will stain very easily, whilst even liquids such as water can seep into the joints or spaces between wood and slowly cause damage over time. To counter this, the first step to protecting and maintaining your floor is to have a good quality sealer professionally applied.

Once the floor is protected, there are several general maintenance tips to help protect the floor:

-Clean spillages immediately
Although a sealer will help protect the wood, any spillages can cause a build-up of staining and bacteria which will, over time, become increasingly difficult to clean. It is recommended to clean any spillages as soon as possible.

-Use doormats and sweep regularly
Walk in dirt is one of the primary causes of surface scratches and abrasions which can damage the wood directly or remove a sealer. Leaving the surface of the wood exposed. These two simple steps can help keep about 80% of all grit and dirt away from the floor.

-Take care moving heavy objects
Heavy objects can mark, dent or scratch the surface of any floor, which will again expose the wood to staining. It is advisable to place felt tips on the legs of chairs and under the corners of furniture or any sharp objects.

If, over time, your floor has an unsatisfactory or dull finish, you may wish to consult a wood floor cleaning company which can advise on the best course of action. It is important to know what has previously been applied to the floor and what state it is in.

If the floor has a good sealer, it is possible that any dullness is simply the result of surface build-up of bacteria and staining and that professional cleaning plus buffing is all that is required. If the sealer has worn down to the point where the surface of the wood is exposed, it is possible that the wood itself has become stained. In this scenario a professional wood floor cleaning company would need to sand the floor, clean and re-seal to restore the floor to its original condition.

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Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of designs and colours, is relatively easy to install and scores highly in terms of cost durability. Combining these factors makes it easy to see why it has become a popular choice in both domestic and commercial environments – and especially in areas where spillages are likely, such as kitchens and washrooms.

Whether or not Vinyl is chosen as flooring will depend greatly on the ambience, but there really is a type of material to suit all situations and vinyl is very much a case of you get what you pay for. In domestic environments, and suitable vinyl flooring will not be expensive, and can be perfect for bathrooms or kitchens, are relatively easy to clean and maintain, and as a house will be relatively ‘traffic free’ should also offer longevity.

In a commercial environment in general there will be more transiting and a highly quality vinyl or altro material will probably be required, offering the same benefits but being a more durable substance more suited to a commercial environment.
Vinyl is one of the easiest types of flooring to clean and keep clean, but it is still important to maintain the floor properly, and there are several tips as to how to do this:

-Avoid walk in dirt
Walk in dirt can cause surface scratching and abrasions can ‘scuff’ the surface and provides an area for bacteria and can cause staining over time. Doormats should be placed at entrances as up to 80% of dirt and grit introduced into an environment comes from shoes, take a look at the soles of your shoes now and that figure may not seem so surprising.

-Sweep and mop as often as possible
Regular sweeping will remove loose dirt and grit on the floor and make the surface easy to clean. Cleaning should be done with a mop and water, with a little detergent. Regular cleaning will prevent stains or bacteria from building up.

-Take care when moving furniture
Heavy furniture and other objects can mark the floor and affect the surface. Pads can be applied to the legs of chairs and corners of furniture, and simply taking care when moving these objects, as opposed to banging and sliding them will add longevity to the floor.

If a floor becomes visibly stained and cleaning efforts cease to be effective, it may be necessary to call a professional floor cleaning company which specializes in vinyl floor cleaning, which should be able to restore the floor to its original state.

A vinyl floor cleaning company will be able to utilized modern equipment and technology to clean and restore the original appearance of the floor and offer advice on further cleaning and maintenance.

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Many commercial floors are chosen as a result of their durability and that is usually the case with slate and stone floors, which offer a high level of durability and often a slip resistant finish. The durability generally means that the floor doesn’t mark and scratch as easily as other surfaces, which can help it looking clean.

As stone and slate are not cheap alternatives it is highly recommended to have them professionally installed, and the way it is installed and finished can also have an impact on the maintenance of the floor. Generally slate needs to be cut, and can often break during this process. It is important that the finish is of a good quality, and that the grout is correctly finished.

Once the installment has taken place it is recommended to have it sealed with a good sealer. Slate and stone often have a smooth yet slightly rough finish which lends it its slip resistant quality and unique aspect. It does however make it slightly more prone to staining from certain foods and drinks. The grout is often recessed lower than the level of the tiles and it is here that any spillages will immediately flow.

A good sealer will make the tile and grout more stain resistant and aid cleaning efforts. It is best not to go for a waxy based sealer which can change the appearance and make the floor slippery. A commercial floor cleaning company will be able to recommend a good sealer for your floor type.

Surfaces can be marked and scratched by dirt and grit introduced into the environment, generally by shoes. These scratches and abrasions on the surface can make the floor more susceptible to staining and also damage any sealer that has been applied. Taking simple steps such as placing doormats and regular sweeping can help reduce the risk of exposure.

If the floor does get visibly stained it is possible that there are layers of staining and bacteria that have built up over time. In this case it may be better to consult a commercial floor cleaning company that will be able to restore the floor to its original state.

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Slate and ceramic tile flooring are very popular choices in both commercial and domestic environments for a variety of reasons. When professionally installed, slate or tile flooring can look aesthetically pleasing as well as being durable, cost effective as well as coming in a variety of designs and colours to give a floor that personalized look.

However, one of the main reasons for the choice of slate or tile is the apparent perception that it is easy to clean and maintain. A quick wipe of a damp cloth would seem to clean the tile and leave the floor looking like new, but over time a tiled floor can become dull and have an unsatisfactory appearance.

The reason for this is the grout used in the installation process.
Grout is a construction material used to fill voids and seal joints, and is composed of a mixture of sand, cement and water. As a substance it is relatively porous meaning that it is susceptible to staining and can lose its colour quickly. A quick look at your shoes will reveal why walk in dirt is a problem, while spillages and general traffic in kitchen and washroom areas, particularly in commercial environments, will give you an idea as to how a floor can lose its previous eye pleasing appearance.

As grout is a porous substance, it stains easily. By the time a stain is noticeable, layer upon layer of bacteria and dirt may have built up to the point where traditional cleaning methods cease to be effective. When this happens you are well advised to consult a professional tile grout cleaning and restoration company which will be able to restore your floor to its original appearance.

Tiled flooring, and grout especially should always have a quality sealer to aid the maintenance of the floor. As unsealed grout is extremely difficult to keep clean, a sealer is always recommended and a professional flooring cleaning company will be able to offer you two different options – to apply a clear floor sealer after the tiles and grout have been cleaned or to apply a colour grout sealer.

A colour grout sealer will restore the look of tile grout and offer long term protection which facilitates future cleaning and maintenance. It is available in a wide range of colours to match the original grout or to change it if desired. This will offer a certain amount of uniformity as grout discoloring certainly isn’t uniform explaining tone and colour variations affecting the aspect of your tile floor.

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Simplify – I don’t think people do this often. They’ll go out and buy a different cleaner for each thing they have to do. They have one for their toilet, they have on for their bathtub, they have one for the kitchen, they have one for the stove. Soon enough you’re spending a lot of money on stuff. Most companies market like this, so that you have to buy all their products. What you want to get is products that are multipurpose. The more jobs they do, the fewer bottles of cleaner you have to buy. It just makes sense to save yourself money and simplify the way you’re doing things.

Use Things Around The House – You probably have a lot of different things around the house that are actually quite good at cleaning. Everyone has baking soda and vinegar in the house. What you probably didn’t realize is that they’re amazing cleaners. Baking soda can clean just about anything you put it on. Vinegar will kill mold, bacteria and other germs with its acidity. What you’ll find is that you can buy vinegar in bulk at a huge discount compared to regular chemical cleaners in bulk. It’s amazing how much money you can save if you use the things around your house.

Elbow Grease – A simple thing that you can do when you’re cleaning is just use less of the product you’re cleaning with and just put more elbow grease into it. If you have to scrub a little harder or invest a few more minutes into it, that isn’t too bad. You’ll save a lot of money that way because you don’t use much of the product.

This is the cheap domestic cleaning methods that you have available to you. Give them a try. Even if you just implement one or two of the recommendations, you’ll still save a lot of money.

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Try to do chores that are complimentary of each other. What that means is that you’re going to have downtime for whatever reason. If you mop the floors, you have to wait for them to dry. If you’ve moped the floor, than use your time to start vacuuming the carpet while it dries. Don’t try to conquer one room at a time and get that clean. Do each task for each room together, so that you don’t get into the mode of stopping one thing, to do another and going back to it later. Just do it all at once.

Prevention is another fast domestic cleaning method. I noticed that one simple rule for your family and yourself will prevent a lot of the mess. Forcing your family to eat at the table is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do. There are no crumbs, spills or any other messes that occur in other rooms because they can never happen. Other simple habits of cleaning up after yourself can save you a lot of cleaning because you proactively throw something in the garbage the night before.

All of these methods are great for fast domestic cleaning, but there is one more that I think is essential – simplification. People just have a way of complicating things. When we get frustrated with something, we end up making it more complicated than it should be. Just simplify what you’re doing. One of the easiest things you can do is follow a simple routine every single day. It takes the headache out of the whole process and you’ll find that you will become much more efficient at cleaning. It’s really that simple, you just have to be proactive and apply the steps that I have given you here. It’s up to you to make the changes to faster cleaning.

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