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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

best way to clean a (uneven) slate floor. Steam cleaner perhaps? anybody got a better idea.

15 replies

theshrimp · 07/08/2006 20:05

We have got a light grey slate floor in the kitchen. I was told to keep it clean with just washing up liquid. This works well if I get down on my hands and knees and scrub it then rinse it but this takes me a couple of hours.
AND, I've developed "housemaid's Knee"
I am thinking of buying a steam cleaner. Is this a good idea or a waste of time? The main problem is the dirt gets trapped in the uneven ridges of the slate and looks horrible!

OP posts:
KTeePee · 07/08/2006 20:22

No advice I'm afraid but you have helped me rule out one option for flooring when I get my kitchen done!

Original poster
theshrimp · 07/08/2006 20:29

Don't go there with light coloured slate. I thought it would be easier than quarry tiles which I had before... but it's a nightmare!!

OP posts:
MrsBadger · 07/08/2006 20:55

no experience of steamers but I have kneepads from B&Q for gardening - also v handy for doing floors. About £5 but you can get posh ones too.

cleaninglady · 07/08/2006 21:11

wish someone would come up with an easy solution - we have a black slate floor which just looks dirty no matter what i do - tried the dettol direct floor cleaner then used a bristle brush but even that doesnt have too much impact - i would never have one again!

cleaninglady · 07/08/2006 21:11

wish someone would come up with an easy solution - we have a black slate floor which just looks dirty no matter what i do - tried the dettol direct floor cleaner then used a bristle brush but even that doesnt have too much impact - i would never have one again!

newkid · 07/08/2006 21:15

I use a special cleaner that I got from Fired Earth. No rinsing necessary.

hermykne · 07/08/2006 21:18

cleaning lady i am with you there, i am demented by mine
got some HG hagesan products to clean, they work but it needs re sealing now, to bring back the shine / wet look.

thats a pain in the neck job but it owuld work.

newkid · 07/08/2006 21:21

special cleaner cleans and seals..

Original poster
theshrimp · 09/08/2006 10:54

hermykne- i've done the same as you. Used the special HG cleaner but then had to reseal.

New kid- what's the Fired Earth cleaner called and does it take off the seal?

OP posts:
mrsdarcy · 09/08/2006 20:38

my slate floor doesn't really show the dirt (it's kinda dirt coloured) so I v rarely clean it . I sweep it though.

That's not actually a good tip is it? Just slatternly behaviour.

megglevache · 09/08/2006 20:41

Message withdrawn

Gingerbear · 09/08/2006 20:46

Slate - tis a hateful material.
HG stuff is good, but a PITA to apply and rinse off, and it needs doing at least once a year (stripping seal and resealing)
Never again.
Ceramic tiles or lino next time!

megglevache · 09/08/2006 20:47

Message withdrawn

Gingerbear · 09/08/2006 21:20

I mean posh lino, lol marmoleum is it called??

Original poster
theshrimp · 09/08/2006 23:58

I think i'd go for that posh lino next time.
i've got a friend who's kitchen floor is marmoleum and it always looks Ok despite her infrequent cleaning.
mine always looks horrid so i can't be bothered to clean it

OP posts:
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