Neglected Slate Tile and Grout- which products?

[lishaana]

Newbie here...We recently moved into a house that has blue-gray nonflaking slate tile in its totally enclosed 4 season sunroom (probably 25 years old) and front foyer of the house. I've tried to figure out if it has been sealed in the past(I tried the water test- the water did not bead up but it lasts several minutes before evaporating from the tile and the grout remains wet for up to 20-30 minutes).

The grout is filthy and discolored in areas and the tile is in better shape but still needs to be cleaned. I would also like to reseal the floor and the grout. I searched through the forums and appreciate all the advice. I am still confused as to what the best prodects would be in my situation.

1. I was planning on using KlenzAll to clean the floor and grout. I suspect the PO used Murphy's Oil Soap to clean the tile(as they used it for everything else in the house!) Does that matter?

2. I would like to reseal the tile and grout after cleaning. Is there 1 product I can use for both (Aquamix or Stone tech products? Others? I will be ordering these products online). Is a penetrating sealer better than a color enhancing sealer? I was thinking about a color enhancing sealer but I don't want to darken the grout too much (It is a gray color now).

3. What about grout stains(in case my grout does not appear uniform after cleaning)? Can I clean my floors, then use a grout stain and then seal the entire floor with sealers choice? Would that be my best option? What if I wanted to enhance the color of my stone? can I use the color-enhancing sealer after the grout stain?

I went to a flooring store and the sales person seemed more interested in selling me a new floor than answering my questions. So I appreciate everyone's help.

nancy

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[Davestone]

Yes, you can clean with Klenzall,rinse well,let dry..then decide if you want to enhance or just use a penetrating sealer over everything.The enhancer should be used in a test area to see if that's the look you want.It will enhance the grout only slightly,so it might do the trick as far as blending in the grout..but i can't guarantee that.The grout stain is an option, but tedious,it should be applied without sealer on the joint so it is absorbed.Check our TYW STORE, above for these products...Aqaumix makes the grout stain,it could also be bought at most flooring retailers.

[doitright]

Hi Nancy, Welcome! :)

As Dave mentioned, the KlenzAll may work. The most important is to TEST, and get back with us. You may need a more potent stripper.

If the grout isn't the color you want, before sealing or enhancing, then a grout colorant will be necessary. Yes, you can apply the enhancer after the grout colorant is used.

[lishaana]

Thanks for the info.. I'll go ahead and order some klenzall this week and let you know what results I get from a test area.

thanks!
nancy

[cardamack]

DH and I are installing a slate floor ourselves over the course of several weekends in our living room and kitchen. It is weeks before we can finish the floor so dirt and such has accumulated, so I need to clean it before it is sealed. What can I use to clean it? I see KleenzAll from the TYW store, but wouldn't TSP work? I had to use it to clean the floor prior to setting the tile, if I dilute it just a bit more won't it work for the tile too?

Thanks,
Ricki

[doitright]

Hi Ricki, Welcome! :)

TSP may work, depending on the type of slate. I prefer sticking with products specifically designed for use with tile and natural stone. The choice is yours. Either way, be sure to do a TEST area first, before commiting to any product or method.