Cloudy Film On My Slate Floor Seems To Get Worse When They Continue Cleaning It

by Laura
(Houston, TX)

Question:
I have had someone help me install my new slate floor and it seems to still have a cloudy film on the floor. We have not put the pre sealer on yet, but the more it is cleaned off the more it seems to get cloudy...HELP PLEASE...THANK YOU!!!

Answer:
You say you have not sealed the floor yet so by the sounds of it you could still be wiping off the dust residue on the slate tiles, I had the same problem with another customer the other week, he kept wiping is but the dust residue would not wipe up when he cleaned the floor, this is quite normal with a dusty slate floor.

You will find that once you apply your sealer on your clean slate floor then any dust residue should disappear, BUT ALWAYS DO A TEST AREA TO SEE.

However, from what you have said above this is just a guess & the problem may be more severe.

I have seen previously on Chinese slate tiles installed, but only black slate, a white bloom appear when the floor gets wet & then dries before & after sealing.

This is caused by efflorescence, a high mineral content within the slate tiles, it is usually water related, so all moisture must be removed.

Do not use further water to try to remove efflorescence as this will just cause more efflorescence,

If this is the case then you must not apply a sealer at this stage, you will need to leave the floor to thoroughly dry out for a few weeks, this will enable the floor to breath & hopefully bring all the moisture to the surface where you will be able to wipe it off with a dry white cloth or steel wool.