Slate floors

Within the past few months, I've fielded over a dozen calls or emails about how to clean or (more accurately) restore slate floors. I hadn't had this many request for slate floor restoration in the past several years, so I wondered why I'm having so many now.

I think I know.

Here in the Pittsburgh area, many homes were built with slate foyers in the 60's and early 70's. People cleaned them the best they could, and often put floor finish on them to give the stone some shine. Years of VCT floor finish application (not a recommended practice) eventually leave these floors even more dull, and sometimes yellowed.

The reason people seem to be wanting to have these floors cleaned is likely because they either have decided to stay in their home longer than they expected, or because of falling home values they are trying to "spruce up the house" and know that a dull, discolored entry area creates a negative first impression.

I think this is a good sign for our industry. First, its a service that you should be providing (I'll give you some tips in my next blog entry), and second, even if you don't choose to restore slate, it proves that people are finally moving into the "clean rather than replace" psychology that usually goes with an economy in recession.

What services do you offer that can help to make your customer's home more pleasant in which to live, or will make the home have the most possible value when its up for sale or rent?

Some Spotting FAQ's

Q – Jim, what about T-Rust rust remover? Does it work? Is it worth the money? Is anything better or as good but cheaper.

A - T Rust would be my personal choice. There are cheap mineral acids that might work, but you take risks of pulling dye from nylon and wool with such products.

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Q – Jim, is that spotting kit(CS03A) really worth the money?

A - I like this spotting kit a great deal, but you could probably do better by making your own, less complicated one, based on today's stain removal standards.

Here is what I would have in my kit:
* Stain Zone
* Red One
* All Solv
* PIG
* Gel Break
* T Rust
* Avenge
* Filter Out

All are products I would have in a kit. I would also have a spotting spatula, tamping brush, a steamer or iron to activate the Red One and also a Spot Lifter Water Claw.