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There are different types of tiles available for flooring, both man-made and natural, and they are chosen for a variety of reasons. From a purely aesthetic perspective, tiles are available in an almost limitless range of colours, designs and finishes and add a unique touch to any location. However it is more common for people to choose tiled floors on the basis that they are easier to maintain and clean. While it is certainly true that the 'wipe-clean' surface eases maintenance efforts, it is also true that, as with any type of flooring, without proper care, tiles will soon lose their appeal and acquire an uneven and unsatisfactory appearance.
This gradual decline in the floor's appearance can partly be explained by the fact that people often take 'low maintenance' to mean 'zero' maintenance and simply do not clean their floor until it is filthy, instead of proactively cleaning it. It can also be explained, however, by the fact that while people may wipe the surface of the tiles, and maybe even apply a sealant, they often completely neglect to look after the tile grout, and that is where problems can occur.
Gout is a construction material and usually consists of a mixture of cement, sand and water and is used to fill gaps and seal joints - like those found between the edges of tiles. While a polished tile or a natural stone may be relatively impermeable, grout is very porous - meaning that liquids can easily filter and stain or mark the grout - often very quickly. Although it makes up a small portion of the floor, staining or marking of the grout can have a subtle, yet important effect on the entire floor, and this is where the uneven appearance often comes from.
As with the tiles, a good starting point with tile grout is the application of a sealant, which usually differs from sealants used for the surface of the tiles themselves. These sealants offer an extra layer of protection and effectively waterproof the grout, meaning that it will not stain as easily. Grout sealers can be transparent or in the form of a colour grout sealer, so a specific colour can be chosen, or match the previous colour if a section is stained. A specialist in cleaning slate tiles will be able to recommend one for you.
Grout is notoriously difficult to apply when slate floors are being installed so it is always advisable to have a professional do it for you. There are general tips to help you protect the grout, such as regular sweeping but it is always advisable to clean up spillages as soon as they occur.Source
