Q&A for How to Clean Slate Floors

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What is the best mop to use on slate that has small pieces of paint or just plain dirt stuck to it?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

I would use a stiff hand brush.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
Question

What is the best cleaner for slate tile?

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Jon Gholian is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleany, a home and office cleaning concierge service based in New York City, New Jersey & Miami. Cleany specializes in providing quality cleaning and handyman services to all their customers. All Cleany employees are insured, bonded, and professionally trained. Cleany has been featured in the New York Times, Bravo & Redfin.

Jon Gholian

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

When you're cleaning slate tiles, you can use a mild laundry detergent, mild dish soap, or a slate cleaner. We suggest using a commercial product to get optimal results and to ensure your floors are protected.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What cleaner should I use on slate floors?

Community Answer

To ensure your floors aren't damaged, simply use hot water to clean.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
Question

My slate floor is dark gray and has white stains in several places. I tried bleach and it made it more obvious. What should I do next? Could ice salt make stains like that?

Community Answer

It could. Slate needs an alkaline cleaner, so don't use bleach or an acid unless you do it uniformly across the whole stone to remove sedimentary layers in the stone. You probably want a professional to do an acid wash if that's your choice. Otherwise, use a cleaner specifically for slate.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

Our outdoor patio is very rough uneven slate. We want to clean and seal it. What is the best method and products to use?

Community Answer

Try sweeping, dusting, and mopping first. You'll want to be careful to avoid damaging the rough or uneven parts. There are specialized cleaners, but you can also use water and a gentle detergent. Your options in commercial cleaners are numerous, but make sure they're either designed for slate or not acidic. For sealing, it's up to you what you choose depending on the look you want, but there are numerous products such as StoneTech Stone Sealer that will work. You may need to strip off the previous previous coatings.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7
Question

I have a small amount of dark gray slate in front of the fireplace. It's pretty clean, but how do you make it a little shinier?

Community Answer

First clean the area as much as you can. Once all debris is removed, stains gone, and the slate washed, you can try to seal it. Sealants include wax, polish, and deeper, longer-lasting sealers. Depending on your choice, you'll need to strip and replace the sealant anywhere from every three months to years.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5