So you’ve paid all this money for a beautiful slate floor or countertop and you probably would like to keep it nice.
Removing stubborn stains from the grout. Sweep the floor of dirt and other materials. Gathering your slate-cleaning supplies. Once you have removed a stain from the grout area, you will need to reseal it to prevent permanent stains in the future. After it is dry, re-spray with the 50/50 solution and wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel. Apply the paste to the stain and let it set. If the stain persists, make a paste of peroxide and baking soda (allowing the bubbles to settle before applying). Peroxide is a form of bleach and will discolor colored grout. Again, ONLY use this method if you DO NOT HAVE COLORED GROUT. Let stand for about 15 minutes and repeat. If the stained area is on an area of grout that is NOT colored, spray the stain with a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Use a small amount of water and detergent and scrub the area, then rinse. For stains that the mop misses, try using a hand-held scrub brush with nylon or other non-metal bristles. All spills should be wiped up immediately with a paper towel or soft cloth. Grout by nature is very porous and can easily absorb spills. Going Green: Many companies now make environmentally friendly clothes detergents that will work quite well on slate.Įven with regular maintenance, stains will still occur, especially in the grouted area of the slate floors and walls. Mild detergent works fine and is not as costly as some of the specialized cleaners. There are many cleaners to choose from, some of which are specifically designed for slate such as Marblelife, Ezkleen and Stonetech, many of which are “rinse free” (designed not to leave a dull residue). This will damage your floor and may result in costly repair or replacement. DO NOT use any type of cleaner that has an acid base (even natural types, such as vinegar). It’s okay to vacuum a slate floor, but you must use ONLY a soft brush attachment and you must be very careful not to bang or jerk the vacuum cleaner on the slate floor as it may cause chipping, scratches, or damage the floor in other ways. Avoid rubber-backed mats on slate floors as the rubber may stick to or damage the slate. Slate floors tend to be slippery when wet or damp, so always use bath mats and/or area rugs on a slate floor by your tub and sink in your bathroom to avoid accidents. Once the sealant dries thoroughly, be sure to maintain your floor on a regular basis as noted above. Generally, the sealant should be applied using a cotton string mop. You should apply two or three coats of the sealant, following the directions on the label, but waiting at least 30 minutes between coats. Stone and Tile Sealant can be found at most stone/tile retailers. If your slate was not pre-sealed prior to installation, you should consider having that done. Slate placed in a bathroom should be sealed so as to not absorb the excess moisture normally present in the bathroom. Depending upon the location of your floor and the amount of traffic, it may be necessary to dry-mop the floor every day, making sure to take the mop outside after every use and give it a good shaking. You can find a variety of such mops at most home improvement stores or janitorial supply stores. 
Make sure you buy a good quality dust mop, and make sure it is not oil-based. Keep traffic off of the floor area while it is drying. Floor, walls and counters should be allowed to air-dry. Rinsing is generally not necessary, but if there appears to be an accumulation of suds or other soapy residue on the floor, fill bucket with clean warm water and mop again. Mop all areas of the floor, with slow, smooth strokes, rinsing and wringing mop often. Dip wet mop in the detergent solution and wring thoroughly. Empty the bucket and refill with 1 gallon of warm water and ¼ capful of detergent. 
Wet the soft cleaning rag with the detergent solution and wipe down slate walls and counters thoroughly, wiping in the same direction so as to avoid streaks. Fill bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and add about ¼ capful of detergent. Go over your floor with a dust mop to pick up fine debris and particles, moving mop in the same direction-avoid a back-and-forth sweeping motion. 
Wipe down slate counters and walls with a soft dusting rag to remove excess dirt and dust. Sweep your slate floor thoroughly with the soft-bristle broom to remove loose debris. Mild Detergent (such as you use on clothes). Soft dusting rag (no rags pretreated with oils). When cleaning, you must also make an extra effort to avoid potential scratches. Slate floors, walls and counters are a unique and durable alternative to tile, but do require diligent maintenance to avoid unsightly build-up of dirt and soap scum. Slate makes a striking addition to any room, including the bathroom.
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