Different types of slate vary greatly in colour and texture. Most slate has had a protective coating applied, but slate can sometimes be left natural. If left natural, Slique recommends a Stain-Guarding treatment to reduce the porosity of the slate.
This slate cleaning regime is designed to keep a good-condition surface maintained. It will not restore damaged slate or coatings. However Slique treatments are able to professionally clean the surface, remove existing coatings, and apply new coatings or sealers.
Cleaning Slate – regular cleaning
If your slate has had a protective barrier coating applied, you should clean it according to the coating manufacturer’s instructions. The coating isolates the slate so you need to maintain the coating rather than the slate itself.
If your slate has been left natural, or sealed, use the following regular cleaning process:
- Vacuum
- Damp clean
- Spot clean (if necessary)
- Dry
Vacuum or wipe the surface to remove loose dust and grit from the surface.
Clean using a microfibre mop or cloth dampened with warm water (no chemicals are necessary when using good-quality microfibre). As most slate is textured, use a microfibre string mop which can more easily enter the texture and grooves of the slate. The mop or cloth will ‘grab’ the surface and lift off most daily grime. Use some pressure to work the microfibre – floating it lightly over the surface will not be so productive!
Spot clean any spills, marks or stains using a neutral pH chemical such as Slique Cleansing Fluid. After spot cleaning, rinse the surface lightly with clean water.
DO NOT leave to dry naturally – dry using an old towel or a clean, dry mop.
Cleaning Slate – intensive cleaning
Intensive slate cleaning should only be undertaken on a coated or sealed slate surface – if the slate has not had a coating or a sealer applied, this intensive cleaning process can soak too much water into the surface and cause it to discolour.
- Vacuum
- Scrub
- Soak
- Extract
- Rinse
- Dry
Vacuum or sweep the slate to remove loose grit from the surface.
Scrub a small area (about 3-4 square metres) using a light solution of stone cleaner suitable for slate, such as Slique’s Heavy Duty Tile cleaner. Your local tile shop will have something suitable for home use slate cleaning. Use a soft brush or broom to work the solution into the pores of the stone and grout. Continue to complete small areas until the entire surface has been scrubbed.
Leave the solution to work for several minutes, then scrub again.
When the solution has lifted out the dirt, remove the liquid and dirt using an old towel or clean, dry mop.
Pour clean water over the surface to rinse.
DO NOT leave the surface to dry naturally. Use a clean cloth or mop to soak up any water.