How To Clean Slate Floors (5 Easy Steps) - Oh So Spotless

You love the earthy, natural look slate floors bring to your home. But let’s be honest; cleaning them can feel a bit risky. While slate is a solid stone, it is also porous and surprisingly sensitive to the wrong chemicals. One wrong move with a harsh cleaner can leave you with etched or damaged tiles.

Don’t worry, though. Keeping your natural stone floors distinct and durable doesn’t have to be a headache. We have put together the essential guide on how to clean slate floors properly. Follow these steps to get your floors sparkling clean without causing any accidental damage.

Key Takeaways

• Never use acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice, as they cause etching.
• Sweep or vacuum with a soft brush attachment before mopping to prevent scratches.
• Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or a mild dish soap mixture for mopping.
• Seal slate floors once a year to prevent staining and water damage.

In This Article

• Slate Flooring
• Cleaning Slate Floors
• How to Remove Stains from Slate
• Sealing Floors
• FAQs
• Clean Slate

What Is Slate Flooring?

Slate flooring is a popular natural stone choice known for its durability and unique aesthetic. It is a metamorphic rock formed under intense heat and pressure, which gives it that distinct, layered look. You will typically find it in two finishes: “cleft” (rough and textured) or “honed” (smooth).

Homeowners love slate for high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways because it hides dirt well. However, it is naturally porous. This means it can absorb liquids and stain easily if it is not sealed correctly. Unlike laminate floors or ceramic tile, slate requires specific care to keep the stone healthy.

Buying and installing slate is a significant investment. To protect that investment, you need to ditch the harsh chemicals and adopt a gentle cleaning routine.

How to Clean Slate Floors

Slate floors might look rugged, but they need a gentle touch. The good news is that the process is straightforward once you know the rules.

• Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy

Before you grab the mop, here is the golden rule: avoid these three things to prevent permanent damage.

• Acidic cleaners: Never use vinegar, lemon juice, or citrus-based cleaners. Acid reacts with the calcium in the stone and causes “etching,” which looks like a dull, white chemical burn (1).
• Abrasive tools: Steel wool and stiff-bristled brushes can scratch the surface, especially on honed slate.
• Oil-based cleaners: Unless it is a specific slate oil, avoid oily cleaners. They make the floor dangerously slippery and trap dirt in the texture.

What You’ll Need

• Broom or vacuum (hard floor setting)
• Microfiber dust mop
• pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild dish soap
• Bucket
• Warm water
• Spin mop or sponge mop
• Soft towels
• Slate oil (optional)

1. Sweep or Vacuum Thoroughly

Loose dirt acts like sandpaper on natural stone. Before you introduce any water, you need to remove all dust, grit, and pet hair.

Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner. If you use a vacuum, ensure you switch it to the hard floor setting. The rotating beater bar used for carpets can scratch slate tiles, so turn that feature off.

Pro Tip

For textured cleft slate, run a vacuum over the grout lines to pull dust out of the crevices.

2. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution

Fill a bucket with warm water. For the safest clean, add a commercial pH-neutral stone cleaner according to the bottle instructions. These are formulated to break down dirt without stripping the sealer.

If you do not have stone cleaner, you can use a small amount of mild dish soap (about a quarter cup) mixed with warm water. However, a dedicated stone cleaner is always the best choice for longevity.

3. Mop the Floor

Dip your mop into the solution and wring it out well. You want the mop damp, not soaking wet. Slate is porous, and excess water can seep into the stone or grout, potentially causing damage over time.

Work in small sections. Mop smoothly across the floor, rinsing the mop head frequently to avoid spreading dirty water around. If the water in the bucket gets murky, dump it out and make a fresh batch.

4. Dry the Surface

Do not skip this step. Letting slate air-dry can lead to water spots or streaks, especially on dark slate. Use a soft, dry towel or microfiber cloth to wipe the floor dry. This also helps buff the stone slightly for a nice finish.

5. Apply Slate Oil (Optional)

If your slate looks a little dull after cleaning, you can apply a thin coat of commercial slate oil. This enhances the deep, dark color of the stone. Apply a small amount to a clean cloth and wipe it over the clean, dry floor. Avoid heavy applications, as this can leave a sticky residue.

How to Remove Stains from Slate

Accidents happen. If you spill wine, coffee, or grease, act fast. Here are safe methods to lift stains without ruining the stone.

1. Stone Cleaner Scrub

For minor surface marks, spray a little extra stone cleaner directly on the spot. Use a soft nylon brush or a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the area in a circular motion. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

2. Baking Soda and Peroxide Poultice

For stubborn organic stains (like food or coffee), create a poultice. Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl until it forms a thick paste.

Apply the paste over the stain (about a quarter-inch thick) and cover it with plastic wrap. Poke a few holes in the plastic to let air escape. Let it sit for 24 hours. The paste will pull the stain out of the stone as it dries. Scrape off the dried paste and rinse with water (2).

3. Rubbing Alcohol

Isopropyl rubbing alcohol is great for ink or makeup stains. Mix half a cup of rubbing alcohol with four cups of water. Dip a sponge into the solution and blot the stain. If the stain is persistent, you can gently scrub it.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide Spray

If you have light-colored grout that is looking dingy, hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent. Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle.

Spray it on the stained grout or stone and let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly.

Warning

Do not use peroxide on colored grout unless you have tested it first, as it may fade the color.

5. Shaving Cream for Grout

This is a handy trick for grout lines. Apply a generous layer of white foam shaving cream (not gel) onto stained grout. Let it sit for 15 minutes. The foaming action helps lift dirt. Scrub with a toothbrush and rinse with warm water.

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Sealing Slate Floors

Because slate is a natural stone, it has pores that trap dirt and absorb liquid. Sealing fills those pores, creating a barrier that keeps stains on the surface where they are easy to wipe away.

You should test your seal once a year. Pour a few drops of water on the slate. If the water beads up, your seal is good. If the stone darkens and absorbs the water within a few minutes, it is time to reseal.

To seal your floors:

1. Deep clean the floor and let it dry completely (wait at least 12 to 24 hours).
2. Choose a high-quality stone impregnator sealer. You can choose a “natural look” sealer or a “wet look” glossy sealer depending on your preference.
3. Apply the sealer with a foam paint brush or a lamb’s wool applicator. Work in small sections.
4. Wait roughly 10 minutes (check the bottle for exact times) and then wipe off the excess sealer with a clean cloth. Do not let the sealer dry completely on the surface, or it will leave a haze.

FAQs

Are Slate Floors Hard to Maintain?

No, slate floors are actually quite low-maintenance once sealed. You simply need to sweep or vacuum them regularly to keep grit off the surface and damp mop them occasionally with a mild cleaner.

How Do I Get the Slate Tile to Shine Again?

The best way to restore shine is to use a specific “wet look” stone sealer or a slate color enhancer. Products like Miracle Sealant Impregnator protect the stone while enhancing the natural gloss.

Why Is My Slate Turning White?

White spots usually indicate efflorescence (salts rising to the surface) or old sealer that is peeling and hazing. You may need to strip the old sealer and clean the floor thoroughly before resealing.

How Often Do You Need to Seal Slate Floors?

You should generally seal slate floors once a year. However, in high-traffic areas like entryways or kitchens, you might need to reseal every 6 months. Perform the “water drop test” to check if the stone is still protected.

Can You Use Vinegar on Slate Floors?

No, you should never use vinegar on slate floors. Vinegar is acidic and will react with the natural minerals in the slate, causing etching, dullness, and permanent damage to the stone’s surface.

Clean Slate

Slate is one of the most desirable flooring options for a reason. It offers a rustic, sophisticated look that fits both modern and traditional homes. While it requires a bit of knowledge to maintain, the process is simple once you have the right tools.

Remember to keep acidic cleaners far away from your stone, wipe up spills quickly, and keep that protective seal fresh. With just a little bit of regular care, your slate floors will look incredible for decades to come.

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