How to Care for Polished Slate
Polished slate is a type of stone used as flooring and counter-tops in homes and businesses. It has an extremely shiny finish and is long-lasting when cared for properly. While slate resists the afflictions of wood, such as weakening and rot, it can suffer scratches and dulling if the finish is damaged or treated with the wrong products. Caring for polished slate involves routine cleaning to remove dirt build-up and taking steps to protect the stone's finish from scratches. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Absorbent coasters
- Trivets
- Place mats
- Soft cloth
- Liquid dish-washing soap
- Absorbent cloth
- Broom
- Dust pan
- Rag mop
- Bucket
Instructions
-
-
1
Place absorbent coasters on polished slate counter-tops to prevent unsightly circles left behind by cups and glasses.
-
2
Use trivets under hot dishes to prevent damage to the reflective finish of polished slate surfaces.
-
-
3
Put place mats or other decorative cloths beneath items with rough bottoms before placing them onto polished slate to reduce the risk of scratches.
-
4
Wash polished slate counter-tops with a solution consisting of warm water and a small amount of liquid dish-washing soap. Rinse the rag well and wipe away soap residue. Dry the surface with a soft, absorbent cloth.
-
5
Sweep polished slate floors daily to remove dirt and grime that could cause scratches.
-
6
Fill a bucket with warm water and a small amount of liquid dish-washing soap. Dip a rag mop into the solution, wring out excess water and clean polished slate flooring thoroughly.
-
7
Empty the bucket and refill it with clean water. Go over the floor again with the mop to eliminate soap residue.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Place rugs with slip-resistant bottoms in front of doors to minimize the amount of dirt tracked onto polished slate flooring.
Never use abrasive cleansers or scouring pads to clean polished slate, because they will damage the stone's finish.
