How to Clean Grout From Slate Tile

Slate is very porous, metamorphic rock composed mainly of quartz, chlorite, mica and calcite. Tile flooring made of slate is durable and hard-wearing, perfect for high-traffic areas. Although slate tile requires slightly more maintenance than ceramic and porcelain tile, slate has special qualities and appearance. When tile installers lay slate tile, they sometimes smear excess grout onto the tile, causing the flooring to look dingy. Fortunately, grout can be removed from slate tile with certain supplies and solutions.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning bucket
• Water
• Sponge
• Oak stick
• Towel
• Vacuum cleaner
• Stone cleaner solution
• Stiff brass brush
• Broom

Instructions

1. Fill a cleaning bucket with fresh water. Dip a sponge into the water and then rub the sponge over the excess grout.

2. Scrape off the grout with an oak stick. Oak sticks will not damage the floor, unlike metal scrapers or steel wool. Keep the floor wet while you are scraping off the grout.

3. Dry the floor with a towel. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the chunks of loose grout to prevent the loose grout from scraping the tile.

4. Inspect the slate flooring for remaining grout residue. If grout remains on the tile, apply stone cleaner solution directly to the excess grout. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the bottle of stone cleaner to ensure proper application.

5. Scrub the affected tile with a stiff brass brush to loosen the remaining grout from the tile. Sweep the floor with a broom to remove the grout residue from the tile.

6. Rinse off the tile with the dampened sponge. Dry the tile with the towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use acid-based products on slate tile; the tile may become damaged and discolored.

References

• My Home Improvement: Cleaning Slate Tiles
• Ask The Builder: Removing Grout
• Build Direct: Slate Tile FAQ