Cleaning Guides

How to Clean Slate Countertops

Fantastic Team
Published: Mar 19/2020
Last update: Jun 13/2024
3min read
Views: 819

Slate countertops can be a beautiful accent to any modern or rustic kitchen. Their durability and specific look are what makes them such an attractive option to so many households. However, simply installing them won’t be enough. You need to know how to take proper care of them, too.

So, do you know how to clean slate countertops? If not, don’t worry! In this post, we will answer all your questions.

Table of Contents:

Cleaning
Maintenance
Protection

So, if you:

Own slate countertops;
Want to learn how to clean slate properly;
Are wondering how to protect your countertops from spills and stains,

Then read on! This post is for you.

How to clean slate countertops

Cleaning slate is pretty simple if you know which materials you should and shouldn’t use. If you take proper care of your natural stone countertops, you can keep them in good shape for years to come. So, here are a few tips on how to clean slate countertops:

Dust the counters before cleaning.
This will make sure there are no particles that could scratch the surface while you clean.
Use pH-neutral stone cleaners.
Natural stone can be quite sensitive to harsh chemicals. Avoid using harsh, abrasive or acidic cleaners – these can scratch or etch the surface. Vinegar and lemon are a no-no when cleaning slate countertops. Stick to neutral stone cleaners to keep your counters healthy.
Use a mild homemade solution.
For a mild homemade cleaning mixture, you can use two squirts of dish soap, mixed with two cups of water in a spray bottle. The dish soap will cut through grease without damaging the slate.
Avoid oily or wax cleaners.
If you place a hot object on your slate countertop, the heat can melt the wax and stain the stone. So, steer clear of wax cleaners.
Don’t use normal household cleaners.
Regular cleaners aren’t formulated specifically for natural stone and they can dull the appearance of your countertops. So, avoid them when cleaning slate.
Loosen tough stains with a damp rag.
If the spills and stains on your slate countertops prove to be stubborn, leave a damp cloth over them for 10-15 minutes, then blot them away.
Blot instead of scrubbing.
Avoid scrubbing when it comes to cleaning up stains, as that could spread the stain further.
Clean stains with a special poultice.
To clean stains from slate countertops, use a poultice made specifically for natural stone surfaces.
Wipe dry after cleaning.
To make sure the moisture doesn’t stain or damage your countertops, dry them thoroughly after cleaning slate with a soft, dry cloth.

And if you want to learn how to clean other types of worktops, why not head over to our helpful blog post on the matter?

How to maintain slate countertops

Proper care of your slate countertops is just as important as proper cleaning. So, to keep your counters in great shape, follow these maintenance tips:

Wipe down the countertops after each use.
Cleaning slate after every use will make sure no spills, stains or moisture will threaten the surface. Just wipe them clean with a damp cloth, then dry them thoroughly.
Dust at least once a week.
Keeping your counters free of dust, crumbs and other hard particles will protect them from nasty scratches.
Use only slate and granite stone cleaners.
As we mentioned above, harsh and abrasive cleaners can scratch or etch the surface. Using only the proper cleaning materials will keep your slate countertops undamaged.
Keep slate dry.
To avoid limescale and hard water spots, keep the slate surfaces consistently dry. Wipe them with a soft cloth to get rid of any moisture. Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent staining.
Remove scratches by sanding.
Use fine sandpaper to sand away any small scratches on the surface. Make sure to reseal your slate countertops afterwards.
Polish slate weekly.
Polishing slate is easy – just use mineral oil and apply it to the counters using a soft cloth, buffing in circular motions.

How to protect slate countertops

For the best results, protect your slate surfaces from spills, stains and moisture. The best way to do that is by sealing. So, follow our advice on how to protect slate countertops from damages:

Seal your slate surfaces.
Sealing your slate countertops will make sure they are protected from hard water spots, food stains and all kinds of spills. Still, sealing doesn’t perform miracles, so make sure to maintain your slate surfaces, too. Sealants that penetrate the stone will provide protection for longer periods, while topical sealants will need to be reapplied sooner.
Reseal periodically.
When water drops stop forming beads and soak into the stone instead, it’s time to reseal your slate countertops. Do this at least once a year, or as often as needed, depending on what kind of sealant you opt for.
Take care not to drop heavy objects on the slate.
Slate can chip and crack easily, so try not to drop any heavy cookware or other objects on your countertops. If slate cracks, your only option will be to replace it.
Avoid cutting food directly on the slate.
Use a cutting board instead to prevent scratches, etching and food stains.

Cracks and Chips

Mistakes can happen regrdless of how careful you are! In situations like these, your slate countertops might start to pickup some new cracks or chips, in which case, you’ll need to opt for hard surface repair. There are many benefits of hard surface repair, including colour matching, so any repairs to the countertop won’t be obvious.

Not in the mood for cleaning?

If you don’t have the time or just don’t feel like cleaning, why not turn to the professionals? The reliable and insured cleaners at Fantastic Services will keep your kitchen counters spotless. They can take care of any other parts of your home that need cleaning, too!

The specialists will come fully equipped with anything they need to complete the job and leave your home looking better than ever!

Booking is easy! Just use our online form and choose a date and time that suits your schedule. Spend your time doing the things you enjoy, let Fantastic Services handle the rest!

Need a cleaner?

Find a professional to take care of your kitchen.

Takeaways

Cleaning slate is easy if you use the right materials.
Avoid using harsh, abrasive or acidic cleaners, as they can scratch or etch the surface.
Use only pH-neutral stone cleaners to clean slate.
Wipe down counters after each use, dry them thoroughly and wipe any spills immediately.
Sealing slate is crucial to protecting it from spills and stains.

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Did you find this post useful? How did you get on with cleaning your slate countertops? Let us know in the comments!

Image source: shutterstock / namtipStudio