When it comes to stains, a household agent usually does the trick.

you might clean slate floors regularly with a dust mop, a broom, and a damp mop.

Ideally, you should dust mop your slate floor every day, and damp mop it once a week.

Seal slate floors surrounded with cleaning materials

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Apply a sealer every three to five years, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Do not move the mop back and forth because it will simply spread around the dirt and grit.

Mop the Floor

Damp-mop the floor with a high-quality washable mop and plain water.

Materials and tools to clean seal slate floors

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Don’t allow large puddles of water to form, and don’t leave water on the surface.

If you use detergent in the water, rinse the floor thoroughly with plain water.

Let the floor dry completely before walking on it.

Dust mop wiping slate floors to pick up dirt

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Remove Stains

Spot-treat stains with ordinary isopropyl rubbing alcohol and water.

Mix 1/2 cup of alcohol with 1 quart of water.

Dip a sponge into the solution and wipe at the stain.

Slate floor being mopped with water and mild detergent

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If necessary, scrub the stain with a towel or cloth.

Wax can be removed with a wax stripper.

You may not need to strip the sealer in this case.

Stains on slate floor spot-treated with isopropyl rubbing alcohol and sponge

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Surface sealers have a more visible finish than penetrating sealers.

Because penetrating sealers leave the stone looking more natural, they are preferred by most homeowners.

Apply the Sealer

check that the floor is completely clean and dry.

Wax stripper applied to slate floor with mop

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Pour a small amount of penetrating sealer (as applicable) into a shallow plastic tub.

Rub the sponge over the tile and grout in circular and back-and-forth motions to cover all surfaces.

Work in a small area of about three by three feet.

Two containers with slate sealant

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Let the sealer sit for three to five minutes, or as directed by the manufacturer.

Overlap each new section onto the previous section so that the wet sealer blends with the neighboring sections.

If desired, apply a second coat of sealer after the recommended drying time.

Sealant in plastic bucket applied to slate floors with grout sponge

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Acidic cleaners, includingordinary vinegar, cause a chemical reaction that can etch the stone.

Strong cleaning agents can strip the sealer on slate and grout.

Also, never use oil-based cleaners or dust-mop treatments.

Slate floors rinsed and buffed with spotted cotton cloth

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Oils can make the floors slippery and can clog up the crevices and textured surface of the stone.