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.
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.
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.
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.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Oils can make the floors slippery and can clog up the crevices and textured surface of the stone.