

Slate is made of clay minerals that are more resistant to weathering than most other types of outdoor tiles or bricks. Porch and patio owners often ask if it’s possible to clean slate with bleach. Yes, bleach is a good cleaning agent for patio stones, but the surface should be tested in an inconspicuous area first. The surface of stone slates is more porous than marble and can easily develop a white chalky residue if not properly cleaned. Over time, this deposit may cause a dulling or whitening of the slate. The use of acid cleaners may create a white deposit as the acid reacts with the calcium in the stone. Vinegar and solvent mixtures containing citrus extract are acidic and might damage your slate floor. No, You should avoid cleaning slate with vinegar, since it can damage and discolor slate. Then clean the slate with a damp, warm cloth. When the bubbles have died down, apply the paste to the stain and allow it to set. If you have colored grout on your slate floor, be careful as this might damage and fade the color of your grout.įor more stubborn stains on the patio slate, combine equal parts peroxide and baking soda into a bubbly paste. Place equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle, then spritz the affected area.Īllow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a soft scrub brush (not steel wool) or a soft-bristled brush. However, if your slate tiles are relatively new and only have light marks on them they can be removed using household products. If the stains are caused by something like oil then they can be very hard to remove and may require specialist cleaning products. It needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it looking at its best. Slate paving can become stained by BBQ, motor oil, or even wine. How Do You Get Stains Out Of Slate Paving? It’s also a good idea to seal your porous slate (which is very absorbent) with a stone-and- tile sealer.
SLATE PATIO PRO
PRO TIP: Even if your slate doesn’t appear dirty, you should clean it at least once every two or three months with water and mild detergent to minimize gunky buildup and staining. If stubborn stains do not come off with these techniques, it is sometimes necessary to use a commercial sealer ( Found Here) that is made for natural stone products in order to keep your patio looking beautiful. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions on how much of the cleaner to add to the water when you are cleaning your patio.īy following these simple steps, you will be able to maintain the look of your slate patio in no time. ( I Found Slate Sealer Here).Ī simple baking soda and water solution can be used on light grime, while a tri-sodium phosphate cleaner is better for tougher stains. Apply SealerĪpply clear sealer to your patio every year or two in order to keep your slate tiles looking their best. This will help prevent stains from setting into your slate tiles and help protect them from future grime. Let The Slate DryĪllow your patio to dry for a few hours before applying a clear sealer to it using a natural bristle brush or a soft cloth. If you are unable to rinse the entire patio at once, simply scrub one section of the patio and rinse that area before moving on to the next section. This is done in order to remove any traces of soap residue that may remain on the slate. Rinse off your patio after scrubbing it with dishwashing soap and water.Īfter you have finished scrubbing your patio, it needs to be rinsed with clean water. Read More: Clean My Patio Without A Pressure Washer (Pictures) 4. If there is a strong build-up of grime on your patio, it may be necessary to use an industrial cleaner ( Found Here) and some elbow grease. Scrub any areas of dirt or mildew from your patio using a stiff brush that has been dipped into warm water and dishwashing liquid.
