The Best Ways to Clean Slate Shower Floors
Natural stone tiles, such as slate have special cleaning concerns. On a shower floor that gets a constant barrage of soap, water and dirt the clefts and grooves of slate can quickly trap dirt, stains and soap scum. While much of this can be prevented with regular sealing, there are several ways of cleaning a slate shower floor once it's been dirtied.
Neutral Soap and Water
For surface dirt and a quick clean up, use a neutral pH soap, water and a scrub brush. Since slate is a natural stone, it can be damaged by harsh cleansers that contain acids or alkaline products. Neutral soaps can include Ivory liquid, Dawn dishwashing soap and gentle hand soaps with no citrus extracts. The scrub brush will ensure that dirt or soap scum in the crevices of the stone is moved up and out.
Stone Cleaner
Stone cleaners are available to handle any stone product, as well as stone cleaners specifically designed to clean slate tiles. A stone cleanser is designed to be neutral, and contains no soaps which could be problematic at attacking built up soap scum. Use a stone cleaner straight from the bottle with a scrub brush and rinse with fresh water.
Poultice
Slate tiles do a fairly good job of disguising stains, but if an obvious stain has occurred due to hair color or other chemicals, a poultice can be used to remove it. Poultices are liquids designed to penetrate the pores of the stone and pull the stain to the surface where a stone cleaner or neutral cleanser can wash it away. For best results, cover a poultice with plastic wrap to seal in the chemical reaction.
Writer Bio
Sarabeth Asaff has worked in and has written about the home improvement industry since 1995. She has written numerous articles on art, interior design and home improvements, specializing in kitchen and bathroom design. A member in good standing with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Asaff has working knowledge of all areas of home design.
Photo Credits
- Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
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