by Susan
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by Susan
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Want a clean slate fireplace hearth or fireplace surround? Here are the instructions you need for routine slate cleaning, deep cleaning, stain removal and polishing. Choose from either inexpensive home cleaning remedies or more expensive but powerful commercial slate cleaning products.
Natural slate is a durable product with an earthy, welcoming vibe. Because it is porous, however, it tends to absorb moisture and stains. And dust and dirt can accumulate, especially in the corners, and over time become difficult to remove.
Routine Cleaning of Slate Fireplace Hearths and Surrounds
- Dust, sweep or vacuum the fireplace slate.
- For routine cleaning, use a cloth to clean slate with a few drops of dish washing detergent or Spic and Span in a half bucket of water. Rinse with clean water; then wipe dry with another cloth. Allow to dry overnight before using additional cleaners or polishing.
How to Deep Clean Slate
When the surface is thoroughly dried after a routine cleaning, try either of the cleaning processes recommended below:
- Use a commercial product to deep clean slate hearths or surrounds. Recommended products for cleaning fireplace slate include Black Diamond Stone & Tile Intensive Cleaner, Miracle Sealant Tile & Stone Cleaner, Brick Masonry & Stone Cleaner by A.W. Perkins, and Marble, Travertine, Limestone & Slate Cleaner & Resealer. Follow the manufacturers’ directions on the container.
- Using a soft cloth, wipe the slate down with a thin layer of teak oil. With another clean cloth, remove any excess.
How to Remove Stains from Slate Hearths and Fireplace Surrounds
If the deep cleaning left any stains, try any of the procedures listed below to get stains off of slate:
- One method of removing stains is to clean slate with a paste mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Wait until the bubbling ceases, then apply the paste to the stain. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe off with a clean, moist cloth. Do not get this paste mixture on grout between slabs of slate.
- If oil stains are the issue (popcorn and nachos by the hearth come to mind), a product specifically designed to remove such oil stains, such ad StoneTech Professional Oil Stain Remover, is recommended. Follow the directions exactly, and this product really does the job!
- If soot and smoke stains are the primary problem, you can clean slate with Paint N Peel without using harsh chemicals.
- For persistent stains that don’t respond to the hydrogen peroxide paste, scrub with Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) carefully following manufacturer’s directions.
How to Polish Slate
Some of the commercial slate cleaners include a polishing agent. And if you have used teak oil to clean slate, that often provides a sufficient gloss.
For a bit more gloss on your slate, we recommend Black Diamond Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer. Because slate is a porous stone, it will not leave the “wet” look advertised, but it will give a good sheen. It also seals it from future staining.
In the eighteenth century, slate hearths were polished with hot mutton fat. As a 21st century alternative, we recommend teak oil or furniture polish.
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It’s about time someone covered this subject! Cleaning Slate Hearths is a battle I have been going through for the last forty years. I have always just wiped it off with Lemon Oil but that didn’t really remove any of the stains it has accumulated over the years.
Thanks for the information! I did learn something and should have known your website would be where I got the information from. Good Job Folks!
Sandy in California
Thank you for your kind words, Sandy!
You may need to use one of the commercial slate cleaners or the baking soda-peroxide combination to get rid of those old stains.
Good luck!
is it safe to use Tung oil to clean the slate around a gas fireplace?
Waterlox Original Tung Oil has good heat resistance, Judy.
Furniture polish like liquid gold does not work on hearth slate. When applied it looks good, but when the fireplace is turned on the slate becomes streaked with white where the polish from the heat.
How would you remove paint from the slate during a remodel. The old MDF covered the slate by about 1 inch and there is leftover paint.
If it is latex paint, first try using isopropyl alcohol. Allow it time to soften the paint, then carefully scrap with a plastic putty knife. If it is oil based paint, try rubbing the painted area with a mineral spirits or lacquer thinner soaked rag. Then clean well. Good luck.
I use baby oil on my slate. Looks good
Baby oil is actually a mineral oil. It’s not as combustible as other petroleum distillates. But use sparingly and never leave a bottle or puddle of it near a fire.
Could you please advise on the best way to remove candle wax from slate?
Any help would be appreciated.
Kind regards.
First, freeze that wax. One way is by putting a sealed bag of ice on the wax on the slate hearth. Then use a plastic scraper to remove as much as possible. Follow up by rubbing well with a rag moistened with acetone (or nail polish remover) or mineral spirits. Good luck, Alexandra.