Slate Countertop Cleaning- Some Tips

26 May 2010- Slate countertops add style to your kitchen, bathroom or any other area where you prefer to have them. That's why, in spite of being a little expensive, slate countertop has left all other materials behind and has become the top choice for home dwellers. There's one more reason for the popularity of slate countertops - it needs just a little care and maintenance provided you have taken initial precautions while installing countertop. So, here are some really easy tips for slate countertop cleaning. Read, adopt them and stop worrying about how to clean slate countertop?

Tips on Slate Countertops Cleaning

Cleaning slate countertops once a week with a microfiber cloth is sufficient. However, if you wish to, you can even make it a daily habit of cleaning your slate countertop.

• While installing slate countertop, seal it beacuse a sealer will slow down the process of soaking the spills (common in kitchens)
• Wipe your slate countertop with a damp rag and then with a dry rag daily so that dust and grime doesn't deposit.
• If you see scratches on countertop, sand them with a fine grade sandpaper. Even out the surface after removing scratches with sandpaper. Ensure to reapply sealer after sanding.
• Clean up spills instantly, especially those from acid based food (such as lime, tomato etc.) and dark colored foods and drinks (like carbonated drinks, red wine, grape juice etc.) Blot and do not wipe the spill so that the slate countertop doesn't get any stains.
• Use pH neutral stone cleaner or soap stone to clean slate countertops. Avoid using acidic cleaners like white vinegar or lemon on a slate countertop. They can etch the slate.
• If there are stains on the slate countertop, clean them with a poultice for natural stone countertops, especially for sauce and gravy stains.
• Never use abrasive cleansers or steel wool on slate countertop. They can lead to scratches on countertop surface.
• If there are stain on your slate countertop resulting from cream, milk, grease, butter or oil then add flour with hydrogen peroxide and make a paste. Apply it over the stain. Then cover the area with plastic and let it stand overnight. In the morning, remove the plastic cover and wipe away the paste. Use cardboard or soft, flexible plastic scraper to remove the remaining paste instead of metal scraper.
• Although slate is better at resisting stains, you must seal slate countertops. Resealing of slate countertop is also essential. How to know when to reseal them? When drops of water splashed on the surface of your slate countertop do not make beads, you must reseal it.

Know Slate Kitchen Countertops Advantages