How to Clean Slate: Complete Guide for Floors & Walls

Slate tile floors bring a natural elegance that few other materials can match. But as a porous, silica-based stone, slate requires careful handling. The wrong technique or product can damage the protective sealer, leave stains, or cause etching.

For professional cleaners, the key is knowing what to avoid, what to use, and how to apply the correct method for long-lasting results.

Slate is a timeless natural stone found in many American homes — from floors and fireplaces to bathrooms, patios, and accent walls. Its rustic beauty makes it popular, but because slate is porous, it requires specific care to prevent stains, etching, or damage.

❌ What Not to Use on Slate

Before cleaning, it’s important to know which products and tools can harm slate:

• Bleach or harsh chemicals → Burn the surface and create patchy discoloration.

• Vinegar → Eat into the stone, dull the finish, and lead to etching.

• Steam cleaners → Excess heat degrades the sealer, leaving tiles unprotected.

• Excess water → Slate absorbs moisture, which can cause water spots, mineral deposits, or long-term damage.

 Rule of thumb: always clean damp, not wet.

✅ Why pH Neutral Is Essential

Slate is sensitive to both acidic and alkaline cleaners. Using either can:

• Break down the protective sealer.

• Cause uneven dull patches or discoloration.

• Shorten the lifespan of the finish.

That’s why Sh-Clean, a pH neutral cleaner, is the right choice. It cleans effectively without harming natural stone, ensuring a safe balance between performance and protection.

✅ The Recommended Products

• Sh-Clean (everyday cleaning)

  • pH neutral → safe for slate and all natural stones.

  • Non-toxic, streak-free, and no rinse needed.

  • Ideal for routine professional maintenance.

• Red Juice (exceptions only)

  • Reserved for deep grease, stubborn film, or heavy buildup.

  • Use as a spot-treatment rather than across the entire floor.

  • Also no rinse needed → spray, wipe, and dry.

👉 Think of it this way: Sh-Clean is your daily solution. Red Juice is your backup for exceptional cases.

The Right Tools

The SH-Mop is the most effective tool for applying Sh-Clean on slate floors:

• Large microfiber head covers more area, helping finish the job faster and with precision.

• Flat design ensures even distribution of solution and prevents overwetting.

• Reusable microfiber covers last through 200+ washes.

• Low-profile head and 360° swivel make it easy to clean under furniture and into corners.

This combination — Sh-Clean + SH-Mop — gives professional cleaners both efficiency and safety.

 Step-by-Step: Cleaning Slate Tile Floors

Step 1: Dry Clean

• Sweep or vacuum with a soft brush attachment.

• Pay attention to grout lines, where dirt and grit often build up.

Step 2: Prepare Sh-Clean

• Dilute Sh-Clean according to label directions.

• Keep Red Juice on hand only if you expect areas with grease or heavy film (Deep cleanings).

Step 3: Mop in Sections

• Attach a fresh microfiber cover to the SH-Mop.

• Mop with the grain of the slate, working in sections for even coverage.

• The SH-Mop’s wide head speeds up the process while preventing streaks.

Step 4: Spot-Treat if Needed

• Spray Red Juice directly on greasy or heavily soiled spots.

• Wipe with microfiber until clean.

• No rinsing required.

Step 5: Dry the Floor

• Even though Sh-Clean and Red Juice leave no residue, drying is essential.

• Use a clean microfiber cloth or towel to absorb remaining moisture.

• This prevents water spots, mineral buildup, and protects the sealer.

 Pro Tips for Professional Cleaners

• Educate clients → Slate is porous, so safe, consistent care is critical.

• Use pH neutral only → Sh-Clean is formulated for natural stone protection.

• Reserve Red Juice for exceptions → Heavy grease, film, or deep cleaning.

• Work with the grain → Always mop along the slate’s natural texture.

• Always dry → Drying with microfiber prevents moisture issues and gives a polished finish.

How to Clean Slate Fireplaces, Walls, and Showers

Slate above the floor — like fireplaces, shower walls, backsplashes, and accent walls — faces different challenges than flooring. Instead of foot traffic, these areas collect soot, grease, soap film, and mineral deposits. For these cases, Red Juice is the recommended solution. Simply spray it directly onto the affected spots, wipe with a microfiber cloth, and dry thoroughly. Unlike floors, where Sh-Clean is the rule and Red Juice is only for exceptions, on non-floor slate surfaces Red Juice is the go-to cleaner. It cuts through buildup safely without harming the stone, leaving fireplaces, bathroom walls, and kitchen surfaces looking fresh and protected.

Slate is beautiful but unforgiving if cleaned the wrong way. With the right method — Sh-Clean for floors, Red Juice for walls and fireplaces, and microfiber drying every time — you can protect natural stone and deliver results that impress clients for years.

 The choice is simple: use the right product in the right place and watch your slate stay stunning for decades.