Slate Countertop Care & Maintenance

Cleaning

• Follow general cleaning requirements that prevent staining and surface dulling. Wipe up spills immediately with a soft sponge, even if a spill is just water. Dust the countertop daily. Dust particles left to accumulate rub against the countertop and create microscopic scratches. Over time, the scratches will build up and lead to a marred, clouded finish. Wash the slate countertop regularly with a damp sponge and mild, non-acidic, non-antibacterial cleaner.

Polishing

• Maintain the slate countertop’s lustrous sheen by routinely polishing it with mineral oil. To polish, pour a dollop of mineral oil onto the countertop’s surface. Smear the oil around the countertop, using a soft, cotton cloth. Buff the oil into the slate, working in circular motions. Continuously fold over the cloth to expose a dry portion. Apply mineral oil weekly for the first few months after installation, then once a month thereafter.

Scratches

• Softness commonly characterizes slate, meaning slate countertops are prone to scratching. However, the softness also makes scratch removal simple. If a pot was dragged across the countertop, leaving a line etched in the slate, buff away the scratch with 120-grit sandpaper. Once the scratch is removed, wipe away the sanding particles, then moisten the area and finish-sand with 220-grit wet/dry sandpaper. Wipe away the particles again and rub the area with mineral oil to repolish.

Resealing

• Manufacturers typically finish slate countertops at the factory with permanence in mind, but finishes in heavy-use areas can gradually diminish, making the slate susceptible to food and liquid stains. Polishing with mineral oil on a regular basis goes a long way in protecting a slate countertop; but to ensure an adequate seal, reapply the manufacturer's recommended stone sealer approximately every two years. You'll know your countertop is past due for resealing when water drops no longer bead on the surface.