Suggestions for cleaning slate BEFORE sealing slate

[casamyers]

Help! My husband and I are in the midst of installing slate and I need suggestions for cleaning the "haze" that is a result of wiping of drops of mortar.

I was quick to follow my husband with damp sponge as he installed the tile but now in retrospect (hindsight is 20/20 vision; this is our first time installing tile) it seems as though the sponge was too wet and has left streaks on the slate.

Any suggestions for what we can do to eliminate the streaks before we proceed to our next phase: sealing the slate prior to grouting. Also, when using the wet saw to cut the slate, the slate is then of course, wet and dirty. Any way to avoid this or do I just add these pieces of slate to my cleaning?

I am so glad to have found this website and forum!

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[Stonehenge]

Hi Casa,

Could you please provide more information.

1) Name and color of slate
2) Grout color

While I can provide the standard resolution for grout residue, sometimes certain forms of slate react poorly with the standard procedure.

Michael of Stonehenge

[doitright]

Hi CasaMyers, Welcome! :)

Can you share a first name with us? :shades:

I'll start with the cut tiles first. I recommend that you clean them with a sponge, with a clean bucket of water on the side. Do this before you install them.

As far as removing the streaks, we always recommend TESTing first. You could start with a mild solution of vinegar and water, mixed to a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water.

Get back to us with the results.

[casamyers]

Hey Guys!

Thanks for your replies. We are using a 12" x 12! multi-color slate (I've since been back to the place where we bought the slate and that is all it says on the display board). The mortar (it's late and I'm trying to remember what is on the bag) is multi-set, latex Portland cement; the grout is a sanded grout, dark grey #2. I can tell you that since my last post, my husband has treated the remaining slate with sealer/finisher and it has made a huge difference with cleaning off any mortar drippings from the slate.

Today we purchased "Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner" by Miracle. Says it removes grout and mortar residue from non-polished natural stone. Tomorrow is cleaning slate tile day so what are your thoughts? Go the vinegar/water mixture route (as suggested by doitright) or try this acidic cleaner?

Also, I've read that it is best to use silicone caulk between the tile and the baseboard. Any recommendations for this? And, do we do this before or after the baseboards are installed?

Many thanks in advance!

Gina

[doitright]

Hi Gina :)

Thanks for the name! ;)

You can use either product, but regardless TEST a small area first.

When setting the stone, you should have about 1/8" to 1/4" gap between the tile and the wall. Some installers will caulk this void. You do not want to grout it. I like to see the base and shoe sit on top of the stone floor.