Cleaning slate floors with buildup

[carolyncage]

(1) I have beautiful, variegated-surface slate floors (slate from India) throughout the house. There is a buildup of a floor cleaner called "Fabuloso" on the floors which my former housekeeper used to mop with. It is sticky when wet and very unpleasant. Can I remove this with a simple household detergent such as Tide or dishwasher detergent such as Cascade prior to re-sealing? (I do not know the pH of these products.)

(2) Would a product such as "Miracle Tile & Stone Cleaner" from Miracle Sealants Company be appropriate to use, or is there a gentler cleaner available?

Thank you so much for your help. I have already received advice on another forum about how to keep limestone surfaces (i.e. bathroom counters, etc.) in better shape.

	limestone LIMESTONE A sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate.

[hoboal]

Hi carolyncage, I would not recommend any type of household detergent to removed what your housekeeper mop on the floor due to the fact of household cleaners ingredients most contains sodium silicate, chlorine bleach etc..... that can damage your floor. IF it possible can you take some pictures and post them here so the members can get a good look and determined what would be your next step.

Hobo

[david bassler]

Carolyn

You should contact a Natural Stone professional in your area to remove the deposits on your stone and the advice on how to care for the stone properly.

[deted1]

The manufacturer state that "Fabuloso" is an all purpose "neutral" stone cleaner that does not leave a build up. The build up that you have is most likely a combination of the scent and surficants in the material that was probably under diluted. A high alkalinity stone cleaner such as Stone Tech's Klenzall or a comparable product will most likely do the trick.

I advise you to find someone that uses a truck-mounted hot water, high pressure, extractor that uses a spinner tool. They should have a lot of experience with slate. This is not a project to undertake yourself.