Question

Hi, I have real slate tiles. Does anyone know what the orangey mark is? What's caused it? And how to remove it if possible? I love the tiles but they sure are a pain to maintain. I cant use chemicals on them as slate is a poures. Thanks in advance

Answer 1

That's the natural slate colour. We have these. You can buy different slates, some are black, some are multi coloured, it seems you may have an odd multicouloured one.  

Comments

@albescent791 it didnt used to be that colour. Maybe it's just a natural thing that happens then. Thanks

Answer 2

Shouldn't they be sealed?  

Comments

@karlotte sealed? No i dont think so.  

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@karlotte apparently they do. thanks for the heads up.  

Answer 3

Yea needs sealing to stop anything like this

Answer 4

Put a bit of water on a tile of leaves a dark colour for ten mins or more needs sealing

Comments

@kantor17066 it doesnt leave a dark colour. It dries within a few mins. But I will go and look for a sealer. I've not had it done and I've had it for 4 years.  

Answer 5

You can buy professional tile cleaner from Homebase or B&Q specifically for this type of tile. It’s highly concentrated so you have to dilute it down with water in a bucket. I then used a builders sponge to wipe the surface a few times before rinsing clean with fresh water and a dry microfibre cloth.  

Comments

@gerthagerti1 thank you. I was looking for the sealers they are so pricey. Looking for alternatives. A site is saying baby oil is just the same. I'll have to test it .  

Answer 6

It’s the natural minerals within the slate reacting to cleaning products. As previously stated did you seal them first ? It’s also something that should be done every couple of years

Comments

@forecourt6936 I've not sealed it at all ever. But I am going to do so, if that's what needs doing. Seems to be the case.  

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@apologetics topps tiles have sealers. Have a chat with them on how often it should be done. Good luck

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@forecourt6936 thank you

Answer 7

Polytrol may sort that